Collegiate Women Soccer Players Research Articles

Inspiratory Muscle Performance Is Significantly Related to Acceleration and Deceleration of Isokinetic Knee Extension and Flexion in Division 1 Collegiate Women Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

Inspiratory Muscle Performance Is Significantly Related to Acceleration and Deceleration of Isokinetic Knee Extension and Flexion in Division 1 Collegiate Women Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

Plasma Neurofilament Light Is Not Elevated In Collegiate Women Soccer Players During A Competitive Season

Plasma Neurofilament Light Is Not Elevated In Collegiate Women Soccer Players During A Competitive Season

Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid content is negatively associated with purposeful gameplay header frequencies in collegiate women soccer players: Implications for diet and brain health.

Background: Frequent soccer heading negatively affects brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids are neuroprotective against head impacts. A biomarker of omega-3 tissue status, red blood cell (RBC) omega-3 content is reduced during soccer activity. However, whether these changes are associated with frequent heading impacts is unknown. Aim: Explore the association between soccer heading frequencies and RBC omega-3 status. Methods: A prospective cohort study in collegiate women soccer players (n = 16). Players' RBC omega-3 status, Omega-3 Index, and self-reported gameplay header frequencies collected during a competitive season. Results: Mean Omega-3 Index (i.e., pre/postseason) was low (3.95 ± 0.44%). Postseason Omega-3 Index negatively correlated (r = -0.545, p = 0.029) with heading frequencies. Change in Omega-3 Index negatively correlated (r = -0.663, p = 0.005) with average headers per game. Conclusion: RBC omega-3 status is negatively influenced by frequent soccer heading throughout a competitive season which may have concerning implications for player brain health.

Relationships Between Sprint, Acceleration, and Deceleration Metrics with Training Load in Division I Collegiate Women's Soccer Players.

Player load is a variable derived from GPS technology that quantifies external load demands. Sprints and change-of-direction movements are high-intensity activities that place stress on the body. Research is needed to determine which sprint metrics may relate to and predict player load during practice sessions in collegiate women's soccer players, as coaches could manipulate the most impactful variables. This study analyzed which sprint metrics related to GPS player load in women's soccer players from one Division I team. Data from 19 practice sessions for 18 field players were analyzed. Players wore GPS sensors during all training sessions, and the variables assessed were player load, sprint count, sprint volume, sprint distance, average top speed, maximum top speed, and the number of accelerations and decelerations in different speed zones (±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±5 m/s2). Pearson's correlations (p < 0.05) analyzed relationships between the sprint variables and player load. Stepwise regression analyses (p < 0.05) determined if any metrics predicted player load. The results indicated significant relationships between player load and sprint count, maximum top speed, sprint distance, sprint volume, number of decelerations at -1, -2, and -3 m/s2, and accelerations at 1, 2, and 5 m/s2(r = 0.512-0.861, p ≤ 0.025). Sprint distance and decelerations at 1 m/s2predicted player load (p = 0.001, r2= 0.867). Maximal sprinting and decelerations and accelerations at different speeds were significant contributors to player load in collegiate women's soccer players. Sprint distance, decelerations, and accelerations could be targeted in training drills via dimension and movement manipulation to adjust training intensity for collegiate women's soccer players.

The Relationship Between External And Internal Training Load Indicators In Collegiate Women Soccer Players

The Relationship Between External And Internal Training Load Indicators In Collegiate Women Soccer Players

Descriptive trunk kinematics in healthy collegiate women's soccer players indicate trunk center of mass is laterally positioned prior to decelerating and cutting

ObjectivesTrunk kinematics can contribute to lower extremity biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. However, normative trunk kinematics during unilateral athletic tasks in a large population of “healthy” (no history of ACL injury and no known future ACL injury) women's soccer players have not been well-described. This study's purposes were to describe trunk kinematics in a population of 37 healthy collegiate women's soccer players completing a step-down, a deceleration, and a 90° cut, and to provide a reference for normative values. MethodsA cross-sectional cohort of 37 female soccer players were analysed for this study. Trunk forward flexion and lateral flexion were measured relative to the pelvis, and trunk centre of mass position was measured relative to the proximal tibia. Trunk kinematics were characterized by individual values at key events during the tasks and time-series curves normalized to 100% of the time. ResultsParticipants demonstrated increasing trunk forward flexion with increasing knee flexion angle, small amounts of increasing ipsilateral trunk flexion with increasing peak knee abduction moment, and trunk centre of mass position that moved medially during the deceleration and cut tasks. Additionally, participants demonstrated peak trunk lateral flexion angles milliseconds before peak knee flexion angle. ConclusionThis study provides a reference for identifying aberrant trunk mechanics that may increase the risk for non-contact ACL injury. Level of evidenceLevel II.

Examining the Dynamic Nature of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Factors in Women's Collegiate Soccer.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common and devastating injury in women's soccer. Several risk factors for ACL injury have been identified, but have not yet been examined as potentially dynamic risk factors, which may change throughout a collegiate soccer season. Prospective cohort study. Nine common clinical screening assessments for ACL injury risk, consisting of range of motion, movement quality, and power, were assessed in 29 Division I collegiate women's soccer players. Preseason and midseason values were compared for significant differences. Change scores for each risk factor were also correlated with cumulative training loads during the first 10weeks of a competitive soccer season. Hip external rotation range of motion and power had statistically significant and meaningful differences at midseason compared with preseason, indicating they are dynamic risk factors. There were no significant associations between the observed risk factor changes and cumulative training load. Hip external rotation range of motion and power are dynamic risk factors for ACL injury in women's collegiate soccer athletes. Serial screening of these risk factors may elucidate stronger associations with injury risk and improve prognostic accuracy of screening tools.

Assessing Omega-3 Intake in Sport: the Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire and the Omega-3 Index in Collegiate Women Soccer Players.

Omega-3 fatty acids modulate inflammatory processes and are considered beneficial for sport populations, highlighting a need to assess omega-3 intake in a practical manner. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are inexpensive, noninvasive tools aimed at evaluating nutrient intakes such as omega-3 fatty acids. In healthy adults, a tailored, brief FFQ for estimating omega-3 intake was associated with the erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid level, a biomarker for omega-3 tissue status and indicative of intake. However, the association between a brief omega-3 FFQ and erythrocyte levels, particularly the Omega-3 Index (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], and EPA + DHA), has yet to be explored in a sport population. To examine the association between omega-3 intake using a brief FFQ and the Omega-3 Index in collegiate women soccer players. Cross-sectional study. University sport team. Thirty-one National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate women soccer players. The brief omega-3 FFQ assessed dietary omega-3 intake: DHA and EPA. The OmegaQuant blood test measured erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid (EPA, DHA) and Omega-3 Index (EPA + DHA) levels. Brief FFQ intakes of EPA, DHA, and EPA + DHA were positively correlated with the erythrocyte EPA (r = 0.48, P = .007), DHA (r = 0.73, P < .001), and Omega-3 Index (r = 0.73, P < .001). In a sample of collegiate women soccer players, the brief omega-3 FFQ was correlated with erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid levels and may offer health practitioners a practical tool for assessing omega-3 intake in this collegiate sport population.

Does ankle inversion or eversion ROM correlate with maximal power output in collegiate women soccer players?

Background: Soccer requires participants to use speed, change of direction, which requires lower limb power production in order to perform at an optimal level. Soccer dribbling and passing creates extreme ankle inversion and eversion which is an important role towards improving soccer performance. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between ankle inversion or eversion ROM with dominant and non-dominant foot with maximal power production.

Does Ankle Inversion Or Eversion Torque Correlate With Reaction Time In Collegiate Women Soccer Players?

Does Ankle Inversion Or Eversion Torque Correlate With Reaction Time In Collegiate Women Soccer Players?

The strength and power characteristics of the lower extremity in the rebound jump for collegiate women soccer players:

The strength and power characteristics of the lower extremity in the rebound jump for collegiate women soccer players:

Prevalence of Low Energy Availability in Collegiate Women Soccer Athletes.

(1) Background: Limited information exists on the prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) in collegiate team sports. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of LEA in collegiate women soccer players. (2) Methods: Collegiate women soccer athletes (n = 18, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 65.3 ± 7.9 kg; body fat %: 24.9 ± 5.6%) had their body composition and sport nutrition knowledge assessed in the pre-season. Energy availability was assessed mid-season using a 4-day dietary log and activity energy expenditure values from a team-based monitoring system. A validated screening tool was used to screen for LEA. (3) Results: The screening tool classified 56.3% of athletes as at risk of LEA (<30 kcal/kg of FFM); however, the actual dietary intake identified 67% as LEA. Athletes identified as non-LEA consumed significantly more absolute (p = 0.040) and relative (p = 0.004) energy than LEA athletes. (4) Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of LEA among collegiate women soccer athletes. Although previously validated in women endurance athletes, the LEA screening tool was not effective in identifying those at risk of LEA in this sample of athletes.

BIOMECHANICAL MEASURES DURING TWO SPORT-SPECIFIC TASKS DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN SOCCER PLAYERS WHO GO ON TO ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY AND THOSE WHO DO NOT: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT ANALYSIS.

Decelerating and cutting are two common movements during which non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur in soccer players. Retrospective video analysis of ACL injuries has demonstrated that players are often in knee valgus at the time of injury. To determine whether prospectively measured components of valgus collapse during a deceleration and 90 ° cut can differentiate between collegiate women's soccer players who go on to non-contact ACL injury. Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data. 51 NCAA women's soccer players completed motion analysis of a deceleration and 90 ° before the competitive season. Players were classified as Injured (noncontact ACL injury during the season) or Uninjured at the end of the season. Differences between groups for peak hip adduction, internal rotation, and knee abduction angles, and knee valgus collapse were analyzed with a MANOVA. Four non-contact ACL injuries were reported at the end of the season. There was a significant difference between groups for hip adduction angle during the 90 ° cut (p = 0.02) and deceleration (p = 0.03). Players who went on to ACL injury were in more hip adduction. Hip adduction angle is larger in players who go on to ACL injury than those who do not during two sport-specific tasks. The components of knee injury prevention programs that address proximal control and strength are likely crucial for preventing ACL injuries. 2b.

Athlete Workloads During Collegiate Women's Soccer Practice: Implications for Return to Play

Athlete monitoring via wearable technology is often used in soccer athletes. Although researchers have tracked global outcomes across soccer seasons, little information exists on athlete loads during individual practice drills. Understanding these demands is important for athletic trainers in making decisions about return to play. To provide descriptive information on total distance, total player load (PL), total distance per minute, and PL per minute for practice drill structures and game play by player position among female soccer athletes across a competitive season. Retrospective observational study. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university. A total of 32 female collegiate soccer players (age = 20 ± 1 years, height = 168.75 ± 4.28 cm). Athletes wore a single global positioning system and triaxial accelerometer unit during all practices and games in a single soccer season. Individual practice drills were labeled by the team's strength and conditioning coach and binned into physical, technical and tactical skills and large- and small-sided competition drill structures. Descriptive analyses were used to assess the median total distance, total PL, total distance per minute, and PL per minute by drill structure and player position (defender, forward or striker, and midfielder) during practices and games. Large- and small-sided competition drills imposed the greatest percentage of workload across all measures for each position (approximately 20% of total practice), followed by physical drills. When comparing technical and tactical skills drills, we found that technical skills drills required athletes to cover a greater distance (approximately 17% for technical skills and 15% for tactical skills), and tactical skills drills required higher play intensity during practices across all positions (approximately 18% for technical skills and 13% for tactical skills). Defenders had the highest median PL outcomes of all positions during practices. Different practice drill types imposed various levels of demands, which simulated game play, on female soccer athletes. Athletic trainers and other clinicians may use this information in formulating objective return-to-play guidelines for injured collegiate women's soccer players.

Assessing Repeated-Sprint Ability in Division I Collegiate Women Soccer Players.

Lockie, RG, Liu, TM, Stage, AA, Lazar, A, Giuliano, DV, Hurley, JM, Torne, IA, Beiley, MD, Birmingham-Babauta, SA, Stokes, JJ, Risso, FG, Davis, DL, Moreno, MR, and Orjalo, AJ. Assessing repeated-sprint ability in Division I collegiate women soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 2015-2023, 2020-Repeated-sprint ability (RSA) is a key component of soccer, and is the capacity to repeatedly produce near-maximal to maximal sprints with short recovery periods. Repeated-sprint ability has received little analysis in collegiate women soccer players. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between RSA and tests of soccer-specific performance. Nineteen players from the same Division I collegiate women's soccer team were recruited. The RSA test consisted of six 20-m sprints completed on 15-second cycles. The measurements taken were total time (TT) and percent decrement (PD; percent change from first to last sprint). Subjects also completed tests of: lower-body strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM] back squat); jump performance (vertical and standing long jumps); linear (0-5, 0-10, and 0-30 m sprint intervals) and change-of-direction (505 from each leg) speed; and soccer-specific fitness (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 [YYIRT1]). Pearson's correlations (p ≤ 0.05) were used to calculate relationships between RSA TT and PD with the performance tests. Total time exhibited significant relationships with the 0-10 (r = 0.50) and 0-30 m (r = 0.71) sprint intervals, and the left-leg 505 (r = 0.57). However, lower-body strength measured by the 1RM back squat and jump performance did not relate to TT. Percent decrement correlated only with the left-leg 505 (r = 0.53) and no other performance test. This included the YYIRT1, although both PD and YYIRT1 performance are limited by fatigue. The results from this study indicated that faster linear sprinting speed could positively influence RSA in Division I collegiate women soccer players.

Relationship of Absolute and Relative Lower-Body Strength to Predictors of Athletic Performance in Collegiate Women Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between absolute and relative lower-body strength on predictors of athletic performance among Division II collegiate women’s soccer players. Archived pre-season testing data for seventeen (n = 17) female National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II soccer players were analyzed, including: vertical jump, 3RM back squat, 505-agility, modified T-test, 10 m and 30 m sprint, and 20 m multistage fitness test (20 m MSFT). Relative strength was calculated based on the estimated 1RM back squat divided by the athlete’s body mass. Significant correlations were discovered between absolute lower-body strength and 505-agility (Right: r = −0.51, p < 0.05; Left: r = −0.59, p < 0.05), modified T-test (r = −0.55, p < 0.05), 10 m and 30 m (r = −0.59, p < 0.05; r = −0.54, p < 0.05), and sprint performance. Relative lower-body strength showed significant correlations with vertical jump (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), 505-agility (Right: r = −0.58, p < 0.05; Left: r = −0.67, p < 0.01), modified T-test (r = −0.75, p < 0.01), 10 m and 30 m (r = −0.59 p < 0.05; r = −0.67, p < 0.01), and the 20 m MSFT (r = 0.58, p < 0.05). These results indicate that strength and conditioning coaches should emphasize the development of absolute and relative lower-body strength with their players to improve power, agility, and speed performance.

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.

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.