Female Soccer Players Research Articles

Cardiac remodeling in elite young Asian female soccer players

IntroductionAn athlete's heart (AH) varies depending on race, sex, age, and the type and intensity of training. Given that soccer is a common sport, evaluation of cardiac function in soccer players is important; however, few studies have analyzed adolescent soccer players. Therefore, this study, aimed to identify early changes in AH in soccer players by evaluating the echocardiographic findings of adolescent Asian female soccer players for whom existing data are scarce.MethodsWe evaluated 20 Korean female under-20 national soccer team players and 42 age-matched healthy females. Participants provided physical examination data such as height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse, along with echocardiographic results. On echocardiography, parameters related to the morphology of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) and those related to the systolic and diastolic function of the LV were measured.ResultsThe athlete group had a lower blood pressure and pulse rate than the control group. Echocardiography indicated that both the LA volume index and LV volume in the athlete group were large by approximately 1.5 times compared with those in the control group. The LV wall thickness and mass index were also significantly large in the athlete group. For LV diastolic function, parameters indicating early diastolic filling were substantially higher in the athlete group than in the control group.ConclusionsAdolescent female soccer players exhibited differences in cardiac morphology and an enhanced diastolic function. Therefore, this study suggests that AH begins in adolescence, with changes in both morphology and function.

The Importance of Preventing and Managing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Soccer Players

The Article Abstract is not available.

The influence of menstrual cycle phase on isokinetic knee flexor and extensor strength in female soccer players: a pilot study

ABSTRACT The prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injury in female soccer players has been attributed to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle (MC), with injury incidence greatest during the follicular phase. Eight, eumenorrheic, collegiate soccer players (19.5 ± 0.75 years, 1.62 ± 4.90 cm, 61.12 ± 7.6 kg mean ± SD) completed eccentric knee flexor and concentric knee extensor trials at 60 and 240°·s−1 during the follicular, ovulation and luteal phases of their MC. Peak torque and corresponding angle of peak torque were maintained across all phases of the MC, irrespective of testing modality and speed (p ≥ 0.149). Strength ratios defined using peak torque were also not sensitive to MC phase (p ≥ 0.933). However, Functional Range in eccentric knee flexion was significantly lower during the follicular phase (p = 0.017), at both testing speeds. This supports epidemiological observations but highlights the importance of analysing isokinetic data beyond the peak of the strength curve. Interpretation of isokinetic data should therefore focus on points of “weakness” as opposed to maximum strength, whilst (p)rehabilitative strategies should consider strength through range of motion, and at different speeds. Eccentric hamstring strength was observed to decrease significantly at the higher speed, contrary to observations in elite male players, and potentially reflecting a differential training adaptation.

Perceptual Response Training for Reduction of Injury Risk Among High School Girls’ Soccer Players

Background/Objectives: Neural processes involved in visual detection, decision-making, and motor plan execution are believed to play a key role in the avoidance of sport-related injuries, but very little evidence exists to guide the development of training activities for the optimization of brain function. Immersive virtual reality provides a means to precisely measure the amount of time that elapses from visual stimulus presentation to the initiation of a motor response (i.e., perceptual latency) or its completion (i.e., response time). Methods: The median value of a metric quantifying both the speed and accuracy (i.e., the rate correct per second of response time) of 50 high school female soccer players was used to assign those who exhibited suboptimal performance to a training program. Training sessions required less than 5 min and the number of sessions completed over a 7-week period ranged from 3 to 13 (median = 5). Results: Among 42 players available for follow-up assessment at 8 weeks after the first practice session (training n = 19; comparison n = 23), the results of regression-discontinuity analyses demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for metrics representing fast/accurate movement initiation (i.e., the rate correct score for perceptual latency, p = 0.016) and across-trial consistency (i.e., perceptual latency variability, p = 0.027). From the first practice session to the end of the soccer season, 12 injuries were sustained by 10 players (four concussions and eight musculoskeletal injuries). A time-to-event analysis demonstrated strong associations with perceptual latency variability ≥ 0.143 (Hazard Ratio = 15.43, p = 0.011) and a lifetime history of at least one concussion (Hazard Ratio = 8.84, p = 0.008). Conclusions: The strong association of movement initiation consistency with the avoidance of concussion or musculoskeletal injury suggests that the training program may have a highly beneficial far-transfer effect.

Influence of Training Load on Muscle Contractile Properties in Semi-Professional Female Soccer Players Across a Competitive Microcycle: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to evaluate changes in muscle contractile properties during a training microcycle in semi-professional female football players and explore their relationship with training load variables. Nineteen players (age: 23.9 ± 3.9 years; body mass: 60.6 ± 6.9 kg; height: 164.5 ± 6.7 cm) underwent myotonometric assessments of the biceps femoris (BF) and rectus femoris (RF) before and after the following training sessions: MD1 (i.e., 1 day after the match), MD3, MD4, and MD5. Training loads were quantified for each session, revealing significant variations, with MD4 exhibiting the highest values for high-speed running distance, number of sprints, and accelerations. Notably, MD3 showed the highest perceived exertion (RPE), while MD5 recorded the lowest total distance run. Myotonometric assessments indicated significant differences in stiffness of the RF in MD3 and BF in MD5, as well as RF tone in MD5. The findings underscore a notable relationship between training load and myotometric variables, particularly in muscle stiffness and tone. These results emphasize the need for further research to clarify how training loads affect muscle properties in female athletes.

Examining barriers and reasons for sport retirement in women's soccer: A qualitative study

The present research aimed to 1) examine the barriers that interfere with the progression of women's soccer and 2) analyze adult women's reasons for abandoning the practice of federated soccer. For this purpose, a qualitative methodology, with 14 semi-structured interviews of female national category soccer players, was used. The results of the inductive content analysis suggested that the players' main reasons for quitting sports were incompatibility or lack of time, lack of group cohesion within the sports context, and individual demotivation. Knowledge of these results may be of great interest to the sport environment. Thus, the people in charge could promote different strategies to improve sports and personal situations.

Ventilatory thresholds in professional female soccer players.

This study investigated the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) along with the corresponding heart rates, velocities and % of V̇O2 max at which these thresholds are reached in professional female soccer players. It also examined positional differences in the aforementioned parameters. Thirty-three professional players from two teams (age range 18-31 years) were recruited. The players underwent maximal exercise testing on the treadmill for the detection of VT1 (V̇E versus V̇O2 plot) and VT2 (V̇E versus V̇CO2 plot). The test began at a speed of 6km/h and was increased by 2 km/h every 3.15 minutes, with the inclination constant at 1%. Results indicated that the players had an average V̇O2 max of 50.24 ml·kg- 1.min- 1. VT1 (% max) and VT2 (% max) were shown at 72.87% and 91.26% of V̇O2 max, respectively. The respective velocities at VT1 and VT2 were indicated at 10.85 km/h and 12.91 km/h, respectively, while the average VV̇O2 max was 14.61 km/h. The average heart rates at VT1, VT2 and V̇O2 max were 159.33, 185.15 and 192.85 beats per minute, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of variance ANOVA indicated significant differences in velocity at V̇O2max. This study provides important normative data regarding the ventilatory thresholds of female soccer players.

Less Total-Body Fat and Lower-Extremity Fat Are Associated with More High-Intensity Running during Games in Female University Soccer Players

This study examined the relationship between body composition and on-field, in-game physical performance in female collegiate soccer players. Body composition, including total mass, fat mass, and lean tissue mass for the lower extremities and total body, was measured in 10 starting players using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). On-field, in-game physical performance was tracked via a global positioning system (GPS) over 14 regular-season games, measuring total distance and distance covered in six speed zones. Players covered 4544.7 ± 495.2 m in the first half of the game and significantly less distance in the second half (3356.5 ± 1211.7 m, p = 0.004). A repeated measures ANOVA revealed decreased distances in jogging, low-, and moderate-intensity running during the second half compared to the first half of the game (p < 0.001). Lower total-body fat mass, total-body fat percentage, and lower-extremities fat mass were correlated with greater distances at moderate- and high-intensity running during the second half and entire game (r values from −0.644 to −0.745, p < 0.01 to 0.04). These findings suggest that body composition can influence the distance covered at moderate- and high-intensity running speed during competitive games. Training strategies aimed at reducing fat mass and incorporating high-intensity training may benefit female soccer players and enhance team success.

Isokinetic assessment of the female’s soccer player’s knee. A systematic review of outcomes measures

BackgroundIsokinetic normative data in females’ soccer players is scarce in comparison to males. Furthermore, evaluation protocols employed to obtain those data in female’s studies, strongly differ from each other, using different ranges of speeds and movement patterns, thus producing different output data. Thus, it is difficult for the researcher and the clinician to choose a correct protocol for knee isokinetic test in female soccer players. Aim of this paper is to review the literature to provide updated information on how to interpret a knee isokinetic testing in healthy females.MethodsGoogle Scholar, PubMed, Sport Discus, and Psych info databases were queried, and 17 papers were selected. Following PRISMA methodology and PEDro scale, we classified the retrieved papers and assessed the quality.ResultsIn this review some common features of isokinetic testing in female soccer players of various levels of qualification are highlighted. The isokinetic performance indexes widely accepted are the hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio and dominant/non-dominant (D/ND) ratio. It also emerges that, 3 reps at the speed of 60°/sec in knee flexion/extension are preferable due to the higher reliability and that the optimal H/Q ratio in healthy female soccer players of different level of qualification and age is 50%, while the interlimb differences (D/ND) should be below 10%.ConclusionsNormative data and methodologies reviewed can be useful for the isokinetic test of female soccer players. It emerges that simplifying test procedures limiting at few testing speed and considering selected H/Q and D/ND gives all the necessary relevant informations.

Investigation Of The Matrix S-drive Treadmill On Top Sprint Speed In Female Soccer Players

Investigation Of The Matrix S-drive Treadmill On Top Sprint Speed In Female Soccer Players

Dietary Adequacy Assessment of Division I Female Soccer Players

Dietary Adequacy Assessment of Division I Female Soccer Players

Muscle Localized Phase Angle Is Related To Lower Limb Strength In Amateur Female Soccer Players

Muscle Localized Phase Angle Is Related To Lower Limb Strength In Amateur Female Soccer Players

Ankle Stability And Single-leg Balance Control In Collegiate Female Soccer Players Versus Non-soccer Players

Ankle Stability And Single-leg Balance Control In Collegiate Female Soccer Players Versus Non-soccer Players

Association Between Field Test Performance And Match Physical Performance In Collegiate Female Soccer Players

Association Between Field Test Performance And Match Physical Performance In Collegiate Female Soccer Players

Injury surveillance in Spanish professional female soccer players: A three-season retrospective study

IntroductionDespite the popularity of soccer at the male elite level, data on the incidence of injuries in female players are limited. The study aimed to evaluate the injury incidence and rates in female soccer players in a professional setting over 3 consecutive seasons. MethodsData compiled from 71 elite female players with different playing positions and belonging to the same team were analyzed. The location and severity of injuries were reported according to international consensus statements on the process of conducting epidemiological studies in professional soccer. The injury incidence rate (IIR) for matches and practices and the rate ratio (RR) were calculated, and time-loss injuries during the season were also recorded. ResultsA total of 53 injuries were documented, with an overall IIR of 1.08 injuries per 1000 h and an overall rate ratio of 0.61. The lower limbs were the most affected region (86,8 %). The majority of these injuries occurred around the thigh and knee and were predominantly traumatic, with markedly higher rates of injury during match play (2.78 injuries per 1000 h) when compared to injury incidence during training (0.79 injuries per 1000 h). Traumatic injuries accounted for 48 (91 %) and 24 (45,3 %) were indirect contact injuries. Reinjuries amounted to 15 % of total injuries and August was the predominant month for injury, being goalkeepers the least injured players (13.2 %). ConclusionsFemale professional soccer players displayed injury incidence rates and patterns comparable to those of male players. This study provides epidemiological information that will help to inform future injury surveillance studies and the development of prevention strategies to reduce the number of injuries in elite female soccer players, focusing specifically on thigh and knee regions. All match involvements should be considered when exploring associations between the type of exposure and injury risk.

Test–Retest Reliability of Concentric and Eccentric Muscle Strength in Knee Flexion–Extension Controlled by Functional Electromechanical Dynamometry in Female Soccer

In the field of sports performance, sports medicine, and physical rehabilitation, there is a great interest in the development of protocols and reliable techniques and instruments for the evaluation of strength produced by athletes. In the last ten years, women’s football has increased its popularity and participation in numerous countries, which has contributed to players developing more professionally and requiring more specific muscle strength training to improve their performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the absolute and relative test–retest reliabilities of peak muscle strength in knee flexion (FLE) and extension (EXT) controlled using a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) in a group of seventeen professional female soccer players (age = 18.64 ± 0.62 years; weight = 54.72 ± 7.03 kg; height = 1.58 ± 0.04 m; BMI = 21.62 ± 2.70 kg/m2). Peak muscle strength was measured with knee flexion (FLE) and extension (EXT) movements at a speed of 0.4 m·s−1 unilaterally in a concentric phase (CON) and an eccentric phase (ECC). No significant mean differences were found in the test–retest analysis (p > 0.05; effect size < 0.14), and high reliability was reported for peak muscle strength assessments in both the CON (ICC) = 0.90–0.95) and the ECC (ICC = 0.85–0.97). Furthermore, stable repeatability was presented for extension in the CON (CV = 7.39–9.91%) and ECC (CV = 8.65–13.64). The main findings of this study show that peak muscle strength in knee flexion and extension in CON and ECC is a measure with acceptable absolute reliability and extremely high relative reliability using the FEMD in professional female soccer players.

Intrinsic Risk Factors for Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Young Female Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Previous studies have attempted to determine prognostic factors for predicting the occurrence of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, studies on risk factors for noncontact ACL injuries in Asian female soccer players are limited. To identify intrinsic risk factors for noncontact ACL injuries among young female Asian soccer players. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. This study evaluated 145 female Japanese soccer players for potential risk factors for noncontact ACL injury during the preseason medical assessment. In total, 25 variables were examined-including anthropometric data, joint range of motion, muscle flexibility, muscle strength, and balance measurements. Participants were monitored throughout a single season for noncontact ACL injuries diagnosed by physicians. Noncontact ACL injuries occurred in 13 knees of 13 players (9%). Lower hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio (0.44 ± 0.07 vs 0.50 ± 0.10; P = .04), greater knee extension muscle strength (3.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.7 ± 0.5 N·m/kg; P < .01), and longer playing experience (10.8 ± 3 vs 8.1 ± 4.2 years; P = .02) were significantly associated with new-onset noncontact ACL injuries in young female soccer players. No statistically significant between-group differences were found for any other variables. New-onset noncontact ACL injury in young female soccer players was significantly associated with lower hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio, greater knee extension muscle strength, and longer soccer experience. These findings will help develop strategies for preventing noncontact ACL injuries among female soccer players.

Association between Hip/Groin Pain and Hip ROM and Strength in Elite Female Soccer Players.

Background/Objectives: Hip strength and range of motion have been compared in soccer players with and without hip and groin pain but only in male footballers or gender-combined samples. In female soccer players, the biomechanics contributing to this injury remain poorly understood compared to other sporting injuries. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether differences exist in adductor and abductor isometric test values and hip joint range of motion between elite female soccer players with longstanding groin pain and injury-free controls. Methods: Ten female elite soccer players with current longstanding hip and groin pain and twenty-five injury-free controls from the same teams were included in the study. Hip adductor and abductor isometric strength were evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. A bent knee fall-out test was also utilized to examine the hip joint range of motion. Results: A significant difference in abductor isometric test values was observed between the control group (2.29 ± 0.53 N/Kg) and the hip and groin pain group (2.77 ± 0.48 N/Kg; p = 0.018). Furthermore, the injured group showed a decreased adductor/abductor ratio compared to the control group (1.00 ± 0.33 vs. 1.27 ± 0.26; p = 0.013). No differences were observed in the bent knee fall-out test (p = 0.285). Conclusions: Female elite soccer players with current longstanding hip and groin pain exhibited higher abductor isometric strength and lower adductor/abductor ratio compared to non-injured women players. There were no differences in the BKFO test between groups.

Classification of movements of collegiate female soccer players using inertial measurement units

This study aimed to classify the movements of female soccer players during matches using raw data measured by inertial measurement units (IMUs). Twelve collegiate female soccer players were equipped with IMUs (100 Hz), and raw triaxial acceleration data from eight official matches were analyzed. The measurement data were separated every 3 s, and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was performed. After FFT, the Euclidean distances between the data when the players were in the stationary state and other states were calculated to classify the movements of the players using the k-means method. The data of the clustering numbers classified as the stationary state were eliminated after analyzing the movements of players by video filming the matches. After classification, the average Euclidean distances between the stationary state and other movements were calculated. Consequently, the results showed that the upward and downward directions of the raw data affected the classification. Using the methods of this study, it was also shown that the distribution of Euclidean distances differed from player to player. Our findings indicate that the method used in this study can be used to classify and characterize the movements of female collegiate soccer players.

Comparison of two implementation strategies for anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention in amateur girls’ youth soccer: a prospective cohort study

ObjectivesTo compare two implementation strategies, an educational handout and a knowledge-to-action (KTA) intervention, for promoting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programme (ACL-IPP) implementation in amateur youth girls’ soccer. The...