Match Running Research Articles

Temperature-Related Variations in Physical Performance During Elite Soccer Matches

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in match running performance (MRP) according to the ambient temperature during UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches. Data were collected using an optical tracking system from all teams (n = 32) in all UCL matches (n = 125) during the 2022/23 season, and classified according to the ambient temperature at which matches were played: <5 °C, 6–10 °C, 11–20 °C, and >21 °C. The results revealed the following: (i) less total distance was covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 6–10 °C (d = 0.58), (ii) less high-speed running and high-intensity running were covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 11–20 °C (d = 0.54 and 0.43, respectively), 6–10 °C (d = 0.89 and 0.8, respectively), and ≤5 °C (d = 0.62 and 0.57, respectively), and (iii) less sprinting was covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 6–10 °C (d = 0.22). These findings indicated the significant differences in MRP when UCL matches were played at different ambient temperatures, with notable reductions in overall and high-intensity efforts in warmer conditions.

Variation Across Organ Procurement Organizations in Deceased-Donor Kidney Offer Notification Practices.

How offer notifications are distributed early in the kidney allocation timeline, including how widely they are offered, is unclear. A better understanding of offer notification practices across organ procurement organizations (OPOs) may identify opportunities for more efficient allocation. We merged the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients potential transplant recipient file with additional offer notification time stamps to identify 54631 deceased-donor kidney match runs from 2017 to 2023. Offer notifications for a given match run are sent to candidates/centers in "batches." We quantified the number of offers in the initial batch-which theoretically reflects the OPO's initial estimate of how widely a kidney should be offered-and compared this metric across OPOs. Kidneys were offered to a median of 14 candidates (IQR 9-38) in the first batch of notifications, and this varied across OPOs from 3 to 746 candidates per initial batch. Batch size at the OPO-level did not correlate with rank at kidney placement or OPO nonuse rate. OPOs in the highest quartile of batch size sent more offers (median 100) than presumably necessary to place kidneys (median rank at placement 21), and OPOs in the lowest quartile of batch size sent fewer offers (6) than needed to place kidneys (rank at placement 19). Offer notification practices vary widely across OPOs, and many OPOs offer kidneys far more widely than necessary for placement. Optimization of offer notification practices may reduce unnecessary communications. Further research into allocation processes is needed to identify opportunities to improve efficiency of allocation for OPOs and transplant centers.

Environmental Heat Stress Detrimentally Affects Match Running Performance of Elite Soccer Teams Competing in the UEFA Champions League.

Modric, T, Clemente, FM, Versic, S, Chmura, P, Andrzejewski, M, Kryściak, J, and Sekulic, D. Environmental heat stress detrimentally affects match running performance of elite soccer teams competing in the UEFA Champions League. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to examine the effect of environmental heat stress (EHS), defined by wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), on match running performance (MRP) while controlling for match-related contextual factors. For this purpose, 2 approaches were implemented: (a) the MRP in heat stress nonrisking environment (NoEHS) (WBGT <22° C) and heat stress risking environment (EHSrisk) (WBGT ≥22° C) were compared and (b) changes in MRP according to the 1° C increase in WBGT were evaluated. Data on MRP were collected using an optical tracking system from all teams ( n = 32) in all UEFA Champions League matches ( n = 125) during the 2022-23 season. Metrics included total distance (TD), low-intensity (LIR), moderate-intensity (MIR), and high-intensity running (HIR) distances. Results indicated that less TD (108.84 vs. 110.71 km; Cohen's d [ d ] = 0.53), MIR (15.91 vs. 17.09 km; d = 0.85), and HIR (8.75 vs. 9.23 km; d = 0.46) were covered in matches played in EHSrisk compared with the NoEHS. Further investigation indicated that for every 1° C increase in WBGT, TD averagely decreased by 0.16 km ( d = -0.48), MIR by 0.13 km ( d = -1.09), and HIR by 0.06 km ( d = -0.69). These findings demonstrated decreased overall and intensive workload during the matches in EHSrisk, suggesting the detrimental effect of EHS on match volume and intensity in elite soccer. When EHS risk is anticipated, consideration of playing and recovery strategies should be implemented by coaches to achieve tactical goals while minimizing physical strain during a match.

Influence of Menstrual Phase and Symptoms on Match Running in Professional Footballers.

This study examined the effects of menstrual cycle phases and symptoms on match running performance in football (soccer) players. Twenty-one nonhormonal contraceptive using football players from four professional teams were monitored for up to four menstrual cycles during a domestic league season. Menstrual phases, classified as early-follicular phase (EFP), mid-late follicular phase (MFP), and luteal phase (LP), were determined by self-reporting of menstruation and urinary hormone tests (luteinizing hormone and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide). On match day, players completed a menstrual symptom severity questionnaire. In repeated matches, players wore 10 Hz Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) devices to measure relative (/min) total distance, high-speed running distance, very high-speed distance, peak speed, acceleration count, and deceleration count. Linear mixed models were performed for each GPS measure to determine the relationship with phase or symptoms. Data for 7 and 10 players were included for menstrual phase and menstrual symptoms analyses, respectively. A significantly higher total distance was reported during MFP compared to EFP (Δ 5.1 m min-1; p = 0.04) and LP (Δ 5.8 m min-1; p = 0.007). Significantly greater high-speed running was reported during MFP compared to EFP (Δ 1.2 m min-1; p = 0.012) and LP (Δ 1.1 m min-1; p = 0.007). No significant effect of menstrual phase was found for any other GPS measures (p > 0.05). Accelerations declined with increasing symptom severity (p = 0.021, estimate = -0.01count.min-1). Menstrual symptom severity did not affect any other GPS measures (p > 0.05). In conclusion, greater total distance and high-speed running occurred during the MFP. Additionally, accelerations minimally decreased with increasing menstrual symptom severity. Large intra- and inter-variability existed, suggesting individualized monitoring and management of menstrual effects on performance would be beneficial.

External Load of Different Length Microcycles and Relationships with Match Running Performance in Youth Football

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate: a) the differences in external load (EL) during microcycles with four (MIC4) and five training (MIC5) sessions, b) to explore the ratio of weekly training load to the load of the subsequent match, and c) to explore possible correlations between the EL of the MIC4 or MIC5 with the running performance of football players in the following match. The study involved 20 elite youth football players from a team that won the championship in their category that year (age, 16.4 ± 0.3 years). The EL was tracked via GPS in 8 MIC4 and 10 MIC5. Running performance in subsequent matches was also recorded. Two by two ANOVA was employed to compare parameters between MIC5 and MIC4 and Pearson correlation test was applied to examine potential correlations between the training load parameters. The results showed that MIC5 had significantly greater external load in distance parameters in zones 4 & 5, total distance, and decelerations. Differences in running performance in matches were observed only for accelerations (p = .028) and decelerations (p = .02). The ratio of training/match load was lower in all parameters in MIC4 compared to MIC5 but exceeded the match load. Large negative correlations were observed for accelerations and decelerations. In conclusion, additional training in MIC5 increases the load without affecting running performance in the match. Attention should be given to accelerations and decelerations, as their volume can easily increase with the use of small-sided games in training.

COVID-19 affects match running performance in professional soccer players

Objectives: To compare the match running performance of male soccer players in the Brazilian A series before and after being infected with COVID-19. Methods: The sample consisted of 20 professional soccer players from Rio de Janeiro-based teams during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, pre- and post-COVID-19 infection. Match running performance data were collected using a Global positioning system (GPS), and the analysis includes average data across 1 to 17 games pre-infection and 1 to 13 games post-infection per player. Results: COVID-19-infection induced an unclear effect on the total distance traveled during the match [SWC-Factor = -1.9, 90 % CL (-4.7; 0.9)], the number of sprints at speeds over 24 km/h [SWC-Factor = 1.1, 90 % CL (-1.7; 3.9)], maximum speed reached [SWC-Factor = 0.1, 90 % CL (-2.6; 2.9)], the number of decelerations [SWC-Factor = -2.2, 90 % CL (-5.0; 0.6) ], explosive efforts [SWC-Factor = -2.4, 90 % CL (-5.1; 0.4) ], distance traveled at speeds between 0 and 7 km/h [SWC-Factor = 2.4, 90 % CL (-0.4; 5.2) ], and distance traveled at speeds between 7 and 14 km/h [SWC-Factor = -1.8, 90 % CL (-4.5; 1.0) ]. However there was a moderate and significant decrease in distance covered during high-intensity running, defined as speeds greater than 20 km/h [SWC-Factor = -4.2, 90 % CL (-7.0; -1.5) ], the number of accelerations greater than 3 m/s² [SWC-Factor = -3.6, 90 % CL (-6.4; -0.9) ], and distance traveled at speeds between 14 and 20 km/h [SWC-Factor = -3.5, 90 % CL (-6.2; -0.7) ]. The results also showed that COVID-19-infection led to a substantial decrease in minutes played during matches [SWC-Factor = -4.0, 90 % CL (-6.8; -1.3)], affecting the analysis of match variables' absolute values. Conclusion: The results suggest that players infected with COVID-19 experienced changes in match running performance, notably decreases in distance covered during high-intensity running and increases traveled at speeds between 0 and 7 km/h. Further analysis of other player populations (in other leagues) is necessary to verify these findings. Keywords: Coronavirus, Physiology, Task Performance and Analysis, Match running, External Load.

Relationship between physical fitness parameters and match time motion performance in international footballers with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to describe the physical performance of international football players with cerebral palsy (CP) using commonly employed field tests to determine whether these characteristics are correlated with, or even predictive of, physical performance during competitive matches. Ten international footballers with CP performed a physical performance assessment that included anthropometry, sprint capacity, change of direction ability and intermittent endurance conducted before a worldwide competition. Match running performances were recorded using global positioning system devices during five official matches, including speed and distance variables. Moderate-to-high correlations were found between 5-m and 30-m sprints with maximal acceleration, deceleration and distances covered at moderate-to-high intensities. The change of direction capacity correlated to maximal deceleration and high-intensity variables. Furthermore, intermittent endurance correlated with average velocity, total distance and distances covered at varying intensities. Multiple linear regression showed predictive relationships for maximal acceleration, average velocity, total distance and intensity-specific distances. Practitioners must consider the main test that correlates with the demands of the sport and key performance parameters in CP football. The results offer practical insights for optimising training strategies tailored to specific performance variables for match football performance.

Match-to-Match Variation on High-Intensity Demands in a Portuguese Professional Football Team.

The aim of this study was to analyze the match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands from one Portuguese professional football team according to playing positions. Twenty-three male outfield professional football players were observed during eighteen matches of the Portuguese Second League. Time-motion data were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Match running performance was analyzed based on the following three playing positions: defenders (DF), midfielders (MF), and forwards (FW). Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare match running performance within each position role, and seasonal running variation. Practical differences were assessed using the smallest worthwhile change (SWC), coefficient of variation (CV), and twice the coefficient of variation (2CV). Significant differences were found among playing positions in total distance covered (F = 15.45, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.33), average speed (F = 12.79, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.29), high-speed running (F = 16.93, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.36), sprinting (F = 13.49, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.31), accelerations (F = 4.69, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.132), and decelerations (F = 12.21, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.284). The match-to-match running performance encompassed TD (6.59%), AvS (8.67%), HSRr (37.83%), SPR (34.82%), ACC (26.92%), and DEC (27.85%). CV values for total distance covered ranged from 4.87-6.82%, with forwards and midfielders exhibiting the greatest and smallest variation, respectively. Midfielders demonstrated the highest match-to-match variation for all other analyzed variables (8.12-69.17%). All playing positions showed significant variation in high-demanding variables (26.94-37.83%). This study presents the initial analysis of match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands within a Portuguese professional football team. Thus, the position's specificity and context can provide a helpful strategy for evaluating match-to-match running performance, and for recommending individualized training exercises based on the peak and high-intensity demands for each player's role within the game.

Intelligent Matching Method for College Dormitory Roommates: Chameleon Algorithm Based on Optimized Partitioning

A chameleon algorithm based on optimized partitioning was studied to solve the intelligent matching problem of college dormitory roommates. Using quantitative research methods, data on personal preferences and lifestyle habits of college students were collected, and the K-center object chameleon algorithm was used for data analysis and roommate matching. Test the algorithm performance on the BBC dataset, compare clustering quality indicators such as entropy, purity, and RI value, and verify the effectiveness of the algorithm. This algorithm can accurately assign students to their respective dormitories, avoiding overlapping situations and achieving excellent matching results. In terms of matching accuracy and running time, the K-center object chameleon algorithm shows superior performance compared to other algorithms. In terms of clustering quality evaluation, comparisons were made from three dimensions: entropy value, purity, and RI value. The experimental results show that the closer the entropy value is to 0, the closer the purity and RI value are to 1, and the better the matching effect. This result further validates the effectiveness of the algorithm in the intelligent matching problem of college dormitory roommates. The matching accuracy of this algorithm on the BBC dataset reached 98.82%, showing better clustering quality than other algorithms in terms of entropy, purity, and RI values. The entropy value approached 0, while the purity and RI values approached 1, verifying the efficiency of matching quality. The chameleon algorithm based on optimized partitioning proposed in the study has shown excellent performance in intelligent matching of college dormitory roommates, with the characteristics of high-precision matching and fast running time. It has important practical significance for improving the quality of life and learning efficiency of college dormitory students, and provides new research methods and ideas for related fields.

Match running performance preceding scoring and conceding a goal in men’s professional soccer

This study aimed to investigate the potential differences in the match running performance of professional soccer players 5 min. before scoring and conceding a goal in the Polish Ekstraklasa. The sample consisted of 278 matches with 570 goals scored during official matches of the 2022/23 Polish Ekstraklasa season. All data was collected utilising the computerised multiple-camera optical tracking system TRACAB. Total distance covered (TD), standing distance (StD; < 0.72 km h−1), walking distance (WD; 0.73–7.2 km h−1), jogging distance (JG; 7.21–14.4 km h−1), running distance (RD; 14.41–19.8 km h−1), high-speed running distance (HSR; 19.81–25.2 km h−1) and sprinting distance (SprD; > 25.2 km h−1) were analysed in 5-min intervals prior to a goal scored for both teams. The employed linear mixed models showed that all examined match-running performance metrics were higher in teams that scored a goal compared to teams that conceded a goal. Within 5 min before scoring a goal in Polish Ekstraklasa matches, the scoring team produced significantly greater TD (∆ 95%CI 256.8–300.4 m; p = 0.001), WD (∆ 95%CI 52.3–95.8 m; p = 0.001), JG (∆ 95%CI 100.5–144.1 m; p = 0.001) and RD (∆ 95%CI 16.2–59.8 m; p = 0.001) compared to the conceding team, although no differences were found for HSR and SprD. These results demonstrate the enhanced identification potential of key physical performance factors influencing goal scoring in the Polish Ekstraklasa, thereby optimising the training process and improving overall performance. To enhance the effectiveness of soccer training, coaching and performance staff should consider this study's findings, that indicate an increase in the volume of medium- and low-intensity running efforts preceding a goal.

EFFECTS OF PRE-MATCH TRAVEL AND TRAINING ON PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL MATCHES

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS International footballers (soccer) are regularly required to travel directly from club to national team with only a few days to recover and prepare for matches. The combined stress of travel and training loads may therefore influence match performance. This research aims to examine the relationship of pre-match travel and in-camp training on ensuing physical and technical match performance of footballers competing for a national team. METHODS Match running and technical performance data were obtained from 68 national team footballers competing in international matches (n=108). Match performance data was aligned with confirmed travel durations, time zone change, travel direction, and the time between arrival and kick-off for travel into the match. Additionally, in-camp training loads for GPS for the 3 days prior to national team matches were also collated. Linear mixed models assessed relationships between travel and training measures with physical and technical match performance outcomes. RESULTS Travel variables explained little variance in outcomes (R2=0.02-0.16). Travelling eastward was associated with an increase in total (p=0.042) and very high-speed distance (p=0.030) in matches and a 5% decrease in pass accuracy (p=0.012). Greater time zone difference was associated with increased match decelerations (p=0.027), while arriving earlier for matches was associated with decreased total tackles (p=0.041). Increases in training high-speed distance were associated with increases in match high-speed distance (p=0.004) and number of decelerations (p&amp;lt;0.001). An increase in training total distance was associated with a decrease in match decelerations (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Pre-match travel appeared to have minimal effects on physical and technical performance in this national team, especially given most players arrived at least 40h prior to matches. Training loads prior to matches may have some relationship with match running performance and thus readiness to train should be a priority for athletes arriving in national team camps.

The Impact of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Parameters on Match Running Performance (MRP) in National-Level Football Players: A Multiple Regression Analysis

The aim of the study was to examine the association between cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters and match running performance (MRP) in highly trained football players. The sample of participants consisted of 41 national-level football players (aged 23.20 ± 3.40 years, body height 182.00 ± 5.15 cm, and body mass 76.86 ± 6.06 kg) from the Serbian Super league. For the purposes of this research, the following measurements were applied. A maximal multistage progressive treadmill test, with a direct measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (using Fitmate MED, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) was conducted, alongside continuous heart rate monitoring. Capillary blood samples were taken from the hyperemic area using specific test strips, and, after sample collection, lactate concentration was immediately determined using a lactate analyzer. MRP variables were analyzed according to the BioIRC model of motion structure analysis, based on existing standards for profiling movement intensity. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated an association between cardiac parameters and total distance (R2 = 54.3%, p = 0.000), high-speed running (R2 = 46.4%, p = 0.000), and jogging (R2 = 33.6%, p = 0.004). Regression analysis revealed an association between cardiorespiratory parameters and total distance (R2 = 24.8%, p = 0.014), and high-speed running (R2 = 20%, p = 0.039). Meanwhile, no association was found between lactate concentration and running performance. The explanation for these regression analysis results is based on the observation that functional abilities represent significant potential for expressing movement performance, a crucial condition for success in football.

Influence of contextual factors on match running performance of starters and non-starters in elite youth male soccer players.

This study investigated the effects of match location, quality of opposition (classified into: strong [1st to 4th position]; intermediate [5th to 15th position]; weak [16th to 20th position]), and match outcome on the match running performance of starters and non-starters from a top elite Brazilian soccer team. Absolute measures were calculated using total distance, high-speed (19.8-25.2 km·h-1), sprinting (≥ 25.2 km·h-1), total distance high-acceleration (> 2m·s2), and deceleration (< -2m·s2) were recorded by GPS units from a sample of young soccer players (N = 25) in a total of 17 matches. Relative measures were calculated by dividing absolute measures by the total duration of the matches. Non-starters covered greater total distance (p = 0.02), sprinting (p = 0.02), high-acceleration and deceleration (p = 0.04), sprinting distance relative per minute played (p = 0.005), and high-acceleration and deceleration relative per minute played (p < 0.001) when the team plays at home, strong opponents, and wins the matches. Starters covered greater total distance in high-speed running (p = 0.04), high-acceleration and deceleration (p = 0.03), and high-speed running relative per minute played (p = 0.04) when the team plays strong opponents and wins the matches. These findings highlight the impact of contextual factors during matches on the locomotor performance of young soccer players.

Relationship between key offensive performance indicators and match running performance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

ABSTRACT Football teams usually adopt different offensive playing styles to increase the probability of success. However, the strategy adopted can influence match-running performance. This study aimed to verify the relationship between the key indicators of offensive performance and match running performance in FIFA Women´s World Cup 2023 (2023-WC). Thirteen key offensive performance indicators were collected from 64 matches (from 32 national teams) with a multi-camera optical tracking system (TRACAB Gen5, ChyronHego). Possession, line breaks completed, receptions in the final third and ball progressions were negatively related to distance covered. On the other hand, goals, total passes, and defensive line breaks were positively associated. K-means cluster analysis indicates that the team that outperformed the above variables was the one that was successful in the 2023-WC. Therefore, the superior performance of some variables, such as ball possession and progression, may prevent athletes from covering greater distances. Teams that make larger pass exchanges and make more breaks in defensive lines may be asked to run more. There are specific key offensive indicators that are related to match running performance. This information can be useful for coaches in choosing the strategy adopted.

ACTN3 XX Genotype Negatively Affects Running Performance and Increases Muscle Injury Incidence in LaLiga Football Players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism with match running performance and injury incidence in top-level professional football players. A total of 315 top-level professional football players from the first division of Spanish football (i.e., LaLiga) participated in this prospective and descriptive study. The ACTN3 rs1815739 genotype was identified for each player using genomic DNA samples. During LaLiga 2021-2022, players' performance was obtained through a validated camera system in all official matches. Additionally, the incidence of non-contact injuries was obtained by each team's medical staff according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) statement. From the study sample, 116 (36.8%) players had the RR genotype, 156 (49.5%) had the RX genotype, and 43 (13.7%) had the XX genotype. The anthropometric characteristics of the players were similar across genotypes. However, the total running distance (p = 0.046), the distance at 21.0-23.9 km/h (p = 0.042), and the number of sprints (p = 0.042) were associated with the ACTN3 genotype. In all these variables, XX players had lower match performance values than RR players. Additionally, total and match injury incidences were higher in XX players than in RR players (p = 0.026 and 0.009, respectively). The rate of muscle injuries was also higher in XX players (p = 0.016). LaLiga football players with the ACTN3 XX genotype had lower match running performance and a higher incidence of non-contact injuries over the season.

Effects of Prematch Travel and Training on Physical and Technical Performance in International Football Matches.

This study examined the relationship of prematch travel and in-camp training on ensuing physical and technical match performance of footballers (soccer) competing for a national team. Match running and technical performance data were obtained from 68 national-team footballers competing in international matches (N = 108). Match performance data were aligned with the confirmed travel durations, time-zone change, travel direction, and time between arrival and kickoff for the travel to the match. In addition, in-camp training load from the 3days prior to national-team matches was also collated. Linear mixed models assessed relationships between travel and training measures with physical and technical match performance outcomes. Travel variables explained little variance in outcomes (R2 = .02-.16). Traveling eastward was associated with an increase in total (P = .042) and very high-speed distance (P = .030) in matches and a 5% decrease in pass accuracy (P = .012). Greater time-zone difference was associated with increased match decelerations (P = .027), while arriving later for matches was associated with increased total (P = .041) tackles. Increases in training high-speed distance were associated with increases in match high-speed distance (P = .004) and number of decelerations (P < .001). An increase in training total distance was associated with a decrease in match decelerations (P = .002). Prematch travel appeared to have minimal effects on physical and technical performance in this national team. Training loads prior to matches may have some relationship with match running performance, and, thus, readiness to train should be a priority for athletes arriving in national-team camps.

Match running performance is influenced by possession and team formation in an English Premier League team.

The aim of this study was to examine the possession (very low, low, high, and very high), team formation (3-5-2 and 4-3-3) and position (centre-backs, full-backs, centre midfielders, attacking midfielders, and centre forwards) on match load across two consecutive seasons in elite soccer. Twenty-seven English Premier League outfield players were recruited. Data was monitored through an 18 Hz Global Positioning System and a 25 Hz semi-automated camera tracking system, respectively, and all variables were analysed per minute. Main effects for formation on total distance (TD) (p = 0.006; η 2 = 0.010), high-speed running (HSR) (p = 0.009; η 2 = 0.009), number of high metabolic load (HML) efforts (p = 0.004; η 2 = 0.011) were observed. In addition, there were significant interaction effects with formation × possession on TD (p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.043), HSR (p = 0.006; η 2 = 0.018), sprinting (p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.030), HML efforts (p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.035), accelerations (p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.025). From the position-specific analysis, only the running performance of centre-backs was affected by formation or positional factors. These results indicate that formation and possession can have a significant impact on TD, HSR, and HML distance. Furthermore, players performed more high-intensity efforts in 3-5-2 than 4-3-3 formation. These findings suggest that coaches can evaluate running performance in the context of formation and possession and tailor tactical strategies to optimise physical performance.

Hamstring muscle injury is preceded by a short period of higher running demands in professional football players.

The aim of this study was to examine match running patterns before a hamstring muscle injury occurs during a match in male professional football players. A total of 281 male professional football players belonging to 7 teams from LaLiga were prospectively monitored over three seasons. Among these, 36 players suffered a non-contact hamstring muscle injury during an official match. The injuries were recorded by the medical staff, including the minute when the injury occurred. Running distances at different speed thresholds for 5 min and 15 min before the injury were compared to mean values of the previous 5 matches for the same time points. There were a total of 44 non-contact hamstring muscle injuries, which represents a hamstring muscle injury incidence of 3.34 injuries/1000 h of match exposure. The average time loss for these injuries was 33 ± 28 days (range 7 to 117 days). In the 15 min prior to the injury, players ran a similar distance as in control matches (p from 0.22 to 0.08). However, players ran a greater distance in the 5-min period before the injury than in control matches at 21.0-23.9 km/h (p < 0.001) and at ≥ 24 km/h (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for a hamstring muscle injury was 7.147 for those players who ran > 30.0 m at ≥ 21 km/h in a 5-min period (p < 0.001). Hamstring muscle injuries during competition were preceded by 5 min of higher running demands at > 21 km/h, compared with control matches. This suggests that a short period of unusual running increases the risk of hamstring muscle injury in professional football players.

Relationships between physical fitness and match running demands during a futsal congested-weeks training camp.

This study examines the relationships between body composition, anthropometry and physical fitness measures, and internal and external load (match physical and running demands) during a congested period of an overseas futsal training camp. Eleven under-20 national futsal players participated in a eleven-day training camp. During the matches, exercise heart rate (HR) and locomotion profiles were recorded via a Polar Team Pro system as the players' internal and external load. The friendly matches were scheduled on the training camp's 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th days. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. The results revealed significant differences in sprint (F = 2.74, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.21), accelerations (F = 3.63, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.27), and decelerations (F = 2.73, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.21) performance between the five matches (p < 0.05). Also, the overall body composition and physical fitness measures had large to very large correlations with match running demands during congested periods of futsal competition (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the baseline body composition and the overall physical fitness measures may be essential factors in match running demands during a congested futsal match period. Futsal players who perform better in the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test can sustain a greater volume of high-intensity accelerations during a congested period.

The effect of contextual variables on match running performance in a category 3, U18 English Academy soccer team

The effect of contextual variables on match running performance in a category 3, U18 English Academy soccer team