Goal Keeper Research Articles

A contrastive study in some body measurements and functional variables between the goal keepers and the futsal goalkeepers

The research aims to: - Identify the differences in the morphological and functional variables between soccer goalkeepers and futsal soccer goalkeepers. The researchers hypothesized the following: - There are significant differences in the morphological and functional variables between soccer goalkeepers and futsal soccer goalkeepers. The researchers used the descriptive method in a comparative method for its suitability to the nature of the research. The research community consisted of football goalkeepers in the northern region of the clubs (Al-Fatwa Al-Riyadi, Nineveh workers, Nineveh, Mosul, Mosul youth, Balad, Ashti), which were numbered (10) guards, and Marmara futsal guards for the clubs, which were numbered (10) and thus the research sample consisted of (20) goalkeepers the researchers used the following methods to collect information Morphological measurements, which are divided into (anthropometric measurements and body building variables), Functional measurements The researchers concluded the following: - Football coaches and futsal coaches in selecting players are depending on the variable total body length and the variable of leg height. - Football coaches and futsal coaches are indifferent about the importance of functional variables in the selection process. - There is no separation between soccer goalkeeper exercises and soccer goalkeeper exercises for futsal, and this was reflected in the results of the comparison in the functional variables

T-pattern analysis of offensive and defensive actions of youth football goalkeepers.

Nowadays, football goalkeepers (GKs) play an important role in the team's organization, namely, considering the offensive and defensive processes. The purpose of our investigation focuses on the notational and T-pattern analysis of the offensive and defensive actions of elite young football GKs. The participating GKs (n = 3, mean age of 16.6 years) presented 8 years of experience in the specific position, were internationally selected for the national team of Portugal, and competed in the national U-17 championship of Portugal. Thirty football matches were observed. The observational sample consisted of defensive actions (n = 225) and offensive actions (n = 296). Two observational instruments were used to codify the actions: the observation system of defensive technical-tactical actions of GKs and the observation system of offensive technical-tactical actions of GKs. Both instruments underwent a validation process, and inter- and intra-observer reliability was tested. The codification of the actions was performed with the LINCE program, and later the data were exported to Microsoft Excel and THEME 5.0. The notational data were analyzed in SPSS, and T-pattern detection analysis was performed in THEME 5.0. The predominant actions of young observed GKs were fundamentally goal defense and participation in the team's offensive process construction through actions performed with the foot and hand. The analysis of T-patterns allowed to identify T-pattern actions in the defensive actions of goal defense and exit of the goal, as well as related to the defensive set pieces. In the offensive process, the analysis of T-patterns reinforced the participation of the GK in the team's first phase of construction and in the execution of goal kicks and actions that start as a result of the actions of the opponent. The GK's defensive actions are mostly focused on the objective of goal defense and offensive actions with the hands and feet are important for their participation in positional attack construction. Our study contributes to a better knowledge of the GK's actions in the competition and is relevant to be considered by the specific position coaches in the training process organization.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Family-Centered Technology in Complex Care: Feasibility Study.

BackgroundCare coordination is challenging but crucial for children with medical complexity (CMC). Technology-based solutions are increasingly prevalent but little is known about how to successfully deploy them in the care of CMC.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of GoalKeeper (GK), an internet-based system for eliciting and monitoring family-centered goals for CMC, and to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation.MethodsWe used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of GK as part of a clinical trial of GK in ambulatory clinics at a children’s hospital (NCT03620071). The study was conducted in 3 phases: preimplementation, implementation (trial), and postimplementation. For the trial, we recruited providers at participating clinics and English-speaking parents of CMC<12 years of age with home internet access. All participants used GK during an initial clinic visit and for 3 months after. We conducted preimplementation focus groups and postimplementation semistructured exit interviews using the CFIR interview guide. Participant exit surveys assessed GK feasibility and acceptability on a 5-point Likert scale. For each interview, 3 independent coders used content analysis and serial coding reviews based on the CFIR qualitative analytic plan and assigned quantitative ratings to each CFIR construct (–2 strong barrier to +2 strong facilitator).ResultsPreimplementation focus groups included 2 parents (1 male participant and 1 female participant) and 3 providers (1 in complex care, 1 in clinical informatics, and 1 in neurology). From focus groups, we developed 3 implementation strategies: education (parents: 5-minute demo; providers: 30-minute tutorial and 5-minute video on use in a clinic visit; both: instructional manual), tech support (in-person, virtual), and automated email reminders for parents. For implementation (April 1, 2019, to December 21, 2020), we enrolled 11 providers (7 female participants, 5 in complex care) and 35 parents (mean age 38.3, SD 7.8 years; n=28, 80% female; n=17, 49% Caucasian; n=16, 46% Hispanic; and n=30, 86% at least some college). One parent-provider pair did not use GK in the clinic visit, and few used GK after the visit. In 18 parent and 9 provider exit interviews, the key facilitators were shared goal setting, GK’s internet accessibility and email reminders (parents), and GK’s ability to set long-term goals and use at the end of visits (providers). A key barrier was GK’s lack of integration into the electronic health record or patient portal. Most parents (13/19) and providers (6/9) would recommend GK to their peers.ConclusionsFamily-centered technologies like GK are feasible and acceptable for the care of CMC, but sustained use depends on integration into electronic health records.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03620071; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03620071

MODEL ALAT PELONTAR BOLA FUTSAL (ZPD 02) UNTUK KETERAMPILAN TEKNIK PERMAINAN FUTSAL

The purpose of this study was to develop a futsal ball thrower for skill training in futsal game. The development was conducted in order to advance the previous machine which already existed to be more maximum in helping the athlete for exercising futsal skills. The developed machine was equipped with: 1) A basket which can storage 5 balls; 2) The various speed of ejection; 3) Two ejection heads which the angle can be set up; 4) Manual and automatic operation; 5) Flexibility that the machine can be move in every direction (left, right, center, upper, and lower). Those features can be used to train some futsal skills in shooting, heading, controlling, passing, volley kick, and reaction training for goal keeper. The study used Research and Development of Borg and Gall with 10 stages such as: 1) Research and information gathering; 2) Planning; 3) Early form of product development; 4) Field pretest; 5) Main product revision; 6) Main field test; 7) Product operational revision; 8) Operational field test; 9) Final revision of the product; and 10) The dissemination and implementation of the product result of the ball throwing machine model (ZPD 02) for futsal skill training.

A Comparison of the External and Internal Demands Imposed during Conditioning Training and Match-Play in Semi-Professional and Development Female Netball Players.

This case series, team-based study aimed to compare the demands imposed during conditioning training and match-play in netball players. Female netball players competing at semi-professional (n = 9, age: 22.2 ± 3.8 years) and development (n = 9, age: 22.3 ± 2.9 years) levels had their internal (rating of perceived exertion (RPE)) and external (relative PlayerLoad (PL) in total and in the forwards, sideways, and vertical vectors) loads measured during conditioning-based training sessions and matches in a season. Demand variables were compared between conditioning and match-play across all players and according to position in each playing level. Conditioning training imposed higher relative PL in total and in each vector compared to match-play in semi-professional and development players (small to large effects). In contrast, RPE was significantly (p = 0.006) higher during match-play than conditioning training in semi-professional and development players (medium effects). Furthermore, according to playing position, significantly higher relative PL variables were evident during conditioning training than match-play in wing attack and goalkeeper semi-professional players and in goal attack, goal shooter, goal keeper, and goal defence development players. These results suggest conditioning training practices elicit adequate external intensities but inadequate internal intensities relative to match-play across positions in semi-professional and development netball players.

The influence of numerical variability in small-sided games on youth football goalkeepers’ tactical-technical behaviour

PurposeThe main purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the tactical-technical behaviour of football goalkeepers (GKs) across 5 small-sided games (SSGs) formats with temporary numerical variability.MethodsThe sample involved 4 male under-17 GKs from the same team aged 16.1 ± 0.52 years. Three sessions were held on 3 different days to collect information. On each day, the 10-minute SSGs exercise with temporary numerical variability was repeated twice. The numerical ratio of players changed every 2 minutes without interrupting the practice. The exercise always started with a situation of 3 vs. 3 + GK (‘+ GK’ for both teams in each format), going through 4 vs. 3 + GK, 5 vs. 3 + GK, 3 vs. 4 + GK, and 3 vs. 5 + GK.ResultsThe 3 vs. 3 + GK format and the numeric superiority by 1 and 2 (4 vs. 3 + GK and 5 vs. 3 + GK) induced fewer defensive tasks in comparison with numeric inferiority (3 vs. 4 + GK and 3 vs. 5 + GK). From an offensive perspective, 3 vs. 3 + GK caused more offensive tasks in comparison with numeric superiority by 1 and 2 (4 vs. 3 + GK and 5 vs. 3 + GK). However, the game formats in numeric inferiority (3 vs. 4 + GK and 3 vs. 5 + GK) induced more offensive tasks.ConclusionsThis study suggests the use of temporary numerical variability SSGs to increase offensive and defensive GK tactical-technical behaviour.

Using multiple machine learning algorithms to classify elite and sub-elite goalkeepers in professional men\u2019s football

This study applied multiple machine learning algorithms to classify the performance levels of professional goalkeepers (GK). Technical performances of GK’s competing in the elite divisions of England, Spain, Germany, and France were analysed in order to determine which factors distinguish elite GK’s from sub-elite GK’s. A total of (n = 14,671) player-match observations were analysed via multiple machine learning algorithms (MLA); Logistic Regressions (LR), Gradient Boosting Classifiers (GBC) and Random Forest Classifiers (RFC). The results revealed 15 common features across the three MLA’s pertaining to the actions of passing and distribution, distinguished goalkeepers performing at the elite level from those that do not. Specifically, short distribution, passing the ball successfully, receiving passes successfully, and keeping clean sheets were all revealed to be common traits of GK’s performing at the elite level. Moderate to high accuracy was reported across all the MLA’s for the training data, LR (0.7), RFC (0.82) and GBC (0.71) and testing data, LR (0.67), RFC (0.66) and GBC (0.66). Ultimately, the results discovered in this study suggest that a GK’s ability with their feet and not necessarily their hands are what distinguishes the elite GK’s from the sub-elite.

The Effect of compound exercises using the (RANDOM SHOT) device and the electronc goal ln developing the speed of the motor response and the rapid ability of the two goal keepers youth football halls

The research problem shaped through the entry of complex exercises with the introduction of scientific devices as a Random Shot, and the electronic goal when applying goalkeepers exercises for the national football team for halls. Through the experience of the researchers in the field and academic field, and on students, researchers and personal interviews with football coaches, as well as their follow up on the training course. The two researches noticed that there was a variation in the movement response and ability of the goalkeepers' feet. This may be attributed to the lack of interest of trainers in training these two abilities. As well as, the lack of equipment and tools that accompany exercises which allow for diversity and change to occur, it is regarded as one of the important rules in training. Therefore, this study came to shed light on such exercises according to the scientific foundations that are related to the actual training components that are related to the characterized by physical and movement capabilities for the purpose of bringing about development in the level of these capabilities for goalkeepers by introducing training methods and assistive devices like the electronic goal and Random Shot. As well as, applying complex exercises accompanied by audio and visual effects to spread enthusiasm and move away from boredom and monotony for the trainees in an effort to develop the physical and movement side. An objective of research and monotony for the trainers were preparing compound exercises using Random Shot and electronic goal in developing the speed of the motor response and the rapid ability of the feet of the football goalkeepers for halls. As for imposing search, there are statistically significant differences between the results of the pre and post-tests of the kinetic response and rapid ability to the feet of the goalkeepers of the youth football team for halls. As for the research sample was deliberately chosen, consisted of four goalkeepers where the reconnaissance experiment was conducted on two goalkeepers within the research sample. After that, pretests were conducted for the research sample, and then, apply exercises using assistive devices where they were implemented in the main part of the training unit, with 24 units divided into 3 training units per week for a period of 2 months. After that, the posttests of the research sample were performed. Statistical methods were used to process the data. The two researchers concluded that combined exercises using devices helped effectively to develop the speed of movement response and the rapid ability of football goalkeepers feet for halls. One of the most important recommendations is the necessity of using modern training methods and the emphasis on the aspect of developing the speed of movement response and rapid ability of the goalkeeper, because it is one of the most physical characteristics on which the defensive and offensive duties of a goalkeeper depend

Effects of Pitch Size and Goalkeeper Participation on Physical Load Measures during Small-Sided Games in Sub-Elite Professional Soccer Players

This study sought to examine the variations of internal and external load measures in soccer players when performing different types of 4 vs. 4 small-sided games (SSGs). Ten U-23 professional and sub-elite soccer players, eight outfield players (age: 20.1 ± 1.5 years old; height: 1.83 ± 0.04 m; total body mass: 76.1 ± 3.6 kg) and two goalkeepers (GK) (age: 20.5 ± 2.1 years old; height: 1.91 ± 0.04 m; total body mass: 77.0 ± 1.4 kg) participated in the study. Five SSGs were performed with 3 min duration and 3 min rest interval. SSG1, SSG2 and SSG4 aimed for ball possession play, while in SSG3 and SSG5, two GK were added, defending regular-size goals. The pitch size changed from SSG1 (16 × 24 m) to SSG2 and SSG3 (both 20 × 30 m) and SSG4 and SSG5 (both 24 × 36 m). All players were monitored using WIMU Pro device during the tasks. Anova One-Way and the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference were used for analysis of statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) and effect sizes were determined by calculating partial eta-squared. The framework was associated with relevant but steady state internal load fatigue and induce a considerable external load stimulus. GK participation in SSGs should be carefully considered as it seems to have a greater impact on physical load measures when compared to the pitch size manipulation.

An Analysis of Register of the Football Terms Used in online News of the BOLA Magazine

This study deals with the register analysis of the Football terms used by journalist in the online media of “BOLA” news magazine. This study focused on the lexical and phrasal items of the grammatical features and contextual meaning of the register in the football terms. This study is deigned qualitatively. The findings show that there are 22 for lexical items, and 24 for phrasal items. Thus, in term of lexical mostly used by journalists in writing the terms of football lexically come to” team” and “youngster”. On the other hand, the mostly phrasal items found in the online media of BOLA news come to “Top scorer” with 6 occurrences (25%). The second places comes to “ Mid-week” with 3 occurrences (12.5%). This study can be concluded that the use of the lexical items of “youngster”, this register refers to the social context that football mostly played by young people. While in term of phrasal items come to the term of “Top scorer” to identify a player who has created or scores the most goals in a match. This term relates to the social context in term of the skill to kick the ball inside the goal keeper. On the other side, the use of the “Mid-week” is used to relate with the time of the match.Keywords: Register, Football terms, and Online News.

Injuries and Pain Associated with Goalkeeping in Football—Review of the Literature

Knowledge and research about football goalkeeper (GK) injuries are scarce, which prevents the development of evidence-based injury prevention programs. Fortunately, progress is evident in injury prevention strategies in outfield football players. However, a GK fulfills a unique role, and an injured GK can substantially impact a team. Thus, there is a need to clarify and summarize current knowledge concerning football goalkeeper pain and injuries. This narrative review aims to present the best-evidence synthesis of knowledge about football GK injuries and pain, their type, location, and incidence. A secondary aim is to contrast these findings with outfield players and identify knowledge gaps. Scientific databases were searched for the following indexed terms: goalkeeper, injury, soccer, and football. Original papers, including case studies and systematic reviews published from August 1994 to March 2021, were screened for relevance using a priori criteria and reviewed. Commonly described injuries are fractures, luxation and dislocations in the fingers, hand and wrist. The quadriceps femoris and forearms muscles are the most frequently described muscle and tendon injuries. Further, football GK injuries differ in type, location, and incidence compared to outfield players. Whether GKs suffer fewer injuries than players in other positions, whether GK suffer more injuries in training than matches, and whether they sustain more upper limb injuries comparing to field players is still unclear and controversial. Few studies assess pain, and current data point to the development of hip and groin, thigh, knee, arm and forearm pain resulting from training and match play. Due to the crucial role of GK in the football team, it is recommended to use the injury burden as a parameter considering the number and time-loss of injuries in future studies.

Somatotype, Accumulated Workload, and Fitness Parameters in Elite Youth Players: Associations with Playing Position.

The purpose of this study was three-fold: (1) to describe anthropometric, maturation, and somatotype differences of players based on playing positions; (2) to analyze variations of accumulated load training (AcL) and fitness parameters between playing positions; and finally (3) to explain the variation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and peak power (PP) through the AcL, body fat (BF), maturity, somatotype and fitness levels. Twenty-seven male youth soccer players under-16 were divided by the following positions participated in this study: six central midfielders, four wingers (WG), five forwards, eight defenders, and four goalkeepers (GK). They were evaluated on two occasions: pre-season and after-season. Height, sitting height, body mass, BF, girths, percentage of BF (BF%), lean body mass, maturity, somatotype, sprint test, change of direction test, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1, Wingate, PP, VO2max and fatigue index were assessed. Then, AcL was monitored during training sessions. The main results revealed significant differences between player positions for maturity offset (p = 0.001), for BF (p = 0.006), BF% (p = 0.015), and lean body mass kg (p = 0.003). Also, there were significant differences for AcL and fatigue index in pre-season between player positions (p < 0.05). In addition, there were some significant differences in pre- and after-season for VO2max and PP between player positions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GK showed higher values in anthropometric, body composition variables and maturity offset compared to the other positions, while WG presented lower levels of BF. In pre-season, there were more differences by player positions for the different variables analyzed than after-season that reinforces the tactical role of the positions, and the emphasis in increased load in the beginning of the season. This study could be used by coaches, staff, and researchers as a reference for athletes of the same sex, age, and competitive level.

Media and suicidal behaviour

Media coverage of suicidal behaviour can induce copycat suicides. This has been clearly confirmed by analysis of suicides following the huge media coverage of the railway suicide of the German national goal keeper in 2009. A socalled ‘Werther effect’ was not only visible in Germany, but also in neighbouring countries (1). Even more disturbing is the fact that these effects were not only short-lived, but a higher number of railway suicides was observed compared to baseline over a two year period (2). Increased cognitive availability of railway suicides might explain this finding. It adds to the important discussion concerning the risks and benefits of public antisuicidal campaigns. Destigmatisaton and normalisation of suicidal behaviour will on the one hand, facilitate helpseeking behaviour of people at risk, but on the other hand, will lower the threshold for committing suicide. Even when the wording within a antisuicide campaign is in line with recomendations of media guidelines, secondary reporting e.g. within social media will not be controllable. Social media are likely to contribute to the spreading and the choice of more lethal suicide methods, as has been shown for carbon monoxide poisoning and poisoning by other gasses (3). An increase of knowledge about and access to more lethal poisoning methods will have a major impact on suicide rates. 1) KOBURGER et al (2015), J Affect Disord 185:38-46 2) HEGERL et al (2013), J Affect Disord. 146: 39-44. 3) PAUL et al (2017), PLoS One 12: e0190136.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

A STUDY ON SELECTED ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES AND BACK MUSCLE STRENGTH IN STATE LEVEL FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF MAHARASHTRA

Football is a sport composed of many athletic components and requires different physical attributes and skills from the individual. There are different playing positions which are goal keepers, defenders, mid fielders and strikers. Purpose of the study was to evaluate the relation between different playing positions with selected anthropometric variables and back muscle strength in state level football players. Design of the study was based on cross sectional research. Sample of 106 male footballers of age group 16-25 years were included in the study and were selected from various football clubs of Maharashtra, India. In results, statistically significant differences (p ≤0.015-0.001) were noted in height, weight, tibia length, femur length and total leg length between goalkeepers and defenders. Statistically significant differences (p ≤0.018-0.001) were noted in height, weight, tibia length, femur length, total leg length and trunk length between goalkeepers and mid fielders. Statistically significant differences (p ≤0.019-0.002) were noted in height, weight, tibia length and total leg length between goalkeepers and strikers. There was no statistically significant difference between defenders and mid fielders; and between the mid fielders and strikers.&#x0D; Keywords: anthropometry, back strength, football, kinetics.

Identification, Computational Examination, Critical Assessment and Future Considerations of Spatial Tactical Variables to Assess the Use of Space in Team Sports by Positional Data: A Systematic Review.

The aim of the review was to identify the spatial tactical variables used to assess the use of space in team sports using positional data. In addition, we examined computational methods, performed a critical assessment and suggested future considerations. We considered four electronic databases. A total of 3973 documents were initially retrieved and only 15 articles suggested original spatial variables or different computation methods. Spatial team sport tactical variables can be classified into 3 principal types: occupied space, total field coverage by several players; exploration space, the mean location (±standard deviations in X- and Y-directions) of the player/team during the entire game; and dominant/influence space, the region the players can reach before any other players. Most of the studies, i.e., 55%, did not include goalkeepers (GKs) and total playing space to assess occupied space, however, several proposed new variables that considered that all playing space could be “played” (i.e. effective free-space, normalized surface area). Only a collective exploration space variable has been suggested: the major range of the geometrical centre (GC). This suggestion could be applied to assess collective exploration space variables at a sub-system level. The measurement of the dominant/influence space has been based on the Voronoi region (i.e. distance d criteria), but several studies also based their computation on the time (t). In addition, several weighted dominant areas have been suggested. In conclusion, the use of spatial collective tactical variables considering the principal structural traits of each team sport (e.g. players of both teams, the location of the space with respect to the goal, and the total playing space) is recommended.

PENGARUH LATIHAN MENGGUNAKAN BOLA TENIS TERHADAP KECEPATAN REAKSI DAN KONSENTRASI KIPER FUTSAL UNESA

Goalkeepers have a very big role in the game of futsal. The futsal attack and defense game starts from the goal keeper. A futsal goalkeeper must have good concentration and speed to play futsal. According to observations made by researchers, the obstacles that exist in the goalkeeper are the ability to react speed and concentration to catch the ball due to the lack of variation in training methods. Therefore, with the practice of using a tennis ball, a goalkeeper is expected to be able to practice skills, especially reaction speed and concentration in catching the ball well, which can support the quality of a futsal goalkeeper. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an effect of training using a tennis ball on the reaction speed and concentration of futsal goalkeeper Unesa. This research is an experimental study using the One-Group Pretest-Posttest design. The population in this study were all male futsal goalkeepers Unesa, totaling 10 goalkeepers. The technique used to take samples is saturated sampling technique. Data analysis in this study used the normality test, homegeneity test, and test. Based on the results of the data analysis carried out, it was stated that there was a less significant increase from training using tennis balls on the reaction speed and concentration of the Unesa futsal goalkeeper as evidenced by a significance value of 0.011 &lt;0.05 and 0.000 &lt;0.05.

Anthropometry and Body Composition of Elite Brazilian Soccer Players according to the Playing Position

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the differences in anthropometric characteristics and body composition of elite soccer athletes, according to playing position and function performed. Methods: Ninety-seven elite athletes (24.68 ± 4.21 years) from a first division team of Brazilian soccer were assessed for body mass, stature and seven skinfolds, to determine body mass index, fat percentage, as well as fat mass and fat-free mass. Differences in the anthropometric characteristics and body composition, according to playing positions and function performed were evaluated with the Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA).Quantitative chances of finding differences and effect sizes (ES) were also interpreted. Results: Goalkeepers (GO) and central defenders (CD) had likely to most likely higher stature and body mass than fullbacks (FB), defensive (DM) and offensive (OM) midfielders, and forwards (FW) (ES varying between 0.92 and 2.62); DM had also higher body mass than OM (ES=1.04). GO likely to very likely had higher body fat percentage and fat-free mass than other positions (ES varying between 1.49 and 2.07). OM likely to very likely had lower fat mass than GO, CD and DM (ES varying between 1.04 to 2.06). FB likely to very likely had also lower fat mass than GO and CD (ES=1.29 and 1.73, respectively). Conclusion: Our results provide useful information for help coaches and other soccer professionals in the planning and control of training and nutrition in elite Brazilian soccer athletes.

Effects of Field Position on Fluid Balance and Electrolyte Losses in Collegiate Women's Soccer Players.

Background and objectives: Research investigating hydration strategies specialized for women’s soccer players is limited, despite the growth in the sport. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fluid balance and electrolyte losses in collegiate women’s soccer players. Materials and Methods: Eighteen NCAA Division I women’s soccer players were recruited (age: 19.2 ± 1.0 yr; weight: 68.5 ± 9.0 kg, and height: 168.4 ± 6.7 cm; mean ± SD), including: 3 forwards (FW), 7 mid-fielders (MD), 5 defenders (DF), and 3 goalkeepers (GK). Players practiced outdoor during spring off-season training camp for a total 14 practices (WBGT: 18.3 ± 3.1 °C). The main outcome measures included body mass change (BMC), sweat rate, urine and sweat electrolyte concentrations, and fluid intake. Results: Results were analyzed for comparison between low (LOW; 16.2 ± 2.6° C, n = 7) and moderate risk environments for hyperthermia (MOD; 20.5 ± 1.5 °C, n = 7) as well as by field position. The majority (54%) of players were in a hypohydrated state prior to practice. Overall, 26.7% of players had a %BMC greater than 0%, 71.4% of players had a %BMC less than −2%, and 1.9% of players had a %BMC greater than −2% (all MD position). Mean %BMC and sweat rate in all environmental conditions were −0.4 ± 0.4 kg (−0.5 ± 0.6% body mass) and 1.03 ± 0.21 mg·cm−2·min−1, respectively. In the MOD environment, players exhibited a greater sweat rate (1.07 ± 0.22 mg·cm−2·min−1) compared to LOW (0.99 ± 0.22 mg·cm−2·min−1; p = 0.02). By position, DF had a greater total fluid intake and a lower %BMC compared to FW, MD, and GK (all p < 0.001). FW had a greater sweat sodium (Na+) (51.4 ± 9.8 mmol·L−1), whereas GK had the lowest sweat sodium (Na+) (30.9 ± 3.9 mmol·L−1). Conclusions: Hydration strategies should target pre-practice to ensure players are adequately hydrated. Environments deemed to be of moderate risk of hyperthermia significantly elevated the sweat rate but did not influence fluid intake and hydration status compared to low-risk environments. Given the differences in fluid balance and sweat responses, recommendations should be issued relative to soccer position.

Cholestasis Differentially Affects Liver Connexins.

Connexins are goal keepers of tissue homeostasis, including in the liver. As a result, they are frequently involved in disease. The current study was set up to investigate the effects of cholestatic disease on the production of connexin26, connexin32 and connexin43 in the liver. For this purpose, bile duct ligation, a well-known trigger of cholestatic liver injury, was applied to mice. In parallel, human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures were exposed to cholestatic drugs and bile acids. Samples from both the in vivo and in vitro settings were subsequently subjected to assessment of mRNA and protein quantities as well as to in situ immunostaining. While the outcome of cholestasis on connexin26 and connexin43 varied among experimental settings, a more generalized repressing effect was seen for connexin32. This has also been observed in many other liver pathologies and could suggest a role for connexin32 as a robust biomarker of liver disease and toxicity.

Peak torque angle, acceleration time and time to peak torque as additional parameters extracted from isokinetic test in professional soccer players: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study investigated additional and traditional variables from isokinetic test of thigh muscles in soccer players across different field positions. One hundred and eighty-nine athletes performed maximal concentric isokinetic knee contractions on dominant (DL) and non-dominant limb (NDL) at 60º/s and 240º/s. The additional outcomes peak torque angle (AngPT), acceleration time (AcT) and time to peak torque (TPT) and traditional outcomes Peak torque (PT), total work (TW) and power (Pw) were extracted from the exam. Goalkeepers (GK), side backs (SB), central backs (CB), central defender midfielders (CDM), central attacking midfielders (CAM) and forwards (FW) were considered. Comparisons between limbs and positions demonstrated that SB extensors of the DL presented TPT lower (p = 0.006) and AngPT higher (p = 0.011) than NDL at 60°/s. CDM extensors of the DL showed lower TPT at 60°/s (p = 0.003) and 240°/s (p = 0.024). CAM flexors of the DL showed lower TPT (p = 0.026) and AcT (p = 0.021) at 240°/s than NDL. CB, CDM and CAM extensors of the NDL showed higher PT, TW and Pw than DL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, there are muscle imbalances between limbs in SB, CDM and CAM and across different field positions.