Male Football Players Research Articles

The effect of core stability training on ball-kicking velocity, sprint speed, and agility in adolescent male football players.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of core stability training program on ball-kicking velocity, running speed, and agility in adolescent male football players. To this end, 36 male football players aged 12-14 were divided into the training group and control group. Before implementing the core stability training program, participants' ball-kicking velocity, sprint speed, and agility performance were measured with a Bushnell velocity radar gun, 20 m sprint test, and 505 agility test, respectively, in both training group and control group. After the measurements, the training group followed core stability training program three days a week, for eight weeks in addition to the routine training program, while the control group followed the routine training program only. Ball-kicking velocity, sprint speed, and agility performance were re-measured in both groups after the completion of the core stability training program. Significant improvements were detected in all parameters, i.e., ball-kicking velocity, sprint speed, and agility performance in the training group (p<0.05). On the other hand, in the control group, no significant change was detected in the ball-kicking velocity and sprint speed (p>0.05), whereas a significant improvement was observed in agility performance (p<0.05). Inter-group comparisons revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in ball-kicking velocity and sprint speed in favor of the training group (p<0.05), while no significant difference was found between the groups in agility performance (p>0.05). In conclusion, this study's findings suggest that core stability exercises can be incorporated into the routine training program of adolescent male football players.

Effectiveness of an On-Field Rehabilitation framework for return to sports in injured male professional football players: a single-blinded, prospective, randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesIn football, on-field rehabilitation (OFR) is critical during injury recovery for a player’s safe return to sports (RTS). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an OFR framework for...

Do players with superior physiological attributes outwork their less-conditioned counterparts? A study in Gaelic football.

This study investigated the association of physiological attributes with in-game workload measures during competitive Gaelic football match-play. Fifty-two male developmental level Gaelic football players (mean ± SD; age: 22.9 ± 3.8 years) underwent measurements of anthropometric characteristics, running speed, muscular strength and power, blood lactate (BLa), running economy and aerobic capacity during two separate testing visits. Global Positioning System units (18-Hz) were used to record players in-game workloads during a competitive match 1-week following the baseline physiological assessments. Results indicated that players body fat percentage, drop jump height (DJ) and running velocity at 4 mmol · L-1 BLa were significantly associated with the number of high-speed runs completed (Adjusted R2 26.8% to 39.5%; p < 0.05) while 20 m running speed, running velocity at 2 mmol · L-1 BLa and DJ were significantly associated with the number of accelerations completed (Adjusted R2 17.2% to 22.0%; p < 0.05) during match-play. Additionally, aerobic capacity and body fat percentage were significantly associated with total distance (Adjusted R2 14.4% to 22.4%; p < 0.05) while body fat percentage, DJ and 20 m running speed were significantly associated with high-speed distance (Adjusted R2 17.8% to 22.0%; p < 0.05). Players were also divided into higher-standard and lower-standard groups using a median split of these physiological attributes. Players in the higher-standard groups completed significantly more high-speed runs and accelerations and covered significantly larger total and high-speed distances (+10.4% to +36.8%; ES = 0.67 to 0.88; p < 0.05) when compared to the lower-standard groups. This study demonstrates that superior levels of physical conditioning are associated with larger in-game workloads during Gaelic football match-play.

The Relative-Age Effect in Male Japanese Football: A CrossSectional Analysis from Youth to Senior Competitive Level

The objective of this study was to examine the magnitude and persistence of the Relative-Age Effect (RAE) in competitive Japanese youth and senior football. A cross-sectional analysis of birthdate distributions of Japanese male youth academy football players (n= 4,488) from the U12 (n=268), U13 (n=481), U14 (n=464), U15 (n=483), U18 (n=1059) and professional players (n=1733) in the 2022 season was conducted. Chi-square goodness of fit tests and Cramer’s V tests were carried out to reveal the incidence and effect size of the RAE across the age categories. A significant RAE (P&lt; .001) was found. It became more pronounced with age, peaking in the U18 age group (Cramer's V= 0.436; Q1/Q4 OR 6.04) before declining in senior professional players (Cramer's V= 0.204; Q1/Q4 OR=2.23). The organisation of youth competition in Japan, with a transition from annual age groups up to U15 to the U18 age group representing three years (U16, U17, and U18) appears to increase the selection bias towards early born players to the detriment of those born later in the age group. However, the transition to senior football saw, compared with the U18 proportions, a reduced proportion of Q1 players, a very similar proportion of Q2 players and increased proportions of Q3 and particularly Q4. The clear implication is that a Q3 and Q4 youth player represents a better prospect for senior professional football than Q1 or Q2 and Q2 than Q1.

Changes in physical and technical match performance variables in football players promoted from the Spanish Second Division to the First Division.

The aim of this study was to compare physical and technical match performance variables in football players who competed in the Spanish second division for one season and were promoted to the top (first) division in the following season. A total of 97 male outfield football players who were promoted from the second to the first division of the Spanish professional football league within the same team were analysed. Data were recorded using the TRACAB (ChyronHego, New York, USA) multicamera computerised optical tracking system during five seasons (2015-2016 to 2019-2020). A one-way ANOVA repeated measures analysis showed that players executed a greater number of high-intensity running (HIR) efforts (P < 0.001; ES: 0.258), as well as covering greater HIR distance (P < 0.010; ES: 0.106) and total running distance (TD) (P < 0.010; ES: 0.080), when they played in the first division compared with the second division. Moreover, players performed a lower number of passes (P < 0.01; ES = 0.116), short passes (P < 0.01; ES = 0.106), long passes (P < 0.05; ES = 0.067), dribbles (P < 0.001; ES = 0.146) and shots (P < 0.01; ES = 0.074) in the first division compared to the second division. No significant differences were found for any of the defensive variables evaluated. In conclusion, being promoted from the second to the first division of professional football requires players to adapt to greater physical demands and a reduced number of technical actions.

Nutritional Status, Hemoglobin Levels, and Cardiorespiratory Endurance of Male Football Players in Ghana

Abstract BACKGROUND: Soccer is a team sport with a high energy and aerobic capacity requirement to sustain alertness and stamina within the stipulated period of play and training. The study aimed at examining the effect of nutrient intake, nutritional status, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels on the cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) of footballers in the Volta Region of Ghana. METHODS: Male soccer players (n = 194) from clubs in the Volta Region of Ghana were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was determined using multiple 24-h recall, Hb levels by use of HemoCue, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) by Cooper test 12 min run. Descriptive, multiple regression, Pearson’s correlation, and independent samples t-test were performed on the data obtained using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Football players of mean age 18.6 ± 4.9 years had an average energy intake of 1374.9 ± 532.6 kcal/day with a deficit of about 1481 kcal/day. Anemia prevalence was 13.5%, and there was a positive correlation (r = 0.411, P &lt; 0.001) between dietary iron and CRE. Calories consumed significantly predicted the VO2 max (F [1, 74] =16.360, P &lt; 0.001) of football players. There was no significant difference in the VO2 max values among the various age groups. About 65% of players had a “very low” to “fair” VO2 max, and 30.4% and 3.8% of the players had “good” and “excellent” levels of VO2 max, respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall energy intake of football players in Ghana was associated with dietary iron intake, Hb levels, and CRE, but not enough to meet dietary requirements, support optimal health, and enhance athletic performance.

Effects of fast suryanamaskar on reaction time of state level male football players

Effects of fast suryanamaskar on reaction time of state level male football players

Effect of Quality of Sleep on Choice Reaction Time, Coordination and Fatigue Level in Football Players

Introduction: The relationship between sleep quality and athletic performance is an important but little-researched topic in the immense world of football. This study aims to provide insight into how sleep quality affect football players’ choice reaction time, coordination, and fatigue levels, providing important information for training optimisation and improving on-field performance. Aim: To examine the effects of sleep quality on the athletic performance of young football players. Materials and Methods: A total of 40, (U-17)-developmental stage male football players who were able to perform functional keys for choice reaction time task from Chandigarh Football Association were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Correlational design was employed to assess sleep quality and fatigue levels using Sleep Quality Scale-(SQS) and Fatigue Assessment Scale-(FAS). Choice reaction time and coordination was determined via Deary liewald reaction time task software and Hand-eye coordination test respectively. Quantitative analysis was conducted by Karl Pearson’s coefficient correlation. Results: Study found a non significant weak positive relationship between sleep quality and choice reaction time, [r (40)=0.025, p=0.881], significant moderate positive relationship between sleep quality and coordination, [r (40)=0.433, p=0.005], and significant moderate negative relationship between sleep quality and fatigue level, [r (40)=-0.517, p=0.001]. Increased sleep quality improved coordination and reduced fatigue levels, while choice reaction time showed no significant improvements. Conclusion: Sleep quality significantly impacts coordination and fatigue levels, but no effect was observed on choice reaction time. Future research should explore various sports with a larger sample size.

Analysis of Characteristics of Repeated Sprint Ability and Special Physical Quality of Male Football Players in Colleges and Universities—Taking Chizhou University as an Example

Analysis of Characteristics of Repeated Sprint Ability and Special Physical Quality of Male Football Players in Colleges and Universities—Taking Chizhou University as an Example

Effect of the Knee Control Program on Knee Valgus Angle and Static and Dynamic Balances in Young Male Football Players With Dynamic Knee Valgus

Background and Aims Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) and impaired static and dynamic balances are the risk factors of the anterior cruciate ligament injuries in football players. This study aims to investigate the effect of the knee control program on knee valgus angle and static and dynamic balances in young male football players with DKV. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study. Of 156 young male football players, 48 with DKV were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention group (n=24, Mean age=12.70±0.62 years, height=1.52±0.07 m, weight=48.87±6.67 kg, BMI=21.10±2.18 kg/m2) and control group (n=24, mean age=12.58±0.65 years, height= 1.52±0.08 m, weight= 50.45±6.79 kg, BMI=21.88±2.92 kg/m2). The drop-jump test, Stork test, and Y balance test were used to measure dynamic knee valgus angle, static balance, and dynamic balance, respectively. The intervention group received the knee control program as a warm-up exercise for 8 weeks, while the control group performed their routine warm-up exercises during this time. Analysis of covariance and the paired t-test were used to evaluate differences in the study variables. Results In the intervention group, there was a significant reduction in knee valgus angle (P=0.001) and significant improvements in static balance (P=0.001) and dynamic balance (P=0.001) in the post-test phase compared to the pre-test phase, but there were no significant differences in the control group (P&gt;0.05). Moreover, the results showed significant differences between the two groups in knee valgus angle (P=0.001), static balance (P=0.001) and dynamic balance (P=0.002). Conclusion The knee control program is effective in reducing dynamic knee valgus angle and improving static and dynamic balances in young football players with DKV. Thus, it seems that this program can reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in young male football players.

Impact of short term high-intensity interval training on the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of young male football players in the final stages of rehabilitation

Impact of short term high-intensity interval training on the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of young male football players in the final stages of rehabilitation

The Neuromuscular Parameters Affecting Static and Dynamic Balance in Adolescent Male Soccer Players with Dynamic Knee Valgus

Background and Aims The anterior cruciate ligament injury in athletes is associated with disorders related to balance and postural control. Poor balance is a predictor of lower limb injury in athletes. This study aims to investigate the different neuromuscular parameters that affect the static and dynamic balance in adolescent male football players with Dynamic Knee Valgus (DKV). Methods This is a correlational study. Participants were 83 adolescent male football players with DKV (age: 12.63±0.72 years, height: 1.69±0.07 meters, weight: 23.23±7.74 58 kg, BMI: 20.32±2.38 kg /m2), who were selected using a purposive sampling method. The presence of DKV was assessed by the squat test. The strength of the trunk and hip muscles was assessed by manual muscle testing (MMT), trunk endurance by the McGill test, and range of motion (ROM) of hip and ankle joints by a goniometer. Moreover, the static and dynamic balances were evaluated by the Bass Stick test and Y balance test, respectively. The Pearson correlation test was used to examine the relationships at a significance level of 0.05. All statistical operations were performed by SPSS software, version 24. Results The results of the present study showed a significant relationship between static balance and the study parameters (P≤0.05) except for trunk flexion strength (P=0.16) and ROM (P&lt;0.05), hip flexion ROM (P=0.83), hip extension ROM (P=0.96), hip abduction ROM (P=0.77) and ankle dorsiflexion ROM (P=0.94). The dynamic balance at anterior-posterior direction had a significant relationship with trunk endurance and left-side plank (P=0.07) and strength (P=0.05), but not with plank test score (P=0.45). The dynamic Y balance at posteromedial direction had a significant relationship with all variables except for 60° flexion (P=0.40), plank (P=0.53), left-side plank (P=0.09), and trunk extension strength (P=0.23). The results of the study also showed the significant relationship of dynamic balance at posterolateral direction and the total score of Y balance test with total trunk endurance test score (P=0.03, P=0.003) and right-side plank (P=0.005, P=0.001). Moreover, trunk extension strength and hip strength variables had a significant relationship with posterolateral dynamic balance and total Y balance test score (P≤0.05). Furthermore, the ROM of ankle dorsiflexion had a significant relationship with balance at the posteromedial (P=0.03), posterolateral (P=0.02) directions and the total Y balance score (P=0.02). Conclusion Static balance of adolescent male soccer players with DKV has a significant relationship with trunk endurance, trunk strength and thigh strength. There is a significant relationship between dynamic balance and trunk endurance, trunk strength, hip strength, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM.

The Effect of Core Exercise Program on Vertical Jump, Speed, Agility and Strength Parameters in Junior Male Soccer Players

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of core exercise program on vertical jump, speed, agility and strength parameters in junior male soccer players. In the study, pretest-posttest control group design, one of the experimental models of quantitative research method, was used. The experimental group of the study consisted of 12 male soccer players (X̄year: 12,16±,83) who underwent core exercise 3 days a week for six weeks in addition to regular soccer training, while the control group of the study consisted of 12 male athletes (X̄year: 12,25±,62) who underwent only regular soccer training. Leg strength, core strength, vertical jump, 30 m sprint and agility tests were administered to the athletes who voluntarily participated in the study before and after six weeks of training. The normality level of the data was determined by Shapiro-Wilk test. Independent Sample T Test for independent groups and Paired Sample T Test for dependent groups were used to analyze the normally distributed data. According to the findings of the study, there was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test - post-test measurement values of all performance tests of the experimental group and core strength, vertical jump, 30 m sprint and agility tests of the experimental and control groups (p0.05), while no significant difference was found in the control group (p0.05). According to the results of the study, it can be said that the core exercise program applied to male football players has positive effects on the development of vertical jump, speed, agility and strength parameters.Keywords: Core exercise, Football, Jumping, Speed, Strength

THE EFFECT OF TRX EXERCISE PROGRAM ON SPORTING PERFORMANCE OF 13 – 15 YEARS OLD MALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS

In this study, the effects of exercises done with the TRX equipment on sportive performance of football players have been investigated. The study was conducted at Kurt Brothers Astro Pitch allocated to Iktisas Sports Club. 20 players were selected between the ages of 13-15 who play football for Iktisas Sports Club. These players did TRX trainings twice a week (Saturday, Sunday) for 8 weeks. Before starting to work, the football players did warm-ups. Then, players were divided into two groups. Each group had 10 members. The first group was called as Football Player Control Group (FPCG). This group did routine football trainings and they did not take part in any programme after the trainings whereas the other group called as TRX Training Group (TRXA) were incorporated into the work programme after the necessary rest right after football training. At the end of 8 weeks of work, both pre-assessment and post-assessment data and in-group and between-group comparisons were analysed with the help of SPSS programme. When the effects of TRX exercise programs, applied for 8 weeks, on sportive performance in 13-15 age group of male football players were compared with statistical analyses, it was seen that the development of the football players in the TRXA group was higher than the football players in the FPCG group. It was observed that only the body weight and agility (Arrowhead) development in FPCG group were higher than TRXA group. Since TRX exercises have a positive effect on the performance of football players, these exercises can be suggested to take place in football trainings.

Investigating the Effects of High Intensity Resistance Training on Physical Fitness of University Male Football Players

High intensity resistance training (HIRT) can enhance strength, power, speed, agility, endurance and reduce injury risk in football players contributing to improved performance on the field. The purpose of this study was to determine eight-week high intensity resistance training (HIRT) intervention affected the physical fitness of male university football players. A randomized controlled design was adopted for the study and (n=24) football players between the ages of 19 and 25 took part. Before and during the intervention, which included three weekly training sessions, the participants were evaluated. The Yo Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT1), the 30 m sprint time (ST), the running based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) and the change of direction time (COD) were among the physical fitness tests. Following the eight week HIRT intervention, all experimental group variables revealed significant changes between pre- and post-tests.

The Relationship Between Hamstring Shortness and Postural Control in Football Players: A Pilot Study

Hamstring muscles significantly contribute to lower limb mobility and overall body balance. Specifically, hamstring muscle tightness has been suggested as a potential factor affecting an athlete’s postural control. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse by investigating the possible relationship between hamstring muscle tightness and postural control among football players. Sixteen male football players (mean age: 20.19 ± 2.17 years, body mass index: 22.01 ± 1.82 kg/m2) with hamstring muscle tightness participated in this cross-sectional study. The assessment of hamstring muscle tightness was conducted through the Active Knee Extension Test. Additionally, the participants’ postural control was evaluated using the Biodex Balance System. The correlation between Active Knee Extension Angle and Postural Control was analyzed through Spearman correlation test. No significant relationship was found between the active knee extension angles of both dominant and non-dominant legs and the postural control measurements (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The study revealed a lack of correlation between active knee extension angle and postural control among football players with hamstring muscle tightness. These findings indicate that hamstring muscle tightness may not impact postural control. Furthermore, it is observed that research involving broader and more diverse participant groups is needed to comprehensively understand this relationship.

The effect of a 2-week ischaemic preconditioning intervention on anaerobic performance in male academy football players: a randomized, single-blinded, SHAM-Controlled study

ABSTRACT Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC), brief periods of ischaemia immediately followed by reperfusion applied to a vascular bed, has emerged as a method to improve exercise performance. There is, however, a lack of research exploring repeated episodes of IPC on anaerobic performance. The aim of this study was to determine if a 2-week repeated IPC intervention could enhance anaerobic performance in male academy football players. Eight male academy football players completed two, 2-week intervention trials: six IPC episodes (4 × 5 min at 220 mmHg per episode), and six SHAM episodes (4 × 5 min at 20 mmHg per episode). Prior to and following each intervention trial, the participants completed assessments of anaerobic performance (Running Anaerobic Sprint Test [RAST]), and superficial femoral artery endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]). IPC significantly enhanced peak and mean power output by 12% (p = 0.026) and 11% (p = 0.019) and significantly improved superficial femoral artery FMD (p = 0.049). The increase in endothelial function suggests that this may be a mechanism contributing to this enhancement of anaerobic performance. The present study supports the use of repeated IPC prior to matches and training sessions to enhance anaerobic performance.

Impact of Playing Surface on Concussion Symptoms in Young American Football Players.

It has been suggested that sport-related concussion (SRC) occurs more commonly on natural grass compared with artificial turf in contact sports. As playing surface is a potentially modifiable risk factor, this study sought to identify differences in symptoms following SRC on these 2 surfaces in a sample of young American football players. Prospective. Part of the multi-institutional North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex) research project. Ten-year-old to 24-year-old male American football players (n = 62) who had sustained a helmet-to-ground SRC and presented to a specialty concussion clinic within 14 days of injury. Helmeted impact with grass (n = 33) or artificial turf (n = 29). Severity and number of symptoms endorsed on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5) Symptom Evaluation at the time of initial clinical evaluation. Both groups were similar in mean time since injury, concussion history, and history of headache, but the artificial turf group was slightly older, with a mean age of 14.6 versus 13.6 years ( P = 0.039). Athletes who sustained a SRC on grass reported significantly higher mean total symptom severity scores (26.6 vs 11.6, P = 0.005) and total number of symptoms (10.3 vs 5.9, P = 0.006) compared with those who were injured on artificial turf. This may be the first study to examine postconcussive symptoms after SRC as they relate to playing surface. This small sample of young American football players reported higher symptom severity scores and higher total number of symptoms after SRC on natural grass compared with artificial turf.

Injuries in male youth football: a one season prospective cohort study of 223 Danish elite players.

This study prospectively investigated injury prevalence, incidence, and burden in male elite under-17 football players (N = 223) during a full season. The players weekly completed a standardized web-based injury survey (OSTRC-H2) and a physical exposure report throughout the study. Average weekly response rate was 89.5%. Football exposure accounted for 52.4% of total physical exposure. On average (±SD), the players participated in individual football, strength, and rehabilitation practices for 1.2 ± 1.5, 3.0 ± .2.1, and 1.9 ± 3.4 h/week, respectively. In total, 742 health problems were reported. Mean weekly prevalence of health problems, injuries and illnesses were 20.1%, 16.5% and 3.8%, respectively. The injury incidence per 1,000 h of football exposure, match play and team practice were 8.28 (95% CI: 7.54-9.08), 16.77 (95% CI: 13.65-20.4), and 7.24 (95% CI: 6.5-8.04), respectively. Sudden-onset and gradual-onset injuries accounted for 36.7% and 43.4% of the total proportion of health problems. Hip/groin injuries had the highest incidence (1.58/1,000 h), whereas knee injuries had the highest burden (20.86 days lost/1,000 h). On average, the players experienced 3.33 health problems (average duration: 7.8 days). On average pr. player, 2.7 (95% CI: 2.2-3.3) wks of football exposure were lost. Sudden and gradual-onset injuries influenced player availability during the season. Health problem prevalence fluctuated markedly, and injury incidence was higher during match play than training. The players had substantial volumes of training beyond football-specific training and matches. Our findings could assist medical and sports science practitioneers in enhancing training and recovery processes to maximize player availability.

Lower hamstring to quadriceps muscle strength ratio and lower body weight as factors associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury in male American football players: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundPrevious studies have aimed to determine the use of certain risk factors in predicting the occurrence of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Unfortunately, evidence regarding noncontact ACL injuries in male American football players is limited. This prospective cohort study aimed to identify intrinsic risk factors for noncontact ACL injury among male American football players. MethodsThis study evaluated 152 male American football players in Japan for potential noncontact ACL injury risk factors during a preseason medical assessment, including anthropometric, joint laxity, and flexibility, muscle flexibility, muscle strength, and balance measurements. A total of 25 variables were examined. Participants were monitored during each season for noncontact ACL injury, as diagnosed by physicians. ResultsNoncontact ACL injuries occurred in 11 knees of 11 players (prevalence; 7.1 %). Injured players were significantly more likely to have lightweight (P = 0.049). No statistically significant between-group differences were found for any other variables. Participants with a lower hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) ratio (P = 0.04) were more likely to sustain noncontact ACL injuries. ConclusionLower H/Q ratio and lower body weight were significantly associated with new-onset noncontact ACL injury in male American football players. These findings will help develop strategies to prevent noncontact ACL injuries in male American football players.