Match Day Research Articles

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Response by Different Polyphenol Supplements in Five-a-Side Football Players.

Oxidative stress is associated with playing soccer. The objective of the present report was to study the influence of different polyphenolic antioxidant-rich beverages in five-a-side/futsal players. The study was performed with a no supplemented control group (CG) and two supplemented groups with an almond-based beverage (AB) and the same beverage fortified with Lippia citriodora extract (AB + LE). At day 22, participants played a friendly futsal game. Blood extractions were performed at the beginning of intervention (day 1), before and after match (day 22) to determine oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma, neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Malondialdehyde increased significantly in controls after the match in neutrophils, PBMCs and plasma compared to pre-match. Protein carbonyls also increased after the match in plasma in CG. In addition, malondialdehyde levels in neutrophils were significantly lower in the supplemented groups compared to controls. Post-match samples showed significant increases in neutrophil antioxidant activities in CG. Supplemented groups displayed variable results regarding neutrophil antioxidant activities, with superoxide dismutase activity significantly lower than in controls. Finally, post-match myeloperoxidase activity increased significantly in controls compared to pre-match and supplemented groups. In conclusion, polyphenolic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements could be instrumental for optimal recovery after high intensity futsal games.

A Dietary, Hydration, and Supplementation Intake Proposal for High-Performance Elite Soccer Players During a Match Day

Objective: Soccer is a highly demanding intermittent sport that involves fluctuations between low and high intensity activities. Therefore, soccer players are required to be adequately prepared both from the point of view of food, hydration, and supplementation to meet the match energy requirements. Materials and Methods: For the construction of this review, the author used, in addition to the works to reference the introduction, five of his published articles on soccer. Results: The carbohydrate prescription range from 5 to 10 gkg−1 BW day−1 and protein ingestion for improve Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS) is 0.4 gkg−1 BW meal−1 using 4 meals day−1. When the subject is hydration for elite soccer players, it becomes interesting offer before match 5 to 7 mlkg-1 body weight 4 hours before and 3 to 5 ml kg-1 BW 2 hours before match. And to improve the performance of elite soccer athletes, the most studied ergogenic and dietary supplements by the scientific community are creatine (3-5 gday−1 or 0.075 gkg−1 BW day−1), caffeine (6 mgkg−1 BW), sodium bicarbonate (0.4 gkg−1 BW), beta-alanine (3.2-6.4 gday−1), nitrate-rich beet juice (6 mmol of NO3− L), taurine 50 mgkg−1 BW day−1), citrulline (1.2-3.4 gday−1) and arginine (1.2-6 gday−1). Conclusion: In summary, the high-performance elite soccer players during a match day can use creatine, caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, nitrate-rich beet juice, taurine, citrulline, arginine, including carbohydrate and protein prescription, and adjusted hydration.

Key considerations in the week-to-week forecasting of individual match actions in football

Short-term forecasting of performance in football is crucial in week-to-week decision making. The current study presented novel contributions regarding the considerations that should be accounted for in the prediction of match actions performed in competitive matches. First, the study examined whether the quantity and recency of training data used to build a prediction model significantly influenced predictive accuracy. Three prediction models were built with the exponential moving weighted average (EMWA) method, each differing in the quantity of training data used (three, five, and seven preceding match days). Next, the study examined if contextual constraints, such as type of match action being predicted, playing position, or player age, significantly influenced predictive accuracy. Match action data from players in the top five European leagues were collected from the 2014/2015 to the 2019/2020 seasons. The model trained using less but more recent data (three preceding match days) demonstrated the greatest accuracy. Next, within the offensive and defensive phases, match actions differed significantly in predictive accuracy. Lastly, significant differences were found in prediction accuracy between playing positions, whereby actions associated with the primary task of the playing position were more accurately predicted. These findings suggest that in the forecasting of individual match actions, practitioners should seek to train the prediction model using more recent data, instead of including as much data as possible. Furthermore, contextual constraints such as the type of action and playing position of the player must be keenly considered.

Soccer Match Results and Sponsor Stock Returns - An Analysis Based on Behavioral Economics Perspective

Using the event study method, the impact of Chinese Super League match results on title sponsors' share prices was empirically analysed from a behavioral economics perspective. The main section considers the impact of variables such as win-loss relationship, home and away factors, Friday's important match day and the last five rounds on the A-share market and the H-share market respectively, and draws conclusions. The article aims to explore the possible patterns of fluctuations in the market capitalization and share price of sponsors following sponsorship of football clubs in the context of gold-dollar football, influenced by the results of matches. Can the outcome of a Chinese Super League match affect the value of a sponsor's shares? If so, what kind of investor sentiment is reflected behind the fluctuations in share price? What can be done to improve the effectiveness of corporate sponsorship? To this end, this paper analyses the issue from the perspective of behavioral economics, combined with the event study method, in order to provide theoretical references for the study of Chinese football sponsorship.

Effect of playing position and microcycle days on the acceleration speed profile of elite football players

The aim of this study was to analyse the differences in the A–S profile of elite football players induced by playing position and the microcycle day. Players belonged to a second division club in the Spanish La Liga competition. They were classified into five playing positions: central defenders (CD), full backs (FB), midfielders (MF), wide midfielders (WMF) and forwards (FW). Microcycle days were categorised according to the days until matchday (MD, MD-1, MD-2, MD-3, MD-4 and MD-5). Data was collected along six microcycles, including one match per microcycle. The variables analysed were: maximal theoretical acceleration (A0), maximal theoretical speed (S0), maximal acceleration (ACCmax), maximal speed (Smax) and A–S slope (ASslope). Significant differences were found within positions and microcycle day for all variables (p < 0.05). Match day (MD) showed greater values than the training sessions in A0, ACCmax and Smax (p < 0.05). The highest values for variables associated with acceleration capabilities were found in CD on MD, whereas speed variables were higher in WMF. MD-2 showed the lowest values in all variables except for ASslope. Maximal acceleration and sprint abilities are therefore affected by playing position. Wide positions showed the highest speed capacity, and CD presented a likely acceleration profile. Higher values for all variables concerning the microcycle day, were achieved on MD, and were not reproduced during training with the consequent injury risk and performance decrease it takes.

"Make Me a Match": All-In and Other Trends in the Nephrology Match.

"Make Me a Match": All-In and Other Trends in the Nephrology Match.

The Dose-Response Relationship Between Training-Load Measures and Changes in Force-Time Components During a Countermovement Jump in Male Academy Soccer Players.

To manage physical performance in soccer, practitioners monitor the training load (TL) and the resulting fatigue. A method frequently used to assess performance is the countermovement jump (CMJ). However, the efficacy of CMJ to detect fatigue from soccer matches and training remains uncertain, as does the relationship between TL and change in CMJ performance. The aims of the present study were 2-fold. One was to observe the changes of CMJ force-time components and jump height (JH). The second was to examine dose-response relationships between TL measures and CMJ over a 6-week preseason. Twelve male academy soccer players (17 [1]y, 71.2 [5.6]kg, and 178 [5.8]cm) were recruited. Daily changes in CMJ were assessed against baseline scores established before preseason training, along with internal and external TL measures. A series of Bayesian random intercept models were fitted to determine probability of change above/below zero and greater than the coefficient of variation established at baseline. Jumps were categorized into match day minus (MD-) categories where the higher number indicated more time from a competitive match. JH was lowest on MD - 3 (28cm) and highest on MD - 4 (34.6cm), with the probability of change from baseline coefficient of variation highly uncertain (41% and 61%, respectively). Changes to force-time components were more likely on MD - 3 (21%-99%), which provided less uncertainty than JH. Bayes R2 ranged from .22 to .57 between TL measures and all CMJ parameters. Force-time components were more likely to change than JH. Practitioners should also be cautious when manipulating TL measures to influence CMJ performance.

Effect of the Length of the Microcycle on the Daily External Load, Fatigue, Sleep Quality, Stress, and Muscle Soreness of Professional Soccer Players: A Full-Season Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the length of the microcycle (ie, training period from the day after the match to the following match) on the daily external load and perceived wellness of professional soccer players (Spanish LaLiga Smartbank). The length of the microcycle has a significant effect on the daily external load and perceived wellness. Longitudinal study. Level 3. Data were collected daily during a full season using perceived wellness questionnaires and electronic performance and tracking systems. The length of the microcycle had a significant effect on volume- and intensity-related external load variables. There were differences between short, regular, and long microcycles depending on the day of the microcycle. These differences were observed in all external load variables. However, no significant differences between short, regular, or long microcycles were found on match day for any external load variable, except for high-intensity decelerations. Regarding the perceived wellness, the length of the microcycle had no effect on these variables, and there were no significant interactions between the length and the day of the microcycle. The length of the microcycle had a significant effect on volume- and intensity-related external load variables, but no significant effect on perceived wellness was observed. These data may help strength and conditioning coaches understand that workload periodization should take this contextual variable into account, especially for external training load. In addition, this study may serve as a guide for practitioners to know the physical requirements of professional soccer players in Spanish LaLiga Smartbank, because the weekly external load profile and perceived wellness have been reported for different lengths of the microcycles. Thus, these data may be used for player load management.

Scheduling Concurrent Training 48 versus 72 h after Simulated Match Play: Effects on Neuromuscular Function and Fatigue.

Scheduling concurrent training (CT) during the in-season microcycle in field-based team sport is driven by prematch and postmatch recovery. This study examined the neuromuscular function, fatigue, and soreness responses to CT administered 48 h (match day (MD) + 2) versus 72 h (MD + 3) after match. Ten male recreational-level team sport athletes were monitored daily during two 5-d microcycles, which began with a simulated match (Soccer-specific Aerobic Field Test (SAFT90)) and CT performed either 48 or 72 h after match. Maximal voluntary force, quadriceps maximum EMG, voluntary activation, muscle contractile function (evoked twitch responses), muscle soreness, and fatigue were assessed immediately before and after the SAFT90, and every 24 up to 96 h after match. Outcome measures were also assessed immediately after CT. The CT consisted of an intermittent sprint protocol and a lower limb resistance training session separated by 1 h. Immediately after the SAFT90 in both conditions, maximal voluntary force was below baseline (mean change (Δ), -14.6% ± 10.0%; P = 0.03), recovering 48 h post. Quadriceps contractile function (Δ, -31.5% ± 11.4%; P = 0.003) and voluntary activation (Δ, -8.9 ± 6.2%; P = 0.003) were also hampered after the SAFT90, recovering 24 h post in both conditions. In addition, the SAFT90 elicited elevated levels of fatigue and muscle soreness that recovered 24 h after the SAFT90 before increasing at 72 and 96 h post in the MD + 2 and MD + 3 conditions, respectively. Recovery of fatigue was only observed at the end of the microcycle when CT was prescribed on MD + 2. Therefore, CT scheduled early (MD + 2) in the microcycle might avoid compromising forthcoming match preparation.

The Engagement of the Social Networks in the ACB Basketball League

We currently live in a technological age, and in continuous growth. Within this age, social networks have emerged as a way of communicating and creating value in branding. Sports clubs have adapted their way of communicating with their fans and have made social networks an indispensable tool for their daily communication. The aim of the present study is to analyze how the position in the ranking affects the engagement of the social networks of 18 basketball clubs that make up the Endesa ACB League during match days 16 to 34. Specific formulas were used in study to analyze social networks of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The results show great variability of engagement results as well as a positive correlation between the ranking in the table and engagement on the different social networks, with Instagram having the highest correlation of all the social networks.

Assigning Online Educational Modules Before Orientation Increases Interns' Level of Readiness for Internship.

Purpose: Transitioning to residency is a stressful time in the life of a new physician as they bear significantly increased patient care responsibilities. Program directors and hospital administrators responsible for patient safety also share concerns regarding resident preparedness. 1 For the past 5 years, NYU Grossman School of Medicine has been providing incoming interns with e-learning modules before commencing their residency as a means of addressing issues related to patient assessment, management, and patient safety. We postulated that during the period between Match day and July 1, soon-to-be-residents would have the time and be eager to focus on patient care issues. 2 We studied whether these trainees would view the modules and, if so, find them helpful in their preparation for residency. Method: NYU Grossman School of Medicine faculty created a series of 12 online educational modules (WISE-OnCall) to address acute presentations of common clinical problems such as dyspnea, chest pain, abdominal pain, fever/sepsis, and oliguria. Each module was designed specifically for senior medical students and early interns with an emphasis on distinguishing life-threatening diagnoses from more benign causes. The importance of recognizing potentially critical situations from among the many possible diagnoses, initiating management, and escalating concerns to seniors is addressed in each of the modules. In 2017, we began assigning a subset of these modules to incoming interns in selected residency programs. Each subsequent year additional NYU residency programs participated and assigned modules to their incoming interns. In 2021, all incoming interns were assigned all 12 modules to complete. During orientation, incoming NYUGSOM interns participate in First Night on Call, a 4-hour simulation session that emphasizes patient safety and escalating problems to a superior during common clinical scenarios. 3 Trainees complete a survey at the end of this session. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, we also surveyed the trainees again 6 months into their intern year. Results: Over 4 years (n = 753), 86.6% of interns reported that they either agreed or strongly agreed that the WISE-OnCall modules increased their readiness for internship. Additionally, 86.9% of interns reported that they either agreed or strongly agreed that the WISE-OnCall modules provided them with a framework to organize clinical information during First Night On Call (Patient Safety Orientation). In 2017–2019, we also surveyed the interns 6 months later. Of 214 respondents, 62.6% of interns reported that they would recommend WISE-OnCall modules to future incoming interns. Discussion: Incoming interns are primed for learning about acute clinical issues they are likely to encounter early in their training. Providing interns with a series of online educational modules before their orientation is a highly feasible and acceptable approach to help prepare them. Since these online educational modules are focused on the recognition and management of acute inpatient problems, they help our trainees develop a framework for organizing clinical information and to feel more confident in their preparation for early internship. Follow-up surveys 6 months later reinforce the usefulness of the modules. These WISE OnCALL e-learning modules allow incoming interns an opportunity to familiarize themselves with clinical problems they will encounter before being integrated into a fast-paced and complex health care system. Significance: E-learning via online educational modules is an excellent format for supporting trainees’ readiness for internship. Interns are primed for learning shortly before starting residency and enthusiastically embrace resources developed to help their clinical skills.

External Load Seasonal Variations and Positional Differences in Elite Soccer Players

The present study explored the external load in professional soccer players throughout the extent of a full competitive season using GPS tracking technology. Twenty-seven male players were categorized based on their playing position: (1) central defenders (n=5), (2) full-backs (n=4), (3) midfielders (n=9), (4) wingers (n=3), and (5) forwards (n=6). Their physical performance was analyzed and interpreted as the overall external load over the extent of 36 competition recordings and 169 recordings of training sessions from up to 5 days prior to match day (i.e., MD-5, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2 and MD-1). The data were collected only from outfield players (excluding goalkeepers) who participated in &gt;90min of total duration in official games and were analyzed with the use of a 10-Hz GPS tracking device (WIMUPRO, RealTrack Systems Almeria, Spain). The results indicated match days minus three and four as the sessions with the highest intensities and physical demands, with no significant differences between the two days. Significant differences in high-speed running and sprint distance were observed between central defenders and full-backs during matches and training sessions. These results would benefit practitioners in designing the annual plan of professional soccer teams and allow for proper monitoring of the external load based on the players’ playing position.

Interface of sport and emergency medicine: Match day doctor duties and managing elite athletes.

Interface of sport and emergency medicine: Match day doctor duties and managing elite athletes.

Medical residency match applicants undervalue factors that predict stress and burnout

ABSTRACT In the medical residency match process, applicants’ ranking decisions are influenced by multiple factors related to training, geography, and lifestyle expectations. Ranking decisions directly impact match results, with implications for emotional outcomes such as happiness and stress. The present study explored the decision factors considered most important by applicants when creating rank order lists (ROLs), and how match outcomes and program factors predicted happiness, enthusiasm, stress, and life satisfaction. Senior medical students (n = 182) at a large public university in California completed surveys at three timepoints, spanning from shortly before Match Day to several months into PGY-1. Study findings support that both program-related (e.g., training quality, program size) and non-program-related (e.g., geography, work life balance) factors are important to applicants when making ROL decisions. Applicants who matched with their top choice program initially experienced emotional benefits, but these emotional differences did not persist into PGY-1, where all matched applicants had similar levels of emotion and life satisfaction. The emotional cost and benefits of matching with programs of different ROL positions (e.g., matching with top-choice program or not) were most apparent shortly after matching but in the long-term, a stronger predictor of PGY-1 emotions was perceived person-program alignment. Person-program alignment (e.g., call schedule, patient caseload) also predicted burnout in the first few months of a residency program. These findings show that, when applicants are making ranking decisions, they undervalue factors that predict stress and burnout during residency.

Soccer and Risk of Cardiovascular Events.

BackgroundPhysical and emotional stress have been associated with an increased incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Sporting events such as soccer matches can cause spectators to experience cardiovascular events. The objective of the present study was to determine whether an association of this type existed during a Spanish league competition.MethodsWe recorded data from patients who were admitted with ACS during 2018 - 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: those who were admitted on the day the local team played and those who were admitted on nonmatch days. We determined various cardiovascular risk factors, including the degree of hostility and anxiety.ResultsAway wins reduced the number of admissions with ACS by 30%, whereas a local loss increased hospitalizations by more than 30%. The profile of patient admitted on match days was a > 65 years old man, smoker (current or past), obese, with worse control of his hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, poor pharmacological adherence and high anxiety and hostility scores.ConclusionsA loss by the local team increases the number of admissions with ACS in males with a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors. Primary prevention measures should be taken to reduce the frequency of these events.

Market quality surrounding anticipated distraction events: Evidence from the FIFA World Cup

This study examines the effects of intra-day anticipated distraction events on market quality. This is achieved by exploiting the quasi-random nature by which FIFA World Cup football matches overlap with the domestic trading hours of participating countries. Utilizing stock market data from 24 countries and a sample of 95 football matches, I find that match days exhibit pre-match increases to trading volume and contemporaneous declines to trading activity. Market volatility follows a similar trend. Realized spreads are increased during matches. Match time is associated with increased price efficiency, suggesting reduced noise trading.

Optimal matchday schedule for Turkish professional soccer league using nonlinear binary integer programming

Sports scheduling problems are interesting optimization problems that require the decision of who play with whom, where and when to play. In this work, we study the sports scheduling problem faced by the Turkish Football Federation. Given the schedule of games for each round of the season, the problem is to determine the match days with the goal of having a fair schedule for each team. The criteria we employ to establish this fairness are achieving an equal distribution of match days between the teams throughout the season and the ideal assignment of games to different days in each round of the tournament. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear binary integer program and is solved optimally for each week. Our results indicate that significant improvements over the existing schedule can be achieved if the optimal solution is implemented.

Autonomic Nervous System Indices of Player Readiness During Elite-Level Rugby Union Game-Week Microcycles.

Grainger, A, Heffernan, S, Waldron, M, and Sawczuk, T. Autonomic nervous system indices of player readiness during elite-level rugby union game-week microcycles. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3173-3178, 2022-Elite-level rugby union (RU) is a high-intensity contact sport that involves large training and match volumes across a season, which can lead to postmatch fatigue. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation and perceived fatigue have been suggested to relate to measures of training and match load in RU. However, there have been no studies to assess specific ANS variables in elite RU during in-season microcycles. Player readiness during game-week microcycles was measured via heart rate variability (HRV) indices, direct current potential and self-reported well-being among 13, elite, male RU players. To enable comparison, data collection days were categorized in relation to their proximity to match day, ranging from match day minus 3 (MD - 3), to match day plus 3 (MD + 3). Differences between match days were evaluated using general linear models and Cohen's d effect sizes. There were significant differences between MD and MD + 1 for ANS indices (RMSSD p = 0.04, d = -0.66, 95% CI 0.11-1.20; the standard deviation of NN intervals p = 0.04, d = -0.66, 95% CI 0.12-1.20; total power p = 0.05, d = -0.65, 95% CI 0.11-1.20) and wellness measures (readiness p = 0.18; d = -2.33, 95% CI, 1.54-3.13; energy p = 0.02; d = -2.24, 95% CI 1.44-3.03; soreness p = 0.00; d = -2.42, 95% CI 1.63-3.23). Match day plus 3 effects were significantly greater than MD + 1 in several ANS responses, with wellness recovering at a slower time-course than ANS responses. Measures of HRV are dysregulated postmatch, but based on their rapid recovery thereafter, using HRV to assess readiness of elite-level players in RU across a weekly microcycle could be limited and requires further investigation.

Engaging Trainees by Enriching Nephrology Elective Experiences.

Engaging Trainees by Enriching Nephrology Elective Experiences.

Implementation of a Structured Surgery Mentorship Program and Success in the Surgical Residency Match

IntroductionGeneral Surgery residency programs remain competitive, with over a quarter of US MD seniors failing to match into a categorical program each year. While previous literature has shown the role of mentorship in attracting medical students to surgery, there is a dearth of information demonstrating the role of mentorship in successfully matching those students to surgery programs. MethodsWe implemented a structured mentorship program for medical students interested in applying to general surgery or integrated plastics, vascular, or cardiothoracic residencies over the course of one year, consisting of seven standardized meetings and events spanning the students’ MS3 and MS4 years. Following Match Day, we sent students a five-point Likert scale survey to assess the perceived utility of each event and solicited self-reported application information. ResultsOf the 22 students at a single institution who attended the structured mentorship program and applied to general surgery residency, 100% matched into a categorical program, significantly higher than the 73% national match rate of US MD seniors into general surgery (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the two cohorts in terms of United States Medical Licensing Examination board scores, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society status, or median number of publications, research experiences, work experiences, or volunteer experiences. Nineteen of the 22 students responded to the survey, yielding an 86% response rate. Ninety percent of the students attended at least six out of the seven events. Six out of the seven events had median helpfulness scores (out of five) that were significantly higher than a “neutral” baseline (P < 0.05). ConclusionsA structured mentorship program may play a useful role in successfully matching general surgery applicants to residencies and would be a simple and low-cost program to implement at other medical schools.