Small-sided Football Research Articles

Exercise intensity during walking football for men and women aged 60+ in comparison to traditional small-sided football – a pilot study

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of the present study was to quantify the intensity, perceived exertion and enjoyment of participation in walking football (WF) for elderly men and women compared to traditional small-sided running football (RF) and walking (W). Methods: 32 men and women aged 60–83 from recreational football teams performed a 5-min W, followed by 10-min WF and RF games in a counterbalanced order, separated by an 8–10 min break. The men and women played 5v5 and 6v6, respectively, on small-sided football pitches (men: 40 × 16.5 m; women 40 × 30 m) with medium-sized goals (3 × 1.5 m). Heart rate (HR) and locomotor activities were monitored throughout sessions and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) scores were determined immediately after sessions. Results: During RF, mean HR was higher (P 0.05) compared to WF and W for both men aged 60+ (126 ± 23 vs 112 ± 19 and 98 ± 19 beats/min) and women aged 60+ (144 ± 24 vs 133 ± 30 and 112 ± 20 beats/min), and higher (P < 0.05) during WF than W. During RF, more distance (P < 0.05) was covered at >8 km/h compared to WF and W for both men aged 60+ (134 ± 73 vs 36 ± 27 and 6 ± 7 m) and women aged 60+ (119 ± 89 vs 39 ± 38 and 1 ± 1 m), with more distance (p < 0.05) during WF compared to W. Both men and women had higher PACES and RPE scores (P < 0.05) for RF compared to WF. Conclusion: WF for elderly men and women results in higher heart rates and more distance covered in more intense speed zones than W, but less than in traditional small-sided football. Future studies should elucidate the hypothesis that WF is more effective in relation to fitness and health benefits compared to W, but less effective compared to small-sided traditional football.

Strategic Program Development Practices to Enhance Grassroots 55-65+ Small-sided Football in Diverse International Contexts: The Art, Science and Politics of Implementation

A significant growth in grassroots 55-65+ seniors’ small-sided football (e.g., 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 6v6/futsal and walking football) programs has emerged in diverse settings on a global scale. Given the ad hoc nature of many program offerings to meet the unique needs and circumstances of older players, very little research has examined strategic program development practices to enhance and sustain participation in seniors’ small-sided football. Strategic program development is a complex and multifaceted process that provides a critical foundation for both quality assurance and quality enhancement. Case study research using multiple-case design suggests that no one size fits all, and that strategic program development draws upon a wide range of iterative and responsive program context, program planning, program leadership/coaching, and program impact assessment strategies to enhance and sustain player participation. This paper provides a conceptual framework and practical examples for strategic program development practices in diverse grassroots 55-65+ small-sided football contexts.

Reproducibility of Internal and External Training Load During Recreational Small-Sided Football Games

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of internal and external load parameters during recreational small-sided football games. Methods: Ten healthy untrained young adult males (age: 20.2 ± 1.9 yr, body mass: 69.2 ± 6.3 kg, height: 175.4 ± 5.9 cm, body fat: 19.7 ± 5.2%) performed two 2 × 20-min sessions of four versus four plus goalkeeper small-sided games (SSG) 1 week apart on a standard, outdoor, 40 × 20-m artificial grass pitch. Twelve external (total distance, peak speed, player load, work rate and distance covered at 0–2, 2–5, 5–7, 7–9, 9–13, 13–16, 16–20 and >20 km/h) and seven internal load parameters (heart rate and time spent in different heart rate zones [<70%, 71–80%, 81–90%, 91–95%, 96–100%, 91–100%]) were measured. Reproducibility was reported as intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC), the coefficient of variation (CV), and the typical error of measurements (TE). Results: No statistical differences (p> .05) between sessions were found in any measures. Minimal test-retest variability was noted for mean and peak heart rate (HRpeak) relative to HRpeak with CV values of 3.4% and 2.6%, respectively. Acceptable variability (CV<10%) was demonstrated for total distance covered, distance covered at 2–5 km/h, and peak speed. Distance covered in different speed zones (CV = 15.7–47.6%) and percentage of time in each HR zone showed large-to-very large variability (CV = 36.2–128.4%). Mean heart rate (HRmean), HRpeak, distance covered at 5–7, 13–16 and >20 km/h, and percentage of time above 95%HRpeak were the most reliable variables (ICC = 0.74–0.79), followed by total distance covered, peak speed, and percentage of time at 80–90% HRpeak (ICC = 0.39–0.67). The lowest reliability was observed for distance covered in the moderate speed zones 7–9 km/h (ICC = 0.12) and 9–13 km/h (ICC = −0.09), and percentage of time at 70–80% HRpeak (ICC = −0.01). Conclusions: Small-sided games can be used when planning training-induced exercise responses in relation to total distance covered, peak speed, and mean heart rate. This evidence further supports the use of SSG when organizing recreational football training, in young adult males, with the purpose of improving health profile due to the high reproducibility of HRmean and total distance covered.

Influence of limiting the number of ball touches on players’ tactical behaviour and network properties during football small-sided games

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to compare the frequencies of core tactical principles, the percentages of successful tactical principles, and the general network properties of football small-sided and conditioned games (SSCG) with and without the limitation of the number of ball touches. Thirty-six under-15 national level football players participated in this study and performed atotal of 15,067 tactical actions. They performed four SSCG bouts with 4 minutes of passive recovery between each bout, in two experimental conditions: free-play SSCG and two-touch SSCG. Tactical behaviour and performance were analysed using the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer and the Social Network Analysis, was used to measure players’ interactions. Results showed that two-touch SSCG increased the frequency of actions of width and length without the ball (p = 0.001), depth mobility (p = 0.029), concentration (p = 0.001), and defensive unity (p = 0.001). The two-touch format also increased defensive performance (p = 0.005), density (p = 0.001), and clustering coefficient (p = 0.007). Therefore, coaches should adopt the two-touch rule for increasing ball circulation or to reduce the tactical complexity of the task for the defending team.

An investigation into the physical, physiological and technical demands of small sided games using varying pitch dimensions in Gaelic football

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pitch size on the physical, physiological and technical demands of small-sided games (SSGs) in a sub-elite Gaelic football setting. Methods: Thirty-four sub-elite adult male Gaelic football players completed tailored Gaelic football SSGs on three different pitch sizes (40 x 20 m, 60 x 20 m, 80 x 20 m) in a 4v4 format, resulting in 312 individual player observations over the course of the 2018 season. Results: Participants performed significantly greater high-speed running (>17 km∙h−1) (p ≤ 0.001) and sprinting (>22 km∙h−1) (p ≤ 0.001) on the 60x20 m pitch compared to the 40x20 m and 80x20 m pitches. Pitch size had only trivial effects on the average heart rate and the peak heart rate recorded in games. Games played on the 40x20 m pitch resulted in more scores per team (p = 0.062; η2 = 0.071), no-score entries (p = 0.075; η2 = 0.067) and possessions per team (p = 0.015; η2 = 0.106), while ball-in-play percentage was moderately higher (p = 0.040; η2 = 0.082) on the 80x20 m pitch. Conclusion: Coaches should consider pitch size and the associated effects on physical and technical demands when planning training games, with specific reference to the stated objectives of each respective session.

Different Marks in the Pitch Constraint Youth Players’ Performances During Football Small-sided Games

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study aimed to compare players’ performances when manipulating the external markings of the pitch during football small-sided games. Methods: Ten under-15 players performed a 5-a-side (plus goalkeepers) under three conditions: (i) Lines, the game was played in a pitch in which the external boundaries were painted with full lines; (ii) Dashed, the game was played in a pitch in which the external boundaries were painted with dashed lines; (iii) Corners, the game was played in a pitch were the external boundaries were delimited by one marker at each pitch corner. Players’ positional data was used to compute tactical and time-motion variables. Also, technical analysis was comprised using video footage. Results: Results showed similar tactical, physical and technical performances between the Lines and Dashed conditions. In contrast, the Lines condition showed small higher effects than Corners scenario in the time spent synchronized in longitudinal and lateral displacements, game pace, total distance covered, distance covered while jogging, number successful dribbles and shots on target. The Lines scenario has also revealed a lower effective playing space, distance covered at walking and running and a lower number of passes (small effects) compared to Corners. Conclusions: These results highlight that these changes in informational perception constraints modify players movement behavior. Accordingly, pitches with more visible boundaries were likely to decrease team dispersion, which may optimize team synchrony and technical performances, while decreasing the distance covered at higher speeds. Coaches may use this information to modify the types of pitch external boundaries markings, exposing the players to different environmental information.

The Effects of a Single Versus Three Consecutive Sessions of Football Training on Postprandial Lipemia: a Randomized, Controlled Trial in Healthy, Recreationally Active Males

BackgroundExercise frequency is important for maintaining health; however, its effects on postprandial responses remain largely unknown. Better understanding this during popular sports activities such as football may influence exercise habits. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of playing one single versus three consecutive days of 60-min small-sided football matches on postprandial lipemia.MethodsFifteen males performed either one (1FOOT; n = 7) or three 60-min football (3FOOT; n = 8) sessions across an 8-day trial period. On day 1, a blood sample was collected at fasted (0 min) and 0.75, 2, 4, 6 h after a high-fat meal. Participants were then randomly allocated to the 1FOOT (day 7) or 3FOOT (days 5, 6, 7) condition. On day 8, they repeated the high-fat meal and blood sampling for 6 h following the meal. Postprandial total and incremental area under the curve (AUC, iAUC, respectively) were calculated.ResultsThe postprandial triglyceride iAUC was 41% lower from pre- to post-measures for the 1FOOT (p < 0.05; ES = 1.02) and 15.7% lower for the 3FOOT (ns; ES = 0.41). Total triglyceride AUC was lower (26%) post-football matches in the 3FOOT group only (p < 0.01; ES = 1.23). In 3FOOT, insulin concentration was lower for post- compared to pre-measures at 0.75 and 2 h, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionOne single 60-min small-sided football match lowered postprandial TG incremental area under the curve while performing three consecutive days of football matches did not result in a greater attenuation.Trial RegistrationISRCTN17934193, registered 06 April 2019

Using 360° virtual reality as a decision-making assessment tool in sport

ObjectivesTo examine the reliability, construct validity and ecological validity of 360° VR and match broadcast footage for off-field decision-making assessment in Australian football umpires. DesignValidation assessments with test re-test reliability. MethodsTwo video-based tests of 60 clips each were developed to assess Australian football umpire decision-making, including 360° video of small-sided Australian football games and match broadcast footage of AFL games. Elite (n = 13) and amateur (n = 15) umpires participated in two testing sessions, in a randomised, counterbalanced design. Test re-test reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa for individual clips and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for test scores. Video tests were assessed for construct validity. Ecological validity of the decision-making processes was assessed for each method. Results31 clips met the minimum Kappa criteria for the 360° VR test and 28 clips for match broadcast. Results indicated strong reliability for the 360° VR (ICC = 0.89) and match broadcast (ICC = 0.89) tests. For both video modes, elite umpires performed significantly better in decision-making accuracy than amateur (p < 0.05). For ecological validity of the decision-making processes, 360° VR was rated significantly higher than match broadcast vision (p < 0.05) overall. ConclusionsThis is the first study to examine the reliability and validity of 360° VR footage as an off-field decision-making assessment tool in sport. As match broadcast vision is commonly used to assess decision-making in athletes and officials, results suggest that 360° VR is also an appropriate assessment tool. Although both video modes demonstrate similar reliability and construct validity, 360° VR was considered more specific to in-game decision-making processes, suggesting stronger ecological validity.

Influence of Aerobic Power on Youth Players' Tactical Behavior and Network Properties during Football Small-Sided Games.

(1) Background: This study aimed to compare the incidence of tactical principles, the percentage of successful tactical principles, and the network properties between higher and lower aerobic power in young football players during small-sided games. (2) Methods: Eighteen Under-17 Brazilian players were recruited. Firstly, they performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2, which was used to split them into two groups with higher and lower aerobic power. In the sequence, they played three vs three small-sided games within each group. The System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer was used to analyze the tactical behavior demonstrated by measuring the incidence of tactical principles and the percentage of successful principles, while the macro variables, density and clustering coefficient from social network analysis for team sports was used to analyze players’ interactions. (3) Results: No differences were reported for the incidence of tactical principles (p > 0.05, small or small-to-moderate effect sizes), the percentage of successful offensive principles (p = 0.122, small-to-moderate effect size), or the network variables (p > 0.05; small effect sizes). The lower aerobic power group demonstrated a higher percentage of successful defensive tactical principles (p = 0.043; small-to-moderate effect size). (4) Conclusions: We concluded that aerobic power has a limited impact on player behavior, indicating that players’ actions within a small-sided game are mostly constrained by other parameters.

The Influence of Coaches’ Instruction on Technical Actions, Tactical Behaviour, and External Workload in Football Small-Sided Games

The Influence of Coaches’ Instruction on Technical Actions, Tactical Behaviour, and External Workload in Football Small-Sided Games

Relative pitch area plays an important role in movement pattern and intensity in recreational male football.

Recreational football has been shown to be an effective health-promoting activity, but it is still unclear how changes in game formats affect external and internal load. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of area per player in recreational small-sided football games. Ten recreational active male football participants (mean±standard deviation, age: 20.1±1.1 years; height: 182.2±7.4 cm; body mass: 75.9±9.8 kg) completed two sessions comprising 2x20 min of 5v5 football with 80 and 60 m2 per player, during which heart rate (HR) and movement pattern were measured. In 80 m2, mean HR (167±9 vs. 160±10 b.p.m., P<0.001, ES=0.70) and peak HR (192±8 vs. 188±9 b.p.m., P=0.041, ES=0.50) were significantly higher than in 60 m2. Percentage playing time with HR >90%HRpeak was higher in 80 m2 than 60 m2 (45±14 vs. 29±16%, P=0.004, ES=1.07). Moreover, a higher number of sprints (8.0±4.8 vs. 3.0±1.3, P=0.014, ES=1.41) and a greater distance in the highest speed zones (>13, >16 and >20 km·h1) were covered in 80 m2 than 60 m2. Peak running speed was also higher in 80 m2 (24.3±1.7 vs. 22.3±1.4 km·h-1, P=0.011, ES=1.27), whereas no statistically significant differences were found in total distance covered, player load, or the acceleration-deceleration profiles. In conclusion, the internal and external loading was higher for recreationally active male football players when playing on a pitch with 80 m2 area per player compared to 60 m2.

Towards the use of multidimensional performance indicators in football small-sided games: the effects of pitch orientation

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to compare youth football players’ performance during two small-sided games with different pitch orientation: i) 40x30m and ii) 30x40m formats. Twenty under-15 players (age = 14.1 ± 0.5 years) participated in nine GK+4vs4+GK situations in each format, with the duration of six minutes each. Positional data were collected using individual GPS units, and computed for tactical and physical performance indicators. The SSG were video recorded, using notational analysis for collecting technical indicators. A novel method that incorporates time dependent notational information with spatiotemporal data was used to compute multidimensional parameters. Standardised effect sizes and non-clinical magnitude-based inferences were used to compare formats. Results showed that players covered more distance at higher intensities, presented more passes and dribbles and were more synchronised in the longitudinal axis while playing in the 40x30m pitch. In the 30x40m pitch, results showed a lower distance between team centroids, higher number of shots, more lateral passes and a wider team positioning. Multidimensional indicators, as players position and distance to the closest defender while shooting, revealed a more constant distance between attacker and defender in the 40x30m pitch. These results highlight the importance of integrating information from different indicators for a contextually valid information.

Effects of pitch spatial references on players’ positioning and physical performances during football small-sided games

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to identify the effects of adding spatial references during football small-sided games in youth players’ tactical and physical performance. Twelve under-15 players performed a Gk+ 6v6+ Gk game under two playing conditions: (i) without spatial references (CONTROL condition); (ii) with spatial references, by dividing equally the pitch into three corridors and three sectors (experimental situation, LINES). Players’ positional data was used to compute time-motion and tactical-related variables. The results revealed that performance under LINES situation increased the regularity in the zones occupied (~14%, Cohen’s d: 0.5; ±0.3; p = 0.003) and in the distance between teammates’ dyads (~19%, 0.9; ±0.2; p < 0.001). Oppositely, LINES condition decreased the longitudinal synchronization of players’ displacements (0.4; ±0.2; p = 0.002), players’ average speed (0.5; ±0.3; p = 0.002) and distance covered at lower (0.9; ±0.3; p < 0.001) and moderate speed (0.5; ±0.3; p < 0.001). Adding spatial references seems to promote a more structured pattern of play and increase positional regularity. However, coaches should be aware that this constraint may decrease the synchronization between players. Overall, these findings may be generalized to most invasion team sports.

Improved cognitive performance in preadolescent Danish children after the school-based physical activity programme “FIFA 11 for Health” for Europe – A cluster-randomised controlled trial

Objective: Recent studies have shown promising effects of physical activity on cognitive function, but there is a need to investigate this link in real-life settings such as schools. Hence, the objective of the present pilot study was to investigate whether the school-based physical activity programme “FIFA 11 for Health” for Europe could improve cognitive performance in preadolescent Danish children. Methods: The pilot study used an 11-week cluster-randomised intervention study design. School classes were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG) (n = 93 children, age = 11.8, s = 0.2 years), which performed the obligatory daily school-based physical activity (5 × 45 minutes per week); or an intervention group (IG) (n = 838 children, age = 11.9, s = 0.4 years), which substituted 2 × 45 minutes per week of the daily school physical activity with the “FIFA 11 for Health” for Europe programme. The programme combines small-sided football games, drills and health education. Cognitive performance was evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Results: The IG improved their cognitive performance compared to the CG for psychomotor function (56, sx– = 22 ms, p < .001), attention (39, sx– = 17 ms, p = .012) and working memory (79, sx– = 35 ms, p = .020). Conclusion: This pilot study provides evidence that the school-based physical activity programme “FIFA 11 for Health” for Europe can improve cognitive performance in preadolescent Danish schoolchildren. Future studies should attempt to disentangle the effects of “FIFA 11 for Health” for Europe on cognitive performance by investigating the characteristics of the programme’s physical activity.

Effects of recreational football on women's fitness and health: adaptations and mechanisms.

The review describes the fitness and health effects of recreational football in women aged 18-65years. The review documents that 2 × 1h of recreational football training for 12-16weeks causes marked improvements in maximal oxygen uptake (5-15%) and myocardial function in women. Moreover, mean arterial blood pressure was shown to decrease by 2-5mmHg in normotensive women and 6-8mmHg in hypertensive women. This review also show that short-term (< 4months) and medium-term (4-16months) recreational football training has major beneficial impact on metabolic health profile in women, with fat losses of 1-3kg and improvements in blood lipid profile. Lastly, 2 × 1h per week of recreational football training for women elevates lower extremity bone mineralisation by 1-5% and whole-body bone mineralization by 1-2% within 4-12-month interventions. These training adaptations are related to the high heart rates, high number of fast runs, and multiple changes of direction and speed occurring during recreational football training for untrained women. In conclusion, regular small-sided football training for women is an intense and versatile type of training that combines elements of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), endurance training and strength training, thereby providing optimal stimuli for cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness. Recreational football, therefore, seems to be an effective tool for prevention and treatment of lifestyle diseases in young and middle-aged women, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes and osteopenia. Future research should elucidate effects of football training for elderly women, and as treatment and rehabilitation of breast cancer patients and other women patient groups.

Movement pattern and physiological response in recreational small-sided football – effect of number of players with a fixed pitch size

ABSTRACTRecreational soccer is an effective health-promoting activity, but it is unclear how different game formats influence internal and external load. Thus, to be able to advise how to maximise the outcome of recreational football, we examined movement pattern and physiological response in 11 untrained men (32.6 ± 6.7 yrs, 23.3 ± 4.9 fat%, 43.4 ± 5.3 ml·min−1·kg−1) during three football sessions comprising 4 × 12 min of 3v3, 5v5 or 7v7 with a constant pitch size of 20 × 40 m. Movement pattern, heart rate (HR), blood lactate and RPE were measured during and after the 12-min periods. Greater (P < 0.05) total distance and high-speed distance was covered during 3v3 than 5v5 (14 and 30%) and 7v7 (15 and 75%). Mean HR was higher in 3v3 (85.7 ± 5.7%HRmax) and 5v5 (84.2 ± 5.1%HRmax) than in 7v7 (80.7 ± 4.6%HRmax, P < 0.05) and percentage time >90%HR was higher in 3v3 (43 ± 18%, P < 0.05) than in 5v5 (28 ± 21%) and 7v7 (18 ± 14%). Blood lactate was higher in 3v3 (7.4 ± 2.7 mmol·l−1) than in 7v7 (4.5 ± 2.2 mmol·l−1, P < 0.001) but not in 5v5 (6.1 ± 2.1 mmol·l−1, P = 0.061). RPE was higher in 3v3 (6.7 ± 2.3, P < 0.01) than in 5v5 (5.2 ± 2.2) and 7v7 (4.3 ± 2.3). In conclusion, higher external and internal load was found with fewer players, when the pitch size is fixed.

Fitness Effects of 10-Month Frequent Low-Volume Ball Game Training or Interval Running for 8-10-Year-Old School Children.

We investigated the exercise intensity and fitness effects of frequent school-based low-volume high-intensity training for 10 months in 8–10-year-old children. 239 Danish 3rd-grade school children from four schools were cluster-randomised into a control group (CON, n = 116) or two training groups performing either 5 × 12 min/wk small-sided football plus other ball games (SSG, n = 62) or interval running (IR, n = 61). Whole-body DXA scans, flamingo balance, standing long-jump, 20 m sprint, and Yo-Yo IR1 children's tests (YYIR1C) were performed before and after the intervention. Mean running velocity was higher (p < 0.05) in SSG than in IR (0.88 ± 0.14 versus 0.63 ± 0.20 m/s), while more time (p < 0.05) was spent in the highest player load zone (>2; 5.6 ± 3.4 versus 3.7 ± 3.4%) and highest HR zone (>90% HRmax; 12.4 ± 8.9 versus 8.4 ± 8.0%) in IR compared to SSG. After 10 months, no significant between-group differences were observed for YYIR1C performance and HR after 2 min of YYIR1C (HRsubmax), but median-split analyses showed that HRsubmax was reduced (p < 0.05) in both training groups compared to CON for those with the lowest aerobic fitness (SSG versus CON: 3.2% HRmax [95% CI: 0.8–5.5]; IR versus CON: 2.6% HRmax [95% CI: 1.1–5.2]). After 10 months, IR had improved (p < 0.05) 20 m sprint performance (IR versus CON: 154 ms [95% CI: 61–241]). No between-group differences (p > 0.05) were observed for whole-body or leg aBMD, lean mass, postural balance, or jump length. In conclusion, frequent low-volume ball games and interval running can be conducted over a full school year with high intensity rate but has limited positive fitness effects in 8–10-year-old children.

Cardiac Structure and Function in Men with Prostate Cancer Receiving Androgen-Deprivation Therapy and the Effects of Recreational Small-Sided Football Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone in prostate cancer (PCa) management that prolongs PCa-free and overall survival, but effects of ADT on human cardiac function have not been investigated. We used echocardiography to examine cardiac structure and function in patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT and to determine whether an exercise intervention can elicit cardiac adaptations in these subjects. Methods: Forty-three patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT were randomized to 12 weeks football training (ST group; n = 20) or usual care (control [CO] group; n = 23). Cardiac function was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks by comprehensive echocardiography. Peak oxygen consumption, blood pressure and peripheral microvascular function was also measured. Results: At baseline, no considerable echocardiographic abnormalities were observed. In the ST group, increases in left ventricular diastolic function variables including E/A ratio (P = 0.03), E’ (P = 0.016), E’TDIcolor (P = 0.040) and in left atrial diameter (P = 0.001) were observed after 12 weeks. In addition, diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.027) and resting heart rate (P < 0.001) were reduced after ST. In the CO group, no significant changes were observed in the examined variables after 12 weeks. Despite within group changes in the ST group, no significant differences were observed after 12 weeks between groups in echocardiographic variables, peak oxygen consumption, blood pressure and peripheral microvascular function. Conclusion: In men with prostate cancer receiving ADT, echocardiography showed no abnormalities in cardiac structure and function. Twelve weeks of ST failed to elicit significant cardiovascular adaptations and ADT may blunt cardiovascular adaptations to short-term exercise training.

Retracted article: Football and physical health: what do we know?

AbstractOur current understanding is that football is a popular intervention option and can offer valuable health improvement programme success. This includes interventions delivered by professional football clubs and their respective in the community programmes, as well as other sports clubs organizing recreational football and Football Fitness, which is small-sided football training rather than competitive 11v11 matches. This article seeks to communicate an understanding of the role of football in physical health improvement using research, grey literature and policy documentation undertaken predominantly across the UK and Europe. The core themes that emerge from the review include the following health conditions and behaviours: overweight and obese, cardiovascular disease and lifestyle-related diseases; and the following target groups: children and young people, men, women and older adults, including Black, minority and ethnic groups. The evidence supports the health effects of football for these condi...

Differences in strength and speed demands between 4v4 and 8v8 small-sided football games

ABSTRACTThe aims of this study were (i) to characterise the acceleration demands of two different formats of small-sided game (SSG), i.e., 4v4 + goalkeepers (4v4 + GK) and 8v8 + goalkeepers (8v8 + GK); (ii) to analyse the correlation between performance in power-based tests and acceleration-based physical loading during the two different SSG formats and (iii) to analyse the neuromuscular-induced fatigue. Eighteen adult male footballers participated in the study (20.7 ± 1.0 years, 178 ± 5 cm and 71.4 ± 2.1 kg). Baseline measurements were obtained from countermovement jumps, 15 s repeated jumps and 5 and 15 m sprints. A total of 36 min was analysed for each SSG (4v4 + GK: two sets of 3 × 6 min, and 8v8 + GK: 2 × 18 min). Heart rate, blood lactate, perceived exertion and movement pattern (GPS) were analysed. Distances covered by very-high-intensity activities and very-high-speed running were lower in 4v4 + GK than in 8v8 + GK (effect sizes (ES) = −0.69 ± 0.67 and −1.04 ± 0.67, respectively; very likely), while accelerations and decelerations were higher in 4v4 + GK than in 8v8 + GK (ES = 1.13–1.52; almost certainly). Blood lactate concentrations were higher (ES = 1.40 ± 0.58; almost certainly) and players perceived themselves to be more tired (ES = 0.80–2.31; almost certainly) after 4v4 + GK than after 8v8 + GK. Sprint ability in 5 and 15 m tests decreased (ES = 0.87 ± 0.58 and 0.89 ± 0.58, respectively; almost certainly) only after 4v4 + GK. This SSG format appeared more demanding in relation to repetitions and fatigue development of muscle power-based actions than 8v8 + GK. It may therefore be logical to use the former type of SSG to target development of power-related football actions.