Male Collegiate Soccer Players Research Articles

Body Composition and Physical Performance in Men's Soccer: A Study of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Team

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition (BC) and physical performance (PP) in male collegiate soccer players and differences among positions and between starters and non-starters. Twenty-seven male collegiate soccer players were tested at the beginning of the 2003-2004 season (age = 19.9 +/- 1.3 years, height = 177.6 +/- 6.3 cm, body mass = 77.5 +/- 9.2 kg, body fat (BF) = 10.6 +/- 5.8 kg, and %BF = 13.9 +/- 5.8%). BC, vertical jump (VJ), speed (S), lower-body and total body power production (TPW), and estimated Vo(2)max were measured. Values found for BC were similar than the ones in the literature. Significant correlations were found between BC and PP ranging from -0.38 to 0.61 for weight, VJ, S, TPW, and Vo(2)max. BF showed a positive correlation with S (r = 0.60) and a negative correlation with Vo(2)max (r = -0.67). The values for BC and PP were similar in starters and non-starters with only TPW showing a significantly greater value in starters. It is apparent that all members of a team train to play owing to the long seasons and substitutions, and a high level of excellence is demanded of both starters and non-starters alike. Training programs that equally benefit both groups are important in soccer.

Examining the efficacy of the concentration grid exercise as a concentration enhancement exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of Harris and Harris' (1984) concentration grid exercise, an exercise proposed to enhance concentration and visual scanning speed [Harris, D.V., & Harris, B. L. (1984). The athlete's guide to sport psychology: Mental skills for physical people. New York: Leisure Press]. Twenty-eight male collegiate soccer players were assigned to either a 9-week concentration grid training condition or a control condition. Concentration grid training consisted of 9 weekly meetings with an experienced sport psychologist with practice assignments in between sessions. During the first, fifth and final weeks of the experiment all participants completed a battery of concentration tasks (a visual search task, a video observation task and a concentration grid). A series of MANOVA's and ANOVA's indicated no significant interaction effects indicating that the concentration training group did not improve to a greater extent than the control group in any measure of concentration. The findings highlight the need for further research examining the efficacy of the concentration grid exercise using different training protocols and different dependent measures. In addition, the results also indicate support for sport psychologists who have urged caution with the use of the concentration grid exercise in applied sport psychology.

Influence of gender on hip and knee mechanics during a randomly cued cutting maneuver

Objective. To investigate gender differences in three-dimensional hip and knee joint mechanics in collegiate athletes during a randomly cued cutting maneuver. Design. Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were collected on 24 collegiate soccer players (12 females and 12 males) while each performed the cutting maneuver. In order to create a randomly cued condition, subjects were signaled by a lighted target board that directed them to perform one of three tasks. Hip and knee joint mechanics were compared between genders using one-tailed t-tests. Background. Female athletes have an anterior cruciate ligament injury rate that is larger than their male counterparts. Gender differences in hip and knee joint mechanics during a randomly cued cutting maneuver have not been previously reported. Methods. Five randomly cued cutting trials were included in the analysis. Selected peak hip and knee joint angles and moments were measured during the first 40° of knee flexion across the stance phase. Results. Females demonstrated significantly less peak hip abduction than did males. Otherwise, there were no gender differences in selected peak hip and knee joint kinematics and moments. Conclusions. Male and female collegiate soccer players demonstrate similar hip and knee joint mechanics while performing a randomly cued cutting maneuver. Relevance . Because it is known that females incur a greater number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries than males, it is of interest to identify gender differences in lower extremity mechanics when performing sport specific tasks. Understanding of these differences will contribute to the development of prevention training programs.

Lower Extremity EMG Activity of Collegiate Soccer Players Does Not Differ Between Genders During Single-Leg Landing

2361 Gender differences in muscle activity during landing have been studied as a possible contributing factor to the greater incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in females. The quadriceps and hamstrings have been the main muscles of interest, while the influence of the more proximal gluteal muscles on the knee has not been explored. PURPOSE: To compare root mean square (RMS) electromyography (EMG) of selected lower extremity muscles at initial contact and at peak knee internal rotation moment in males and females during landing. METHODS: Sixteen healthy collegiate soccer players (20.8 ± 2.3, 8 males and 8 females) performed five trials of a drop landing from a height of 60 cm. EMG data were collected on four different muscles: gluteus medius, lateral hamstrings, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris at initial contact and at peak knee internal rotation moment. The knee moments were calculated from ground reaction forces and kinematic data collected from a VICON motion analysis system. Genders were compared using a MANOVA. RESULTS: When RMS-EMG of all muscles was considered simultaneously, no differences were detected between genders at initial contact or at peak knee internal rotation moment (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Male and female collegiate soccer players display similar lower extremity muscle activation during landing. Gender landing control parameters may vary depending upon the characteristics of muscle activity examined.

CHANGES IN EXERCISE PERFORMANCE AND HORMONAL CONCENTRATIONS OVER A BIG TEN SOCCER SEASON IN STARTERS AND NONSTARTERS

As a consequence of the physiological demands experienced during a competitive soccer season, the antagonistic relationship between anabolic and catabolic processes can affect performance. Twenty-five male collegiate soccer players were studied throughout a season (11 weeks) to investigate the effects of long-term training and competition. Subjects were grouped as starters (S; n = 11) and nonstarters (NS; n = 14). Measures of physical performance, body composition, and hormonal concentrations (testosterone [T] and cortisol [C]) were assessed preseason (T1) and 5 times throughout the season (T2-T6). Starters and NS participated in 83.06% and 16.95% of total game time, respectively. Nonstarters had a significant increase ( + 1.6%) in body fat at T6 compared to T1. Isokinetic strength of the knee extensors (1.05 rad-sec-1) significantly decreased in both S (-12%) and NS (-10%; p > 0.05) at T6. Significant decrements in sprint speed ( + 4.3%) and vertical jump (—13.8%) were found at T5 in S only. Though within normal ranges (10.4–41.6 nmol-L-1), concentrations of T at T1 were low for both groups, but increased significantly by T6. Concentrations of C were elevated in both groups, with concentrations at the high end of the normal range (normal range 138–635 nmol-L-1) at T1 and T4 in NS and T4 in S, with both groups remaining elevated at T6. Data indicate that players entering the season with low circulating concentrations of T and elevated levels of C can experience reductions in performance during a season, with performance decrements exacerbated in starters over nonstarters. Soccer players should therefore have a planned program of conditioning that does not result in an acute overtraining phenomenon prior to preseason (e.g., young players trying to get in shape quickly in the 6 to 8 weeks in the summer prior to reporting for preseason camp). The detrimental effects of inappropriate training do not appear to be unloaded during the season and catabolic activities can predominate.

Changes in Exercise Performance and Hormonal Concentrations Over a Big Ten Soccer Season in Starters and Nonstarters

As a consequence of the physiological demands experienced during a competitive soccer season, the antagonistic relationship between anabolic and catabolic processes can affect performance. Twenty-five male collegiate soccer players were studied throughout a season (11 weeks) to investigate the effects of long-term training and competition. Subjects were grouped as starters (S; n = 11) and nonstarters (NS; n = 14). Measures of physical performance, body composition, and hormonal concentrations (testosterone [T] and cortisol [C]) were assessed preseason (T1) and 5 times throughout the season (T2-T6). Starters and NS participated in 83.06% and 16.95% of total game time, respectively. Nonstarters had a significant increase (+1.6%) in body fat at T6 compared to T1. Isokinetic strength of the knee extensors (1.05 rad.sec(-1)) significantly decreased in both S (-12%) and NS (-10%; p < or = 0.05) at T6. Significant decrements in sprint speed (+4.3%) and vertical jump (-13.8%) were found at T5 in S only. Though within normal ranges (10.4-41.6 nmol.L(-1)), concentrations of T at T1 were low for both groups, but increased significantly by T6. Concentrations of C were elevated in both groups, with concentrations at the high end of the normal range (normal range 138-635 nmol.L(-1)) at T1 and T4 in NS and T4 in S, with both groups remaining elevated at T6. Data indicate that players entering the season with low circulating concentrations of T and elevated levels of C can experience reductions in performance during a season, with performance decrements exacerbated in starters over nonstarters. Soccer players should therefore have a planned program of conditioning that does not result in an acute overtraining phenomenon prior to preseason (e.g., young players trying to get in shape quickly in the 6 to 8 weeks in the summer prior to reporting for preseason camp). The detrimental effects of inappropriate training do not appear to be unloaded during the season and catabolic activities can predominate.

Soccer

Female athletes are at least twice as likely to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament injury than male athletes. The underlying cause of ACL injury is multifactorial. However, several researchers have identified knee joint laxity as a possible contributing factor. The purpose of this study was to provide a comparison of knee joint laxity between male and female collegiate soccer players and male and female non‐athletes. Thirty‐nine (19 male, 20 female) apparently healthy, collegiate athletes from the University of Texas at El Paso's 2001‐2002 women's intercollegiate soccer team and men's club soccer team, and forty (20 male, 20 female) non‐athletic students volunteered to participate. All participants were tested bilaterally using the KT‐1000 MEDmetric knee joint ligament arthrometer. Three tests were used to determine anterior laxity: passive displacement, active displacement, and the Lachman test. The mean passive displacement, mean active displacement, and Lachman (only for the left leg) were significantly lower for the athletic group than for the non‐athletic group. There were no significant differences found between males and females for the passive and active drawer tests. However, females had significantly more laxity than males in the Lachman test. These findings suggest that strength and conditioning may play a more significant role in knee joint laxity than the sex of the individual.

HEART RATE ANALYSIS OF MEN'S COLLEGIATE SOCCER WITH COMPARISONS BY POSITION, BY GAME, AND BY HALF

987 Heart rate analysis has been used on a limited scale to describe the physiological demands of soccer, most frequently on professional players. The purpose of this study was to describe the physiological demands of men's collegiate soccer through heart rate analysis with comparisons by position (fullback, central defender, midfield, forward, and goalkeeper) and with comparisons by game and by half. Six male collegiate soccer players volunteered to wear heart rate monitors during 2 to 4 spring games. The games were competitive, score was kept, and officials were used; however, the games consisted of 30 or 35 min halves. Heart rates, collected at 5 sec intervals for the duration of the game, were converted to relative heart rates (% of HRmax). The relative heart rate (RHR) for each 5 sec interval was subsequently placed into 1 of 6 categories: 50-74%, 75-79%, 80-84%, 85-89%, 90-94%, or 95-100% of HRmax. Chi square analysis revealed that the frequencies of RHR differed significantly (p<.001) between positions. Central defender showed a higher frequency of RHRs at 90-94% & 95-100% HRmax than the other positions. Fullback showed a higher frequency of RHRs at 50-74% & 75-79% HRmax than the other positions. Midfield showed the most equally distributed RHRs over all intensities. Significant differences (p<.001) in the frequencies of RHRs were also observed between games and between the first vs second half. Game 3, the most competitive game and the only game lost, showed the highest frequency of RHRs at 90-94% & 95-100% HRmax. Also, more frequent higher RHRs were observed in the first half than in the second half. It was concluded that the physiological demands of soccer differ between games, between halves of a game, and between positions played within the same game, all of which imply training considerations.

Prolonged intermittent high intensity exercise impairs neuromuscular performance of the knee flexors.

This study investigated the effect of prolonged intermittent high intensity exercise upon the isokinetic leg strength and electromechanical delay of the knee flexors. Seven male collegiate soccer players were exposed to: (i) a prolonged intermittent high intensity exercise task (PIHIET) which required subjects to complete a single-leg pedalling task, with the preferred limb, (75 rpm for all constant-load portions of the task) consisting of 48 x 1.8 minute cycles of exercise, and (ii) a control task consisting of no exercise. Pre-, mid- and post-PIHIET gravity corrected indices of knee flexion angle-specific torque (0.44 rad knee flexion (AST); 0 rad=full knee extension; [1.05 rad x s(-1)]) were made for both intervention and control limbs. Electromechanical delay (EMD) of the m. biceps femoris during supine knee flexion movements was evaluated in the preferred leg on both intervention and control days. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant condition (intervention; control) by time (pre; mid; post) interactions for both knee flexor AST (F[2,12]=4.8; p < 0.03) and EMD (F[2,12]=4.1; p < 0.05). AST was observed to decrease by 16% and EMD increase by 30% pre to post intervention. These observations suggest an impairment of neuromuscular control and the ability to maintain force generation in the knee flexors, near the extremes of the range of motion during prolonged intermittent high-intensity exercise activities. Changes of this magnitude may pose a threat to the integrity of the knee joint.

THE EFFECTS OF ATTENTIONAL SHIFT TRAINING ON THE EXECUTION OF SOCCER SKILLS: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

One of the most important skills in soccer is the ability to respond quickly and accurately to the changing demands of the competitive environment (i.e., position of ball, teammates, opponents). A multiple baseline design across 4 male collegiate soccer players was used to determine the effectiveness of an attentional training program on the execution of targeted soccer skills. The treatment included information and laboratory attentional shift exercises followed by practice of attentional shifting skills on the execution of different soccer exercises. Following treatment, the accuracy of execution of the experimental soccer drill improved.

Mechanics of Translation and Rotation during Conventional and Handspring Soccer Throw-Ins

This study examined the mechanics of translation and rotation during the conventional and handspring soccer throw-ins. Thirteen male collegiate soccer players were filmed at 100 fps while performing a conventional soccer throw-in for distance. Additionally, two male collegiate and two male youth league soccer players were filmed at 200 fps while performing a handspring throw-in. Analysis of the conventional throw-in revealed that rapid trunk flexion, and shoulder and elbow extension just prior to release appear to make important contributions to the performance variables (initial ball velocity, angle of release, range, angular momentum). Results of the handspring throw-in analysis suggest that the angular momentum generated during the preparatory and ball support phases was transferred to the arms, forearms, and ball during the latter stages of the movement. Although generalization to a larger population is limited, the results of this study suggest that the handspring throw-in technique has the potential to generate greater release velocities and longer throws, thereby enhancing scoring opportunities during throw-in situations.