Group Of Soccer Players Research Articles

Does a community soccer program promote health-related quality of life in socially vulnerable Brazilian adolescents?

ABSTRACT Rationale: Understanding the impact of different sport initiatives on young people from socially vulnerable backgrounds is important. However, there remains a paucity of quantitative research on the quality of life of this group. Method: This study employed an ex post facto observational design to provide data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) from socially vulnerable Brazilian adolescents enrolled in a community soccer program (“Union Project”). Male soccer players (n = 26, 2x/week for 6 months in the soccer program) and non-players (n = 26, no participation in sports program) were included in the study. Participants answered a form about sociodemographic data and health-related quality of life perception (KIDSCREEN-27). Differences in HRQoL between players and non-players were verified by the independent t test and the effect size was estimated (Cohen’s d). Findings: Except for the School Environment dimension, soccer players presented statistically higher scores of HRQoL in comparison to non-players (P < 0.05). The Physical Well-Being dimension (d = 1.9) and the total HRQoL (d = 1.4) showed large effects in favor of the soccer player group. Research contribution: The Union Project seems to have the potential to improve the HRQoL of socially vulnerable adolescents, in which soccer players showed better scores on almost all dimensions of HRQoL compared to their peers.

The Effects of Plyometric Training on the Running Speed in Soccer

The plyometric method can be referred to as specific neuromuscular training, which may be used to optimize soccer players’ functional status and physical fitness levels. The development of functional strength, which can be repeatedly used under game conditions, is decisive for success in the games themselves. The paper aims to extend knowledge about the effects of plyometric training on running speed among soccer players. Twelve U19 soccer players from the MFK Ružomberok soccer club participated in the experiment. The control group consisted of twelve U19 soccer players from the FC Lokomotíva Košice soccer club. Both groups of soccer players performed 10-m, 30-m, and 50-m running tests and an agility T-test. From the viewpoint of determining the efficiency of the plyometric method, the testing also included tests aimed to assess ankle mobility and jump tests with and without countermovement performed with the use of Optogait. The soccer players from the experimental group participated in a 9-week intervention program that included two 30-minute training sessions per week. As regards the effects of plyometric training on running speed, soccer players improved their running speed levels in both acceleration speed and running speed with changes of direction. The results show that these changes are determined by ankle mobility and lower-body explosive power levels.

Effect of training load on lower limb power and jumping ability of professional soccer players

Research objective: The main research objective is to analyze the effects of training load on the lower limb power and jumping ability used in the maximum strength phase I during the preparatory period after the fall round league games among professional soccer players. Materials and Methods: The research material was a selected group of soccer players (n = 56) of the first Polish league, representing a similar sports level with a minimum of 4 years of training experience in the league and in the age range of 22 to 28 years. The study is focused on comparing two strength training programs which have been based on varying the intensity of training (% 1 RM). The first group performed training with an external load of 50-60% of 1RM (SG1), while the second group performed training with a load of 70-80% of 1RM (SG2). The training plan ran over 4 weeks (2 sessions per week; 4-number of series; 5-number of repetitions; 3-minute interval time between series; 2-minute interval time between exercise), with pre- and post-tests which included: anthropometry, 1RM, peak power output with 50% (unilateral), 60% (bilateral) (SG1) and 70% (unilateral), 80% 1RM (bilateral) (SG2) in the leg press, squat, and CMJ. The use of pneumatic devices the Keiser Leg Press A420 and Keiser Air Squat A300 (Keiser, Fresno, CA, USA) was used to measure the generated power of the lower limb muscles (leg press, squat). The dynamometric device Force Decks Dual Force Plate System (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) was used to measure the jumping ability (CMJ). Results: Analyzing the changes in power generated during leg presses and during squats, it should be concluded that the results in both groups improved. However, the changes in the SG1 group, using an external load of 50-60% 1RM, were significantly greater. Interestingly, in the SG2 group, using an external load of 70-80% 1RM, the level of power generated by the right lower limb during the unilateral squat decreased after training. Similarly, to the jumping ability, greater changes were recorded in the SG1 group after completing the training program. The SG1 group with training using an external load of 50-60% 1RM achieved significantly better results than the SG2 group with training using an external load of 70-80% 1RM for 7 variables: bilateral leg press, unilateral leg press (right lower limb), unilateral leg press (left lower limb), bilateral squat, unilateral squat (right lower limb), power [W/kg] and the speed [m/s] of the jump. It was also possible to observe a certain increasing trend in the results in the unilateral squat (left lower limb) and countermovement jump height (CMJ), while not statistically significant. Conclusions: The method of using moderate and heavy loads can be used in the maximum strength phase I during the preparatory period after the fall round league games as an effective solution to improve the results in terms of power and jumping ability generated by soccer players. The main findings of the present study were as follows: training with an external load of 50-60% 1RM during the preparatory period after the fall round league games is more effective in improving muscle power and jumping ability (power [W/kg] and the speed [m/s] of the jump) soccer players than training with an external load of 70-80% 1RM.

Effects of Fatigue Induced by the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test on the Performance in Execution Time and Decision-Making in Technical-Tactical Actions in Soccer (Passing and Driving) in a Laboratory Situation

Study purpose. The running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) has been developed to assess anaerobic power and fatigue levels using a repeated sprint protocol. The aim of this research was to study the effect of fatigue induced by RAST on performance in execution time (ET) and decision-making (DMA) in technical-tactical actions in soccer in a laboratory situation. Materials and methods. Quasi-experimental, longitudinal, pretest-posttest comparative study. Two groups of soccer players (n = 34) divided into a control group (n = 18) and an experimental group (n = 16) were evaluated twice at two different times. Results. Taking into account the p-value, effect size and statistical power, there are differences before and after RAST in the variables Total Index (TI) and ET, and not in DMA. On the other hand, the control group remained stable at both times. Conclusions. After the intervention, the experimental group showed a decrease in the figures of the ET and TI variables, but not in the DMA variable, in other words, the decisional time and motor time, components of the ET variable and essential at the time of rapid decision-making, increased in the posttest.

How Subtalar Kinematics Affects Knee Laxity in Soccer Players After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury?

Purpose The goal of the current study was to ascertain whether there is an association between foot pronation and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a group of elite professional soccer players. Methods Two groups of soccer players were studied, all of whom played in the Greek Super League. The ACL group included players who had suffered an ACL injury in the last 2 years. The non-ACL group was composed of players who had never suffered an ACL injury. We used a 3D baropodometric laser scanner to measure pronation or overpronation (navicular drop phenomenon) of the subtalar joint and how this affects the subtalar joint while standing. We assessed ACL laxity using the Genourob Rotab. Results ACL-injured patients, regardless of the mechanism of injury, exhibited greater navicular drop values than a randomly selected group of subjects with no history of ACL injury. Conclusion Greater knee joint laxity and subtalar pronation may be associated with an increased risk of ACL injury. Pronation of the foot appears to be a risk factor for ACL injury. These findings should be integrated into future studies to better define how neuromuscular control related to lower extremity biomechanics is associated with ACL injury.

The bone mineral density and isokinetic knee strength in amputee soccer players.

The aim of this study was to examine the isokinetic knee strength, H/Q ratio (%), and bone mineral density values between amputees (n=14; amputee soccer players) and healthy football players (n=14; non-amputee soccer players). A total of 28 amputee soccer players and non-amputee soccer players participated in the study. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine the knee flexion/extension forces of the dominant legs of the athletes at 60, 180, and 240°/s. Bone mineral density scans were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. H/Q ratio and 60º/s flexion and 180 and 240º/s flexion/extension strength (p<0.05) were found to be high (180º/s, p=0.03; 240º/s, p=0.048) in the non-amputee soccer player group. Accordingly, the bone mineral density values of the lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, proximal metaphysis of the femur (p<0.01), tibia/fibula proximal metaphysis, and tibia/fibula distal metaphysis (p<0.05) were found to be high. A correlation was observed between the 60º/s knee extension strength and tibia/fibula diaphyseal bone mineral density (p=0.025; r=0.594) and tibia/fibula distal metaphysis bone mineral density (p=0.017; r=0.623) values in the amputee soccer players group. The Z-scores of the amputee soccer players and non-amputee soccer players were in the expected range according to age (>-2). The bone mineral density, H/Q ratio, and all measured angular velocities of isokinetic strength were high in non-amputee soccer players. This finding made us think that lower extremity amputation may also be associated with losing strength. However, it was observed that the relationship between strength and bone mineral density in amputee athletes might vary according to different angular velocities. It is recommended that isokinetic strength measurement can be evaluated together with bone mineral density in athletes.

Anthropometry and body composition of young soccer players

Background: Body composition and other anthropometric measurements are important factors influencing the overall performance of an athlete. Together with motor coordination, physical fitness, physical, functional, and psychosocial conditions, as well as learned technique and tactics, a player's sports potential and probability of success can be determined. Aim of the study: Our study aimed to describe anthropometric variables and body composition of young soccer players of various ages. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 61 young soccer players in the under-15, under-16, and under-19 categories. We used a bioimpedance analyzer to measure the following indicators: body height (BH), body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), total body water (TBW), muscle mass (MM), fat mass (FM), body fat (BF) percentage, and visceral fat (VF). Results: The mean findings for the variables among players in the U-15, U-17, and U-19 groups were age (14.79 ± 0.32; 16.07 ± 0.44; 17.43 ± 0.87), BH (175.63 ± 7.36 cm; 179.89 ± 7.49 cm; 180.28 ± 6.42 cm), BM (62.32 ± 8.13 kg; 67.38 ± 8.14 kg; 73.81 ± 8.86 kg), BMI (20.15 ± 1.88 kg/m2; 20.77 ± 1.58 kg/m2; 22.68 ± 2.18 kg/m2), TBW (40.72 ± 5.19 L; 44.13 ± 5.18 L; 47.63 ± 5.58 L), MM (31.18 ± 4.26 kg; 34.06 ± 4.22 kg; 37.11 ± 4.64 kg), FM (6.8 ± 2.68 kg; 7.12 ± 2.48 kg; 8.72 ± 2.72 kg), BF (10.83 ± 3.6%; 10.47 ± 2.83%; 11.79 ± 3.09), and VF (1.83 ± 1.09; 1.89 ± 1.2; 2.61 ± 1.33). Analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences between groups in terms of age, BM, BMI, MM, and TBW. Age had a statistically significant positive correlation with BH, BM, BMI, TBW, MM, and FM. Conclusions: BM, MM, and TBW increase in the subsequent age groups of soccer players. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between age and BH, BM, BMI, TBW, MM, and FM. The conclusion from this study can help adjust training programs to the individual characteristics of a given player, which will allow for better performance and professional success.

Characteristics of Body Posture in the Sagittal Plane in 8–13-Year-Old Male Athletes Practicing Soccer

Background: An important part of a healthy lifestyle for children and adolescents is exercising to satisfy the natural need for physical activity. However, young athletes should take special care when they participate in intense physical training, to ensure their proper physical development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the body posture in the sagittal plane of soccer players in comparison with healthy untrained peers. Methods: A total of 245 young males aged 8–13 who participated in the study were divided into two groups: “Group F—Footballer”, elite youth soccer players comprising 132 male athletes, and “Group C—Control group”, consisting of 113 boys from primary schools. The elite, youth soccer players played and trained in the Gold Standard Certificate Academy for their age group and belonged to the top 1% of all players from their category, respectively (Polish Soccer Association (PZPN)). The control group consisted of healthy boys from primary schools in Wroclaw not practicing any sport. A photogrammetric method based on the projection moiré phenomenon was used to assess the body posture in all subjects. Results: The analysis showed statistically significant differences in body posture parameters in the sagittal plane between the trained (F) and non-trained (C) groups. In all age groups, a significantly higher value of the upper thoracic angle and a lower value of the trunk inclination angle were observed in the football players’ group. Significant differences were also observed for the thoracic spine in each age group. In the groups of 8–9 and 12–13 years, they concerned the angle of thoracic kyphosis, and in the group of 10–11-year-old, the depth of thoracic kyphosis. In the group of children with ages 8–9 and 10–11, significantly higher values of lumbosacral angle and upper thoracic angle were observed in the group of soccer players. Conclusions: The soccer training load can influence the anterior–posterior curvature of the spine. In the group of footballers in all age groups, higher angular values of thoracic kyphosis and greater tilt of the torso forward were found, compared with their untrained peers. There were also significant differences in body posture between children of different ages, both in the group of footballers and in the group of untrained children. In the group of footballers, the differences concerned mainly the size of the lumbosacral angle and the depth of both curves, which decreased with the age of the players. A similar phenomenon was observed in the group of untrained boys but only in children in the older age groups.

Development and Validation of Prediction Formula of Wingate Test Peak Power From Force-Velocity Test in Male Soccer Players.

Peak power of the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), either in W (Ppeak) or in W.kg–1 (rPpeak), has been widely used to evaluate the performance of soccer players; however, its relationship with force–velocity (F-v) test (e.g., whether these tests can be used interchangeably) has received little scientific attention so far. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a prediction equation of Ppeak and rPpeak from F-v characteristics in male soccer players. Participants were 158 adult male soccer players (sport experience 11.4 ± 4.5 years, mean ± standard deviation, approximately five weekly training units, age 22.6 ± 3.9 years, body mass 74.8 ± 7.8 kg, and height 178.3 ± 7.8 cm) who performed both WAnT and F-v test. An experimental (EXP, n = 79) and a control group (CON, n = 79) were used for development and validation, respectively, of the prediction equation of Ppeak and rPpeak from F-v test. In EXP, Ppeak correlated very largely with body mass (r = 0.787), fat-free mass (r = 0.765), largely with maximal power of F-v test (Pmax; r = 0.639), body mass index (r = 0.603), height (r = 0.558), moderately with theoretical maximal force (F0; r = 0.481), percentage of body fat (r = 0.471), fat mass (r = 0.443, p < 0.001); rPpeak correlated with rPmax (largely; r = 0.596, p < 0.001), theoretical maximal velocity (v0; moderately; r = 0.341, p = 0.002), F0 (small magnitude; r = 0.280, p = 0.012), BF (r = −0.230, p = 0.042), and fat mass (r = −0.242, p = 0.032). Ppeak in EXP could be predicted using the formula “44.251 + 7.431 × body mass (kg) + 0.576 × Pmax (W) – 19.512 × F0” (R = 0.912, R2 = 0.833, standard error of estimate (SEE) = 42.616), and rPpeak from “3.148 + 0.218 × rPmax (W.kg–1) + v0 (rpm)” (R = 0.765, R2 = 0.585, SEE = 0.514). Applying these formulas in CON, no bias was observed between the actual and the predicted Ppeak (mean difference 2.5 ± 49.8 W; 95% CI, −8.7, 13.6; p = 0.661) and rPpeak (mean difference 0.05 ± 0.71 W.kg–1; 95% CI, −0.11, 0.21, p = 0.525). These findings provided indirect estimates of Ppeak of the WAnT, especially useful in periods when this test should not be applied considering the fatigue it causes; in this context, the F-v test can be considered as an alternative of exercise testing for estimating the average Ppeak of a group of soccer players rather than for predicting individual scores when the interindividual variation of performance is small.

Running Performance during the Holy Month of Ramadan in Elite Professional Adult Soccer Players in Russia.

Religious fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan is an important element of the Muslim culture during which no eating or drinking is permitted from dawn till dusk. A considerable number of Muslim soccer players abide by these restrictions, which may cause a negative impact on key running performance parameters during competitive matches. Alterations to diet and water intake during the Holy Month of Ramadan may affect various running performance parameters in elite Muslim professional adult soccer players. This study was conducted with two groups of soccer players from the Russian Premier League (RPL): The Exposure Group (EG) consisted of 13 Muslims age 24.0 ± 2.8 years abiding by religious fasting and the Control Group (CG) included 13 non-Muslim age 26.0 ± 4.4 years. Using the Instat system, the running performance of each player was controlled in both groups during matches from the RPL before and in the third week of Ramadan (a total of two matches for every player). None of the measured parameters demonstrated significant changes in any match. In conclusion, restrictions in diet and liquid intake during the Holy Month of Ramadan had no negative influence on the running performance of elite Muslim professional adult soccer players during daytime matches.

Quantitative evaluation of bone marrow fat content and unsaturated fatty index in young male soccer players using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS): a preliminary study.

Marrow fat exists as a distinct adipose tissue and plays a critical role in affecting both the quantity and quality of bone. However, the effect of soccer training on marrow fat has been rarely reported. This study aims to evaluate and characterize the marrow fat content and composition in different bone areas of soccer players and age-matched healthy subjects using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Between May 2020 and June 2020, 20 professional soccer players (20.7±0.9 years) and 20 age-matched healthy subjects (21.2±0.8 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The 1H-MRS were acquired from the 3rd lumbar vertebrae, bilateral femoral necks, and distal tibias of all subjects using a single-voxel point-resolved spatially localized spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence. Four soccer players underwent a second magnetic resonance (MR) examination within a 30-minute interval after the initial scan to evaluate test-retest reproducibility. Inter- and intra-observer measurement reliabilities were assessed using 10 randomly selected spectra from the soccer players group. All spectra were processed using the jMRUI software package (http://www.jmrui.eu/). Quantified water and lipid signals were used to calculate fat content (FC) and the unsaturated fatty index (UI). Compared with healthy subjects, we found that soccer players had a lower FC in L3 and bilateral femoral necks and higher UI in the left femoral neck (P<0.05). All FC and UI values of the bilateral distal tibias showed no significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). The UI values of the right femoral neck or distal tibia were markedly higher than the left side in both inactive subjects and soccer players (P<0.05, except for the femoral neck in players), and there were notable ΔUI differences in the lower limbs between the soccer players and the healthy subjects (P<0.05). Soccer practice can be considered a positive sport that contributes to decreasing FC in lumbar vertebrae and femoral necks and increasing the UI in femoral necks. Quantitative MRS provides an ideal modality to predict marrow fat metabolism caused by mechanical stimulation.

축구 선수의 소속집단에 따른 기초체력 및 무산소성 파워의 특성 분석

본 연구 목적은 축구 선수의 소속집단에 따른 기초체력, 무산소성 파워, 각근력의 차이를 분석하였다. 이를 위하여 2020년 10월 2일부터 10월 30일까지 대학부 선수와 고등부 선수 26명을 대상으로 실시하였다. 실험설계는 인체계측을 위한 기초검사, 근 기능검사, 무산소성 파워검사, 기초체력검사로 구분하였다. 자료처리는 SPSS Ver. 23.0 통계패키지 프로그램을 이용하여 t-검증을 실시하였다. 연구 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 소속집단에 따라 축구선수의 기초체력에 차이가 있는 변인은 좌악력, 윗몸일으키기, 20m 왕복달리기로 나타났다. 둘째, 소속집단에 따라 축구선수의 하지무산소에 차이가 있는 변인은 체중 당 최고파워, 피로율로 나타났다. 이러한 연구를 중심으로 체계적인 훈련 프로그램에 대하여 제시함으로써 축구 선수의 경기력이 향상되기를 기대하였다.

COMPARISON OF BLOOD PARAMETERS AND SOME MOTOR PERFORMANCE VALUES IN A FACULTY OF SPORT SCIENCES STUDENTS

In this study is proposing to compare lipid and lipoprotein values in faculty of sport sciences students in order to investigate cardiovascular disease risks. The research included sports-educated college students. They were 20 wrestlers, 25 judo athletes and 30 soccer players. Comparison of age and height were used in the research and, to identify the differences among groups, one-way Anova and Scheffe tests were performed. In this study, vertical jumping value was not found statistically significant among the groups (p&gt; 0.05). In this study, aerobic and anaerobic power of the educated wrestlers and judo athletes were found to be different than the soccer players (p &lt;0.05). In our study, wrestlers and judo athletes’ values are clearly higher than the values soccer players group in terms of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) amounts (p&lt;0.01). In our study, wrestlers and judo athletes’ values are found to be significantly lower than the values soccer players in terms of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) amounts (p&lt;0.01). The ratio TC / HDL-C and LDL-C / HDL-C of educated judo athletes and wrestlers is higher than soccer players (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Faculty of sport sciences students who wrestlers, judo athletes and soccer players were found to be different in blood fat values. This difference in bloods fat are thought to be due to their training. Healthy risk factors for cardiovascular diseases of all three branch athletes were found to be low. Wrestler and Judo players were recommended to include more aerobic activities in their trainings.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0723/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

«Cultural secrets» and sports conflicts among soccer players of the Shipibo-Konibo indigenous people

This study explores the moral reasoning of a group of soccer players from the Shipibo-Konibo indigenous people concerning the use of various fouls and misconduct in such sport’s competitions. Through qualitative interviews, using written cards that show conflict situations in soccer games, the cultural secrets used to gain advantage over rivals are first identified. Afterwards, the beliefs and ways of moral reasoning of these players on the use of such secrets, as well as common fouls in soccer games, are examined. The results show the complex relationship that the specific cultural beliefs and worldviews have with the universal processes of moral reasoning common to people from different cultures. Authorship contribution SF: study conception and design, interviews, data interpretation, article preparation and final revision of the manuscript. ED: conception and design of the study, interpretation of the data, preparation of the article and final revision of the manuscript.

Sprint versus isolated eccentric training: Comparative effects on hamstring architecture and performance in soccer players.

AimsThe purpose of this study was to compare the effects of hamstring eccentric (NHE) strength training versus sprint training programmed as complements to regular soccer practice, on sprint performance and its mechanical underpinnings, as well as biceps femoris long head (BFlh) architecture.MethodsIn this prospective interventional control study, sprint performance, sprint mechanics and BFlh architecture variables were compared before versus after six weeks of training during the first six preseason weeks, and between three different random match-pair groups of soccer players: “Soccer group” (n = 10), “Nordic group” (n = 12) and “Sprint group” (n = 10).ResultsFor sprint performance and mechanics, small to large pre-post improvements were reported in “Sprint group” (except maximal running velocity), whereas only trivial to small negative changes were reported in “Soccer group” and “Nordic group”. For BFlh architecture variables, “Sprint” group showed moderate increase in fascicle length compared to smaller augment for the “Nordic” group with trivial changes for “Soccer group”. Only “Nordic” group presented small increases at pennation angle.ConclusionsThe results suggest that sprint training was superior to NHE in order to increase BFlh fascicle length although only the sprint training was able to both provide a preventive stimulus (increase fascicle length) and at the same time improve both sprint performance and mechanics. Further studies with advanced imaging techniques are needed to confirm the validity of the findings.

The effect of different sports specialization on ankle joint mobility of young players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of practicing different sports on ankle joint mobility (AJM) in young subjects. In 344 players of 5 different sports (soccer, classical ballet, gymnastics, volleyball and basketball), mean age 12.0 ± 2.4 years, sex (male/female: 237/107), BMI 19.0 ± 2.8 (Kg/m 2 ), AJM was evaluated by using an inclinometer while the trunk flexibility was evaluated by the Sit and Reach test. Compared to all other groups, soccer players showed a significant reduction of AJM (p < .005) that is already present in younger subjects and that tends to worsen with aging (p < .04). On the contrary, the young dancers of classic ballet showed a significant increase in the AJM (p < .002). Basketball, volleyball and gymnastics groups showed a similar AJM. The higher AJM showed by females compared to males (128.5 ± 21.0° vs 144.6 ± 18.5°; p < .001) was not significant when the group of soccer players and dancers were excluded from the calculation. All groups investigated did not show a different mobility between the two ankles or the dominant and non-dominant limb. The age of the subjects investigated was not correlated with AJM. The group of gymnasts showed a significant increase in trunk flexibility (p < .001) compared to all other groups. Sport practice can significantly modify AJM both by increasing and reducing it. Such process should be timely assessed in order to prevent these alterations along with the related possible negative effects in the short and long term.

AEROBIC AND CARDIAC PERFORMANCE OF ELITE WEIGHT LIFTERS AND SOCCER PLAYERS

Endurance training sessions and maximal strength training are different in general. That makes training sessions and aerobic, and pulmonary performance completely different in weight lifters and soccer players. Weight lifting requires maximal power and concentration, while football requires endurance, combinability and speed. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is a basic method for evaluation of the functions of cardiovascular system in sportsmen, healthy people and in different diseases. Spiroergometry tests give additional information about the adaptation of the body to physical loadings, aerobic performance and oxygen pulse. Oxygen pulse estimates left ventricular stroke volume changes during exercise, and it is the ratio of VO2 extracted per heartbeat.The aim of the study was to investigate aerobic and cardiac performance, and the oxygen pulse of elite weight lifters and soccer players.Two groups of 12 weight lifters and 17 soccer players, men, members of elite sport teams, voluntary underwent spiroergometry test on system AT-104 (Schiller, Switzerland). There was no difference in the age between weight lifters (group WL, n=12, 19.33±1.67 years) and soccer players (group S, n=17, 20.47±1.66 years), (P&gt;0.05). The body mass index of WL (26.4±1.47 kg/m2) and S (24.99±3.58) was also similar (P&gt;0.05).Before the beginning of the tests we have obtained informed consent. The sportsmen denied diseases, usage of drugs and doping. Medical examinations were performed. The day before the test was without heavy physical activity. Veloergometer stepwise incremental protocol was applied.Physical working capacity, represented as peak loading was lower in group WL as compared with group S (120±13.43 vs. 160±14.62 W, P&lt;0.0001). Maximal heart rate was higher in S as compared with WL (172.59±14.51 vs. 137.18±12.8 b.p.m., P&lt;0.0001).Maximal level of the systolic blood pressure was higher in S as compared with WL (179.12±24.70 vs. 137.50±15.88 mmHg, P&lt;0.0001).Maximal level of the diastolic blood pressure was higher in S as compared with WL (93.24±12.37 vs. 79.08±10.10 mmHg, P&lt;0.0001).Not surprising aerobic performance was better in the group of the soccer players. Oxygen pulse at the level of the anaerobic threshold was higher in soccer players’ group as compared with WL (12.07±3.60 vs. 7.95±2.09, ml per beat, P=0.002), but maximal VO2pulse was similar for WL (15.15±5.40, ml per beat) and S (17.29±3.20, ml per beat), (P&gt;0.05). There were no differences between the groups in the values of VO2pulse during the levels of loading from 30 to 120 The heart rate recovery after physical loading was determined in three grade scale (1-poor; 2-normal; 3-good) and there were no significant differences between the groups, WL (2.45±0.52), S (2.38±0.50), (P&gt;0.05).Despite the differences in aerobic and cardiac performance between the weight lifters and soccer players there were no differences in the values of the peak VO2pulse. The values of the VO2pulse during the levels of physical loading from 30 to 120 W was similar in both groups. Further investigations are need to evaluate the importance of VO2pulse values as an index for determining the physical condition in different diseases, healthy people, and sportsmen.

P592Myocardial strain measurement with cardiovascular magnetic resonance in professional soccer athletes

Abstract Background Over the last decade, cardiovascular screening in sports has gained interest due to the presence of sudden cardiac death in apparently healthy athletes. In these specific group of patients, a reliable evaluation of the ventricular dimensions and volumes by non-invasive methods is of utmost importance to rule out potentially lethal cardiomyopathies. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a corner stone in the characterization of the athlete's heart and contributing to diagnosis of underlying diseases. Strain evaluation by CMR adds information regarding ventricular mechanics and little, or no data has yet been described in professional soccer players. Purpose We evaluated cardiac deformation by measuring endomyocardial global longitudinal strain (GLS) by CMR in professional soccer players (First Division Mexican Soccer League) compared to sedentary controls. Secondary objectives were to evaluate structural and morphological changes as compared to healthy and deconditioned controls. Methods We performed a monocentric, non-randomized, observational and control study, that evaluated the GLS by CMR in professional soccer players compared to healthy and deconditioned controls. Primary end point was percentage of GLS by feature tracking method. Secondary end point included diastolic and systolic left ventricular diameters, left and right ventricular volumes, left ventricular and right ventricular ejection fraction, ventricular mass and cardiac output. Results From January 2017 to March 2018, information was gathered from CMR studies in 37 subjects, 20 of them being high performance athletes, and 17 healthy sedentary subjects. The GLS by CMR showed a non-significant trend towards a higher negative deformation percentage of athletes as compared to the control group of deconditioned participants: (−22.0±2.0% vs. 20.9±2.05%, p=0.36). There were no differences in the cardiac output and the indexed cardiac output (6.0 L/min and 3.2 L/min/m2 vs. 6.1 L/min and 3.1 L/min/m2; p=NS). Athletes had higher systolic (42.9 mm vs. 35 mm; p&lt;0.0001) as well as diastolic LV diameters (60.5 mm vs. 51 mm; p&lt;0.0001). LV mass and indexed mass were significantly greater in the group of soccer players (145 gr and 75 gr/m2 vs. 109 gr and 52 gr/m2 respectively; p&lt;0.0001). We found no difference in the LVEF 60±2.5%; p=0.55). Conclusion Despite athletes having higher LV mass and diameters, we found no difference in ventricular deformation values as evaluated GLS by CMR, which in turn may represent a normal and physiological adaptation. Further studies are warranted to reproduce these results.

Effects of Slackline Training on Acceleration, Agility, Jump Performance and Postural Control in Youth Soccer Players.

The goal of this study was to assess the effects of a supervised slackline training program in a group of soccer players. Thirty-four male division I under-19 players (16.64 ± 0.81 years) agreed to participate in the study. They were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The first group (EG) followed a 6-week supervised slackline training program (3 sessions/week; 5-9 min/session), while the CG performed only regular soccer training. Several variables were assessed in all participants: acceleration (20-m sprint test), agility (90º turns test), jump performance (squat jump, countermovement jump), and postural control (Center of Pressure ( CoP) testing: length, area, speed, Xmean, Ymean, Xspeed, Yspeed, Xdeviation, Ydeviation). Ratings of perceived exertion and local muscle ratings of perceived exertions were also recorded after each slackline training session. At post-tests, there was a significant increase only in the EG in acceleration, agility, squat jump and countermovement jump performance, as well as several CoP variables: area in the bipedal support on a firm surface, and length, area and speed in the left leg on a firm surface. The program was rated as “somewhat hard” by the players, while quadriceps, gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior were the most exerted muscles while slacklining. In conclusion, slackline training can be an effective training tool for young, high-level soccer players.

Anthropometric Profile of Soccer Players as a Determinant of Position Specificity and Methodological Issues of Body Composition Estimation

The aim of the present study was (a) to describe the anthropometric profile of a large group of soccer players based on different age groups and their playing positions on the field, and (b) to examine the variations of body composition among adult soccer players using diverse equations based on skinfold thickness. A total of 618 Greek soccer players who were grouped by age (i.e., 12–14, 14–16, 16–18, and 18–37 years) and playing position (i.e., goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward) were evaluated for weight, height, and skinfolds. The Pařízková formula was used to estimate the percentage of body fat. Furthermore, for players who were 18 years or older the Reilly and Evans formulas was used to estimate the percentage of body fat. Independent of the age, in this large sample, goalkeepers presented higher values for weight, height and the percentage of body fat estimation as compared with other field positions. An anthropometric pattern was observed in each tactical position, namely, across a specific age of increasing maturation process (14–16 years). With the Pařízková formula, we found a mean (SD) range of variation in the percentage of body fat estimation between 4.87 ± 1.46 and 5.51 ± 1.46 as compared with the Evans formula. The same pattern of differences was found when the Reilly equation was considered. In conclusion, we observed a position specificity of anthropometric characteristics across different age categories. Additionally, the same data supported different validated equations which resulted in large differences in the final outcome estimations.