Collegiate Women's Soccer Research Articles

The Influence Of Match Congestion, Load And Wellness On Injury Risk In Collegiate Women's Soccer

The impact of match congestion, training load (TL), perceived stress, fatigue and soreness on the odds of injury remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of: 1) days rest between matches on injury rate (IR) and odds of injury and; 2) TL on injury, perceived stress, fatigue and soreness. METHODS: A prospective multi-site study tracked daily exposures, TL (distance and duration), injury and perceptual data from six Division I NCAA women’s soccer teams in one season. Overall and non-contact (NC) IRs expressed per 1000 athlete exposures (AEs), and odds ratios (OR) were determined by days before and after matches. Associations between injury and changes in both TL and perception were analyzed using a multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS: 139 players experienced 94 injuries in 137 matches and 107 injuries in 363 practices. Overall match and practice IRs (per 1000AEs [95%CI]) were 39.0 [31.1, 46.9] and 17.1 [13.9, 20.3], respectively. While insignificant (p > 0.21), match IRs were highest 2 days between matches (IR= 50.9 [26.7, 75.1]). Players were at increased odds of being injured in a match with 1 to 5 days since the last match vs. 6+ days (OR [95%CI] = 1.79 [1.02, 3.17]). Practice IRs were highest in the preseason (IR = 28.8 [17.0, 40.5]). Players were at increased odds of sustaining a NC overuse injury with 1-5 days between matches vs. 6+ days (OR=7.85 (1.06, 57.94); p=0.04). Similarly, 1-3 days’ rest had 2.24 (1.03, 4.88) times higher rates on NC overuse IR than 4+ days’ rest (p=0.05). Acute NC IR was increased with 1 to 3 days rest vs. 4+ days rest (OR= 3.01 [1.11, 8.14]; p=0.03). Players were at increased odds (p < 0.001) of feeling fatigue (> 5) (OR= 4.71 [1.82, 12.17]) and soreness (> 5) (OR= 7.68 (2.67, 22.10]) on match day with 2 days vs. 7+ days since the last match. For each additional 3000m covered on a day, odds of overall injury, soreness and fatigue increased (41%, 32% and 31% respectively. CONCLUSION: Days between matches and acute TL increases on a given day had a negative impact on odds of injury and perception. The odds of getting injured in a match were greater with 1 to 5 days vs. 6+ days between matches. These data may be used to inform and guide the NCAA in determining optimal scheduling and recovery.

Changes in Knee Extension and Flexion Maximal and Rapid Torque Characteristics During a Collegiate Women's Soccer Season.

Akehi, K, Palmer, TB, Conchola, EC, Thompson, BJ, Kasl, A, Bice, M, and Unruh, S. Changes in knee extension and flexion maximal and rapid torque characteristics during a collegiate women's soccer season. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1389-1395, 2022-The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in maximal and rapid torque capacities of the knee extensor and flexor muscles over the course of a competitive season in NCAA Division II women's soccer players. Eighteen female soccer athletes performed 2 maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the knee extensor and flexor muscles before, during, and at the end of the competitive season. Peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD) at 50 (RTD50), 200 (RTD200), and 100-200 (RTD100-200) milliseconds were extracted from each MVIC for both legs. The rapid (RTD50) to maximal force ratio (RTD:PT), hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio, and bilateral strength differences were also calculated. Results indicated that PT, RTD50, and RTD200 decreased 11-21% from the preseason to the midseason for the knee extensors (p < 0.02) and RTD50 increased approximately 11% from the midseason to the end of season for the knee flexors (p < 0.01). Rate of torque development-to-PT ratios for the knee extensors and flexors increased 12-25% at the end of the season (p < 0.05). Also, H:Q strength ratios using PT, RTD50, and RTD200 increased 12.5-24% after the season started (p = 0.001-0.04). There were no bilateral strength differences (dominant vs. non-dominant limbs) across the season (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that participation in a soccer season can change maximal and rapid torque production of the knee extensors and flexors. Coaches and clinicians should consider incorporating a season-long strength training and maintenance plan for soccer players with the aim to improve athletic performance and minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to the lower extremities.

The Association between Dietary Protein Intake Frequency, Amount, and State of Energy Balance on Body Composition in a Women's Collegiate Soccer Team

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess whether the amount and frequency of dietary protein intake, and the state of energy balance when consumed, are associated with body composition of collegiate women's soccer athletes.

Effects of Repetitive Head Impacts on a Concussion Assessment Battery.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between repetitive head impacts (RHI) and clinical concussion assessments across a season among collegiate football (FB) and women's soccer (WSOC) players. Fifteen male FB and 23 WSOC players participated in this study. Participants were included if they were medically cleared for unrestricted athletic participation. Participants were tested in a university athletic training room on two occasions: preseason (PRE) and postseason (POST). The outcome measures consisted of tandem gait (TG), Standardized Assessment of Concussion, Balance Error Scoring System, King-Devick (KD), clinical reaction time, and Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. Repetitive head impact during the season was quantified using the Head Impact Telemetry System (Simbex, NH) for FB and the Smart Impact Monitor (SIM; Triax Technologies, Norwalk, CT) for WSOC. Independent variables included total number of impacts, average magnitude of peak linear acceleration, cumulative linear exposure, and number of impacts ≥98g. Results from direct-entry multiple regression analyses suggest significant associations between RHI and both visual memory (R = 0.670, F = 6.487, P = 0.002) and TG (R = 0.636, F = 3.841, P = 0.029) for WSOC and between RHI and KD (R = 0.756, F = 5.579, P = 0.013) for FB, whereby those with greater exposure performed worse. No other regression analyses within or across groups were significant. These data suggest that RHI do not represent clinically meaningful changes on a multifaceted and multimodal concussion assessment battery. However, there may be subtle visual/vestibular impairments as observed by the associations between RHI and visual memory/TG among WSOC, RHI, and KD among FB.

Changes in biomechanical knee injury risk factors across two collegiate soccer seasons using the 11+ prevention program.

The 11+ injury prevention program effectively reduces injuries in high school-aged female soccer player, but the mechanism of the 11+ is unknown, particularly whether it impacts biomechanical risk factors associated with knee injuries. The purpose of this study was to report the changes in hip and knee biomechanics with use of the 11+ over two soccer seasons. Two collegiate women's soccer teams performed the 11+ for two soccer seasons. A control team was followed for one season. Athletes performed motion analysis of a drop vertical jump during preseason and postseason. Both groups had meaningful increases in peak knee abduction angle over the first season, and there were no meaningful changes in peak knee abduction moment over either season. The control group had bilateral decreases in knee flexion angle. The program did not seem to systematically impact biomechanical risk factors associated with knee injuries, with increases in peak knee abduction angle and no bilateral changes in frontal or transverse hip motion. The 11+ may have mitigated clinically meaningful decreases in knee flexion; however, as ACL injuries do not occur purely in the sagittal plane, it is unclear the impact of these changes. The results of this study indicate that the 11+ may require some modifications to impact landing biomechanics and potentially risky movement patterns, particularly when used in collegiate women over multiple seasons.

The First Decade of Web-Based Sports Injury Surveillance: Descriptive Epidemiology of Injuries in US High School Girls' Soccer (2005-2006 Through 2013-2014) and National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Soccer (2004-2005 Through 2013-2014).

The advent of Web-based sports injury surveillance via programs such as the High School Reporting Information Online system and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program has aided the acquisition of girls' and women's soccer injury data. To describe the epidemiology of injuries sustained in high school girls' soccer in the 2005-2006 through 2013-2014 academic years and collegiate women's soccer in the 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 academic years using Web-based sports injury surveillance. Descriptive epidemiology study. Online injury surveillance from soccer teams in high school girls (annual average = 100) and collegiate women (annual average = 52). Female high school and collegiate soccer players who participated in practices or competitions during the 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 academic years. Athletic trainers collected time-loss (≥24 hours) injury and exposure data. Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs), injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), injury proportions by body site, and diagnoses were calculated. The High School Reporting Information Online system documented 3242 time-loss injuries during 1 393 753 AEs; the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program documented 5092 time-loss injuries during 772 048 AEs. Injury rates were higher in college than in high school (6.60 versus 2.33/1000 AEs; IRR = 2.84; 95% CI = 2.71, 2.96), and during competitions than during practices in high school (IRR = 4.88; 95% CI = 4.54, 5.26) and college (IRR = 2.93; 95% CI = 2.77, 3.10). Most injuries at both levels affected the lower extremity and were ligament sprains or muscle/tendon strains. Concussions accounted for 24.5% of competition injuries in high school but 14.6% of competition injuries in college. More than one-third of competition injuries to high school goalkeepers were concussions. Injury rates were higher in college versus high school and during competitions versus practices. These differences may be attributable to differences in reporting, activity intensity, and game-play skill level. The high incidence of lower extremity injuries and concussions in girls' and women's soccer, particularly concussions in high school goalkeepers, merits further exploration and identification of prevention strategies.

Changes in Transcranial Sonographic Measurement of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Non-concussed Collegiate Soccer Players Across a Single Season.

IntroductionBedside ultrasound measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is emerging as a non-invasive technique to evaluate and predict raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in both children and adults. The prognostic value of increased ONSD on brain computed tomography (CT) scan has previously been correlated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous studies have also evaluated the association between high-contact sports, such as soccer, and TBI; however, the related changes in ONSD are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the natural evolution of changes in ONSD in athletes who participate in high-contact sports.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, volunteers from a collegiate women’s soccer team underwent the measurement of ONSD with transcranial Doppler (TCD). ONSDs were measured during the initial visit during the pre-season period and again at the three-month follow-up. A single experienced neuro-sonographer performed all measurements to eliminate any operator bias.ResultsTwenty-four female college soccer players between the ages of 18 and 23 were included in this analysis. Mean ONSD during the initial pre-season clinic visit and the three-month follow-up were 4.14±0.6 mm and 5.02±0.72 mm, respectively (P < 0.0001). A two-tailed t-test analysis was performed, which resulted in a t-value of 4.76 and P < 0.00001. The average ONSD measured during the post-season follow-up showed a 21.3% increase compared to the baseline.ConclusionThe evaluation of high-contact sports athletes is limited due to the lack of objective radiologic and diagnostic tools. Moreover, in an athlete suffering a concussion, return-to-play decisions are heavily dependent on the symptoms reported by the athletes. In our analysis of collegiate women’s soccer players, active participation in soccer competitions and practice may be associated with an increase in ONSD, independent of concussions. Further studies are underway to evaluate the clinical significance of these findings as well as possible correlations between concussions and changes in ONSD.

Relationships between Linear Speed and Lower-Body Power with Change-of-Direction Speed in National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I and II Women Soccer Athletes.

This study investigated relationships that linear speed and lower-body power have on change-of-direction (COD) speed in collegiate women soccer players. Data from two Division I (n = 39) and one Division II (n = 18) schools were analyzed. Subjects were assessed in: power (vertical jump (VJ); jump height, peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw), power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM); linear speed (10-m sprint); and COD speed (modified T-test (MTT), 505, COD deficit). Independent samples T-tests derived significant between-group differences, with effect sizes (d) calculated. Pearson’s correlations determined relationships between COD speed, linear speed, and power, with regression equations calculated. Division I players demonstrated superior 505, COD deficit, VJ height, PAPw, and P:BM (d = 1.09–2.21). Division II players were faster in the MTT (d = 1.51). For all players, the 505 correlated with the 10-m sprint (r = 0.39–0.53) and VJ height (r = −0.65–0.66), while the COD deficit related to the 10-m sprint (r = −0.77–0.82). The regression data supported these results. Division I players were superior in the 505 and COD deficit, and expressed their power in the 180° 505 task. Division II players should enhance lower-body power and the ability to perform 180° direction changes.

Capture of Time-Loss Overuse Soccer Injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Injury Surveillance System, 2005-2006 Through 2007-2008.

Overuse injuries are reported to account for nearly 50% of sports injuries and, due to their progressive nature and the uncertainty regarding date of onset, are difficult to define and categorize. Comparing the capture rates of overuse injuries between injury-surveillance systems and medical records can clarify completeness and determinants of how overuse injuries are represented in injury-surveillance data. To estimate the capture rate of time-loss medical-attention overuse injuries in men's and women's soccer in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System (NCAA ISS) compared with medical records maintained by certified athletic trainers and assess the differences in completeness of capture and factors contributing to those differences. Capture-recapture study. Fifteen NCAA institutions provided NCAA ISS and medical record data from men's and women's soccer programs from 2005-2006 through 2007-2008. National Collegiate Athletic Association men's and women's soccer players. Time-loss medical-attention overuse injuries were defined as injuries with an overuse mechanism of injury in the NCAA ISS or medical records. Capture rates were calculated as the proportion of total overuse injuries classified as having overuse mechanisms in the NCAA ISS and the NCAA ISS and medical records combined. The NCAA ISS captured 63.7% of the total estimated overuse mechanisms of injury in men's and women's soccer players. The estimated proportion of overuse injury mechanisms captured by both the NCAA ISS and medical records was 37.1%. The NCAA ISS captured more overuse injury mechanisms in men's soccer than in women's soccer (79.2% versus 45.0%, χ2 = 9.60; P = .002) athletes. From 2005-2006 through 2007-2008, the NCAA ISS captured only two thirds of time-loss medical-attention overuse mechanisms of injury in men's and women's soccer players. Future researchers should consider supplementing injury-surveillance data with a clinical record review to capture the burden of these injuries.

ACUTE LATERAL ANKLE SPRAIN PREDICTION IN COLLEGIATE WOMEN'S SOCCER PLAYERS

Women's soccer has among the highest injury rates in collegiate sports, and lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are among the most commonly occurring injuries in that athletic population. However, no established LAS prediction model exists for collegiate women's soccer players.The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction model for acute LAS injuries in collegiate women's soccer players utilizing previous ankle sprain history, height, mass, and BMI as potential predictors.The authors' hypothesized that collegiate women's soccer players with greater height, mass, and body mass index (BMI), as well as a previous history of ankle sprain would have greater odds of sustaining a LAS. Prospective cohort study. Forty-three NCAA Division I women's soccer players' (19.7 ± 1.1yrs, 166.8 ± 3.7cm, 60.8 ± 4.4kg) height, mass, and BMI were measured one week before beginning preseason practices. Additionally, participants reported whether or not they had sustained a previous ankle sprain. The team athletic trainer tracked LASs over the competitive season. Independent t-tests, binary logistic regression analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and diagnostic statistics assessed the ability of the variables to differentiate between those that did and did not sustain a LAS. Participants that sustained a LAS (n = 8) were significantly taller than those that did not sustain a LAS (n = 35) (t41 = -2.87, p = 0.01, d = 0.83[0.03,1.60]). A logistic regression analysis (odds ratio=1.30[1.00,1.70]) and area under the ROC curve analysis (AUROC=0.73[0.58,0.89], p=0.04) further exhibited predictive value of height. A height cutoff score of 167.6cm demonstrated excellent sensitivity (0.88), moderate specificity (0.51), and a favorable diagnostic odds ratio (7.5). A logistic regression analysis (odds ratio=1.87[1.22,1.98]) exhibited predictive value of previous ankle sprain history. That variable was also associated with good sensitivity (0.75) and specificity (0.71) within the model, as well as a favorable DOR (7.37). Mass and BMI demonstrated no predictive value for LAS. Taller collegiate women's soccer players and those with previous ankle sprain history may have a greater predisposition to LAS. 1b.

Linear Acceleration in Direct Head Contact Across Impact Type, Player Position, and Playing Scenario in Collegiate Women's Soccer Players

Heading, an integral component of soccer, exposes athletes to a large number of head impacts over a career. The literature has begun to indicate that cumulative exposure may lead to long-term functional and psychological deficits. Quantifying an athlete's exposure over a season is a first step in understanding cumulative exposure. To measure the frequency and magnitude of direct head impacts in collegiate women's soccer players across impact type, player position, and game or practice scenario. Cross-sectional study. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institution. Twenty-three collegiate women's soccer athletes. Athletes wore Smart Impact Monitor accelerometers during all games and practices. Impacts were classified during visual, on-field monitoring of athletic events. All direct head impacts that exceeded the 10 g threshold were included in the final data analysis. The dependent variable was linear acceleration, and the fixed effects were (1) type of impact: clear, pass, shot, unintentional deflection, or head-to-head contact; (2) field position: goalkeeper, defense, forward, or midfielder; (3) playing scenario: game or practice. Shots (32.94 g ± 12.91 g, n = 38; P = .02) and clears (31.09 g ± 13.43 g, n = 101; P = .008) resulted in higher mean linear accelerations than passes (26.11 g ± 15.48 g, n = 451). Head-to-head impacts (51.26 g ± 36.61 g, n = 13; P < .001) and unintentional deflections (37.40 g ± 34.41 g, n = 24; P = .002) resulted in higher mean linear accelerations than purposeful headers (ie, shots, clears, and passes). No differences were seen in linear acceleration across player position or playing scenario. Nonheader impacts, including head-to-head impacts and unintentional deflections, resulted in higher mean linear accelerations than purposeful headers, including shots, clears, and passes, but occurred infrequently on the field. Therefore, these unanticipated impacts may not add substantially to an athlete's cumulative exposure, which is a function of both frequency and magnitude of impact.

Inspiratory Performance is Significantly Related to Isokinetic Knee Power in Collegiate Women Soccer Players

Inspiratory Performance is Significantly Related to Isokinetic Knee Power in Collegiate Women Soccer Players

Quantifying Head Impact Exposure in Collegiate Women's Soccer.

The aim of this study was to quantify head impact exposure for a collegiate women's soccer team over the course of the 2014 season. Observational and prospective study. Virginia Tech women's soccer games and practices. Twenty-six collegiate level women's soccer players with a mean player age of 19 ± 1. Participating players were instrumented with head impact sensors for biomechanical analysis. Video recordings of each event were used to manually verify each impact sustained. Head impact counts by player position and impact situation. The sensors collected data from a total of 17 865 accelerative events, 8999 of which were classified as head impacts. Of these, a total of 1703 impacts were positively identified (19% of total real impacts recorded by sensor), 90% of which were associated with heading the ball. The average number of impacts per player per practice or game was 1.86 ± 1.42. Exposure to head impact varied by player position. Head impact exposure was quantified through 2 different methods, which illustrated the challenges associated with autonomously collecting acceleration data with head impact sensors. Users of head impact data must exercise caution when interpreting on-field head impact sensor data.

Epidemiology of 3825 injuries sustained in six seasons of National Collegiate Athletic Association men's and women's soccer (2009/2010–2014/2015)

AimTo describe the epidemiology of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's and women's soccer injuries during the 2009/2010–2014/2015 academic years.MethodsThis descriptive epidemiology study used NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP) data...

Collegiate women's soccer players suffer greater cumulative head impacts than their high school counterparts

Soccer is the source of the highest concussion rates among female athletes and is associated with neurological deficits at many levels of play. Despite its importance to our understanding of head trauma in female athletes, little is known about the number and magnitude of head impacts experienced by female soccer players. Head impacts experienced by high school and collegiate athletes were quantified using xPatch sensors (X2 Biosystems) affixed behind the right ear of each player.The average peak translational acceleration (PTA) sustained by players at the high school level was significantly lower than that of the collegiate players, but the average peak angular accelerations (PAA) were not significantly different. Given that the collegiate players took many more impacts throughout the season, their mean cumulative exposure to translational (cPTA) and angular accelerations (cPAA) were significantly higher than those of the high school players. Additional research is required to determine whether the differences in cumulative exposure are responsible for the elevated risk of concussion in collegiate soccer players or if there are additional risk factors.

Reduced high-intensity-running rate in collegiate women's soccer when games are separated by 42 hours.

During the competitive soccer season, women's intercollegiate matches are typically played on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The efficacy of a 42-h recovery period is not well understood. This investigation was conducted to determine performance differences between Friday and Sunday matches during a competitive season. Ten NCAA Division I female soccer players (20.5±1.0 y, 166.6±5.1 cm, 61.1±5.8 kg) were monitored with 10-Hz GPS devices across 8 weekends with matches played on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The players were outside backs, midfielders, and forwards. All players had to participate in a minimum of 45 min/match to be included in the study. Average minutes played, total distance covered, total distance of high-intensity running (HIR) (defined as running at a velocity equal to or exceeding 3.61 m/s for longer than 1 s), the number of HIR efforts, and the number of sprints were calculated for each match. Data for Friday vs Sunday matches were averaged and then compared using dependent t tests. No differences were seen in minutes played, distance rate, or number of sprints between Friday and Sunday matches. A significant (P=.017) decrease in rate of HIR between Friday (25.37±7.22 m/min) and Sunday matches (22.90±5.70 m/min) was seen. In addition, there was a trend toward a difference (P=.073) in the number of efforts of HIR between Friday (138.41±36.43) and Sunday (126.92±31.31). NCAA Division I female soccer players cover less distance of HIR in games played less than 48 h after another game. This could be due to various factors such as dehydration, glycogen depletion, or muscle damage.

Rates and Determinants of Return to Play after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Division I College Women Soccer Athletes: A Study of the Southeastern Conference

Objectives:We sought to determine the overall return to play (RTP) rate of female collegiate soccer athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Additionally, we examined particular athlete related and surgical technique related variables as they correlated to RTP. We hypothesized that RTP after ACL reconstruction would be higher than previously published results and that it would be independent of graft type utilization or surgical techniques employed.Methods:Head team physicians and athletic training staff of the 14 institutions of the SEC were contacted to request participation in the study. All institutions were sent information regarding the nature of the study, a standardized spreadsheet with standardized response choices for the purpose of data collection from the participating institutions, and instructions regarding athlete inclusion criteria. The spreadsheet provided queried certain athlete and technical surgical related variables for ACL reconstructions performed at the participating institutions over the previous 8 years (2005-2013).Results:All 14 of the SEC institutions chose to participate and provided data. 79 reconstructions were reported with RTP data available for 78 women soccer athletes. Overall RTP rate was 84.6%. There was statistical significance in RTP rates favoring athletes in earlier years of eligibility versus later years (p<0.05). Athletes in eligibility years 4 and 5 combined had a RTP rate of 40%. Scholarship status likewise showed statistical significance (p<0.001) favoring RTP rate for scholarship athletes (91%) vs. non-scholarship athletes (45.5%). Athlete position (p=0.242) and depth chart status (p=0.110) showed no significant effect on RTP. In examining surgery specific variables; RTP rate for autograft (87.9%), allograft (75%), and combined graft (50%) demonstrated no difference (p=0.218). RTP rates were similar for the two most commonly used grafts: patellar tendon autograft and hamstring autograft (p=0.186). Femoral tunnel drilling technique showed no effect (p=0.725) on RTP rate for transtibial, accessory medial portal, or two incision techniques. When comparing multiple graft fixation constructs on both the femoral and tibial side, no difference was observed as it relates to RTP. RTP in isolated ACL reconstruction (77.3%) versus ACL reconstruction with concomitant procedures (88.9%) showed no difference. For players undergoing revision ACL reconstruction versus primary, RTP rate was 77.3% and 87.3% respectively, without significant difference (p=0.499).Conclusion:Of Division I collegiate women soccer athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction, overall RTP rate approaches 85%. Undergoing ACL reconstruction earlier in the college career before the 4th year of eligibility as well as the presence of a scholarship had a positive effect on RTP. Surgical factors including graft type, fixation methods, tunnel placement technique, concomitant knee surgery, and revision status played showed no significant effect on RTP rate.

Evaluation of Seasonal Changes in Body Composition and Fitness Parameters Among Collegiate Women Soccer Players

Evaluation of Seasonal Changes in Body Composition and Fitness Parameters Among Collegiate Women Soccer Players

Predictors of High-Intensity Running Capacity in Collegiate Women During a Soccer Game

The purpose of this investigation was to determine which physiological assessments best predicted high-intensity running (HIR) performance during a women's collegiate soccer game. A secondary purpose was to examine the relationships among physiological performance measures including muscle architecture on soccer performance (distance covered, HIR, and sprints during the game) during a competitive collegiate women's soccer game. Ten National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I women soccer players performed physiological assessments within a 2-week period before a competitive regulation soccer game performed during the spring season. Testing consisted of height, body mass, ultrasound measurement of dominant (DOMleg), and nondominant leg (NDOMleg) vastus lateralis for muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle (PA), VO2max, running economy, and Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) for peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and fatigue rate (FR). During the game, distance run, HIR, and sprints were measured using a 10-Hz global positioning system. Stepwise regression revealed that VO2max, dominant leg thickness, and dominant leg PA were the strongest predictors of HIR distance during the game (R = 0.989, SEE = 115.5 m, p = 0.001). V[Combining Dot Above]O2max was significantly correlated with total distance run (r = 0.831; p = 0.003), HIR (r = 0.755; p = 0.012), WAnTPP (r = -0.737; p = 0.015), WAnTPP·kg (r = -0.706; p = 0.022), and WAnTFR (r = -0.713; p = 0.021). DOMlegMT was significantly correlated with WAnTFR (r = 0.893; p = 0.001). DOMlegPA was significantly correlated with WAnTFR (r = 0.740; p = 0.023). The NDOMlegPA was significantly correlated to peak running velocity (r = 0.781; p = 0.013) and WAnT MP·kg (r = 0.801; p = 0.01). Results of this study indicate that V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and muscle architecture are important characteristics of NCAA Division I women soccer players and may predict HIR distance during a competitive contest.

The Correlation Between the Wingate Test and Anaerobic Performance in Collegiate Women's Soccer Players

The Correlation Between the Wingate Test and Anaerobic Performance in Collegiate Women's Soccer Players