Physical Performance Variables Research Articles

Physical performance and technical specific skills of women football players with cerebral palsy

This study aimed to determine the physical performance profile (ability to change direction, vertical and horizontal jump, sprint ability, and dribbling-specific skills) of the first women football players with cerebral palsy (CP) who participated in an international CP football competition, accounting for their sport classes. We also examined the relationships between the different physical performance variables. Forty-five female players with CP (24.9 ± 7.5 years) were categorised into three sport classes based on their impairment severity: 19 were FT1 (severe impairments); 21 FT2; and 5 FT3 (mild impairments). Various physical performance tests were conducted, including the 505 change of direction test; vertical and horizontal jumps; 10 m sprint test; and the dribbling speed test. Significant correlations were observed between the change of direction ability, sprint (r = 0.89; p < 0.01), and dribbling tests (r = 0.71; p < 0.01), as well as between horizontal jump and sprint time (r = − 0.74; p < 0.01). FT1 players demonstrated poorer performance compared to FT3 in the 505 test and standing broad jump (p < 0.05; dg = −1.79 and 1.22 respectively), but also lower vertical jump heights (p < 0.05; dg = −0.91 to −1.57) and increased time required for sprint (p < 0.05; dg = 0.88 to 1.16) and dribbling tests (p < 0.05; dg = 0.85 to 1.44) compared to both FT2 and FT3 players. These findings offer valuable insights into the physical performance characteristics of female footballers with CP, which can guide training and sport enhancement programs for this unique para-sport population.

Characteristics of physical performance in professional female soccer athletes during a national competition

Objectives: Identify the descriptive characteristics of physical performance in different positions, compare physical performance between the first and second half of the match, and determine the association between physical performance variables in professional female soccer athletes during a national competition. Method: Fourteen professional women's soccer players participated in the study. Data from fifteen matches of the A1 division of the 2023 Brazilian Championship were collected using GPS devices. Athletes who participated in at least one complete match during the championship's classificatory phase were included. Results: The forwards and midfielders have covered greater distances at high and low intensity and maintained a higher average speed than the other positions. However, all positions have reached similar maximum speed values (25.9 ± 1.9 km/h). Significant differences were found between the first and second halves favourable to the first half for total distance (Δ = -9.7%; p = .002), distance per minute (Δ = -7.8%; p = .010), and sprint distance (Δ = -11.4%; p = .000), but not for maximum speed (Δ = -0.4%; p = .728). Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated associations between physical performance variables ranging from 0.567 to 0.850. Conclusions: Based on a descriptive analysis, it is suggested that different positions of professional female soccer athletes presented different physical demands during the competition. Lower performance was observed in the second half compared to the first for total distance, distance per minute, and sprint distance, but not for maximum speed. Moderate to high associations were also observed between physical performance variables.

A New Approach to Individualize Physical Activity Interventions for Individuals With Dementia: Cluster Analysis Based on Physical and Cognitive Performance.

Physical activity (PA) can have a beneficial effect on cognitive and physical performance in individuals with dementia (IWD), including those residing in nursing homes. However, PA interventions in nursing homes are usually delivered using a group setting, which may limit the effectiveness of the intervention due to the heterogenous nature of IWD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify clusters based on cognitive and physical performance values, which could be used to improve individualization of PA interventions. Based on the cognitive and physical performance variables of 230 IWD, a cluster analysis was conducted. Global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), mobility (6-Meter Walking Test), balance (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques-subtest-4), and strength and function of lower extremities (30-Second Chair-Stand Test) were assessed, and values were used to perform a hierarchical cluster analysis with Ward's method. Differences in physical and cognitive performance as well as other secondary outcomes (age, sex, body mass index, use of walking aids, diagnosis and etiology of dementia, number of medications, and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale) were tested using 1-factorial analyses of variance. Out of 230 data sets, 3-cluster solutions were identified with similar cluster sizes of 73 to 79. The silhouette coefficients for all calculated clusters ranged between 0.15 and 0.34. The cluster solutions were discussed in the context of cognitive and physical functions as well as training modalities and opportunities. The 4-cluster solution appears to be best suited for providing or developing an individualized PA intervention. The identified clusters of the 4-cluster solution may be used in future research to improve individualization of dementia-specific PA interventions. By assigning IWD to these clusters, more homogenous groups with regard to cognitive and physical performance can be formed. This allows for more individualized PA interventions and may result in a higher effectiveness, particularly in nursing homes. Our findings are relevant for therapists and nursing staff who design or deliver PA interventions in nursing homes or similar settings.

UČINKI TELOVADBE NA GIBLJIVOST IN MOČ PRI OTROCIH

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of gymnastics training on flexibility and strength parameters of gymnasts. A total of 48 boys aged 5-7 years participated in this study voluntarily. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (Experimental group n=24; age, height, weight and BMI 6.21±1.10 years, 114.18±19.98 cm, 22.38±4.09 kg, 15.85±1.59 kg/m², respectively; Control group n=24; age, height, weight and BMI (6.87±0.74 years, 114.18±19.98 cm, 22.38±4.09 kg, 15.90±2.72 kg/m², respectively). Standing Long Jump test (SLJ), Bent Arm Hang (BAH), Sit Ups in 30seconds Cruch (SUC), Sit and Reach Flexibility Test (SRF) and Static Flexibility (SF) tests were applied to the experimental and control groups. The training was applied to the experimental group three days a week for 12 weeks, each time for the duration of 90 minutes. A two-way Repeated Measure ANOVA (2×2) was used to test for interactions and main effects for time (pre-test vs. post-test) and group (experimental vs. control) on the dependent physical performance variables. Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the TSC and SR values of the experimental group from pre to post-tests (p&lt;0.01, d=0.95, p&lt;0.01, d=0.75, respectively). There were no significant differences in other parameters. According to post-test group difference results, experimental group participants performed better than those in the control group in terms of BAH, SUC, SLJ and SRF values (p&lt;0.02, d=0.780; p&lt;0.04, d=0.614; p&lt;0.00, d=2.11 respectively). As a conclusion, gymnastic training program significantly improved strength and flexibility of gymnasts aged 5-7 years.

Summarizing physical performance in professional soccer: development of a new composite index

The aims of this study were to create a composite index to measure the overall players’ physical performance in professional soccer matches and analyze the effect of individual playing time and positional differences on this composite index. A total of 830 official matches from LaLiga men’s first division and Spanish Copa del Rey were analyzed, which resulted in 24,980 match observations collected from 1138 male players (forwards, n = 286; midfielders, n = 441; defenders, n = 411). The physical performance variables, which represent the locomotor demands, were collected using electronic performance tracking systems. A Partial Least-Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used to measure performance. The PLS-SEM output had three significant latent components, which explained 95% of the initial variability, that were related to the acceleration-specific performance (component 1), high-intensity running-related variables (component 2), and medium intensity actions variables (component 3). Also, a linear regression analysis was used to explore relationships between playing activity time (hours—X axis) and the composite index (10-point scale—Y axis), in which a strong and positive correlation was observed between individual playing time and the composite index (r = 0.76; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.58). Also, significant positive correlations were observed in forwards (r = 0.85; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.74), midfielders (r = 0.80; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.64), and defenders (r = 0.67; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.45). However, significant differences between playing positions with a small effect size (p < 0.05; eta-squared = 0.01) were found. From a practical perspective, this study may serve as a reference for sports performance practitioners to create a composite index that measures the overall players’ physical performance. The instructions to create this index are available in the manuscript.

The Relationship Between Individually Assessed High-Intensity Accelerations, High-Intensity Decelerations, Sprints, and Technical Performances During Soccer Matches: A Full Season Analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: This longitudinal study analyzed the relationship between players’ physical (sprint distances, number of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations assessed with individual and relative thresholds) and technical (retrieved from SofaScore platform) performances during competition. Methods: Twenty elite players were monitored across a full season. Physical performances were monitored with GNSS devices, retrieving time (s), velocity (km.h−1) and distance (m). Sprint distances were calculated as > 80% of the match peak speed registered across the season. High-intensity accelerations and decelerations were calculated as >75% of the peak values registered across the season. Pearson (r) correlations (with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated to assess the relationship among different physical performance variables and between the physical and technical performance variables. Results: Sprint distances correlated with the number of ball touches (r = −0.36 [−0.49, −0.23], p < .001), accurate passes (r = −0.45 [−0.56, −0.32], p < .001), and dribble attempts (r = 0.30 [0.16, 0.43], p < .001). If players touched the ball more frequently and pass the ball more accurately, they covered shorter sprint distances. However, if players attempted more dribbles, they covered longer sprint distances. Conclusion: Practitioners can develop tactical strategies considering the relationship between sprint distances and technical variables such as ball touches, accurate passes, and dribble attempts.

Effects of a strength program on physical performance in amateur female padel players

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an explosive strength training program on the physical performance of amateur padel players. Eight females amateur padel players, aged between 25 and 40, were randomly split up in two groups: a control group (CG, n=4) and an experimental group (EG, n=4). The experimental group performed a 6-week explosive strength training program. Physical performance variables were measured before and after the intervention using several assessments: Change of direction was gauged using a modified padel-specific test (Test 505) with the "COD Timer" application. Bilateral and unilateral horizontal jumps, along with the countermovement jump (CMJ), were measured using the "Myjump" application. Upper extremity strength was evaluated through overhead medicine ball throwing. The experimental group showed significant improvements in all analyzed variables except for the bilateral horizontal jump, dis-playing an overall enhancement in their performance following the intervention. These findings contribute to shedding light on this sport, especially within the amateur domain, as most social clubs rely on it for sustenance despite the limited available information.

Physical function as a marker to assess the effects of occupational long-term pesticide exposure.

In this cross-sectional study, we determined the relative impact of long-term occupational exposure to pesticides on physical performance and perception of tiredness. Experimental data was collected in locus from agricultural communities and included surveys to assess the duration of exposure to pesticides, social status, habitual physical activity levels, presence of common mental disorders (CMD), and self-reported tiredness. Plasmatic cholinesterase (PChE), body composition and traditional functional performance tests (Handgrip strength-HGS; Time up and go-TUG; and Sit-to-stand-STS) were obtained. From the 127 individuals tested, cluster analysis yielded 80 individuals divided in Direct Exposed (n = 37) and Indirect Exposed (n = 43); Tired (n = 16), and Not Tired (n = 64). PChE values were within the reference values (5209.64-13943.53 U/L). Pesticide exposure had no influence on PChE levels, CMD or fatigue (p > 0.05), while Self-reported tiredness had (p < 0.05). Principal Component Analyses showed that HGS; STS and TUG (i.e., physical performance variables) are negatively influenced by two independent factors: pesticide exposure and self-reported tiredness. We conclude that chronic pesticide exposure and tiredness can negatively impact physical performance, independently, without clinically significant changes in PChE levels that is a biomarker used to track pesticide intoxication. Functional physical tests can be a useful tool to identify chronic pesticide exposure, and help with the limitations of commonly used parameters (i.e. PChE and CMD). Self-reported tiredness is a confounding variable.

ALBUMINURIA IS ASSOCIATED WITH LESS EFFORT TOLERANCE IN HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES

Introduction: The presence of albuminuria is an adverse marker of renal dysfunction progression. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus predispose to albuminuria. However, not all hypertensive and diabetic patients have albuminuria, so it is relevant to identify risk factors associated to this abnormality. The acute effect of intense physical activity may lead to transient albuminuria. On the other hand, physical inactivity is associated with risk factors for albuminuria Objective: To analyze the association between activity levels or physical performance and albuminuria in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients treated at basic health services. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study with hypertensives and/or diabetics subjects. The patients were evaluated in regard of albuminuria, clinical, laboratory and physical test performance variables. Results: There was no association between the degree of albuminuria and demographic, anthropometric, laboratory variables, functional capacity and level of physical activity. The degree of albuminuria was associated with systolic blood pressure, as well as the perception of effort, obtained by Borg Scale during the test in univariate analysis (odds ratio 4.11 with 95% confidence interval from 1.18 to 14.37, p = 0.027) and adjusted for systolic blood pressure and diabetes (odds ratio 3.02 with 95% confidence interval from 1.35 to 6.75; p = 0.007). Conclusion: there was association between albuminuria and perceived effort, as well with systolic blood pressure. There was not with association physical performance or level of activity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the association of albuminuria with Borg Scale.

Effects of a Physical Training Program on Cognitive and Physical Performance and Health-Related Variables in Professional esports Players: A Pilot Study

The present study focused on the effects of a physical training program on physical- and psychological-related variables in professional esports players. Five professional League of Legends (LOL) players belonging to the highest national category participated in this study. Data were obtained before and after a 5 h virtual training session (acute), as well as before and after an 8-week intervention period, focused on decreasing the impact of fatigue on players’ health and performance. The results showed that a complete virtual training session influences their performance, decreasing jump height and joint mobility (p &lt; 0.01), as well as increasing perceived physical and cognitive exertion by 76.9% (p &lt; 0.01) and 166.67% on the “Rating of Fatigue” scale (p = 0.002). Moreover, the intervention was able to reduce the impact of fatigue (30.8% and 43.3% reduction in cognitive and overall fatigue, respectively, p &lt; 0.05), improving, at the same time, the amount of muscle mass by 2%, jumping ability by 9.8% to 21%, and strength levels in various exercises by 63% to 173% (p &lt; 0.01). The implementation of a physical training program is capable of reducing the players’ fatigue perception, improving their physical conditioning and health status, and decreasing the injury risk.

Reference Values of Physical Performance in Handball Players Aged 13-19 Years: Taking into Account Their Biological Maturity.

Biological maturity status significantly influences success in handball, impacting an athlete's performance and overall development. This study aimed to examine the anthropometric and physical performance variables concerning age and maturity status, establishing reference values for physical performance among Tunisian players. A total of 560 handball players (309 males and 251 females aged 13-19 years) were categorized based on maturity status: early (n = 98), average (n = 262), and late (n = 200), determined through Mirwald and colleagues' equations. Anthropometric, physical fitness, and physiological data were collected for reference value creation. Our findings revealed significantly higher anthropometric parameters (p = 0.003) in late-maturing athletes compared to their early-maturing counterparts. Post-pubertal athletes showed significantly superior (p = 0.002) jumping ability, change of direction, and aerobic performance compared to their pre-pubertal peers. Additionally, male athletes outperformed females in both fitness (p = 0.001) and aerobic (p = 0.001) performance. A notable age-by-maturity interaction emerged for most performance outcomes (η2 ranging from 0.011 to 0.084), highlighting increased sex-specific differences as athletes progressed in age. Percentile values are provided for males and females, offering valuable insights for coaches and sports scientists to design personalized training programs. Understanding a player's performance relative to these percentiles allows trainers to tailor workouts, addressing specific strengths and weaknesses for enhanced development and competitiveness.

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.

Physical Determinants of Sprint and Long Jump Performance in Male Youth Track-and-Field Athletes With Differing Maturity Statuses.

This study examined the physical determinants of 60-m sprint and long jump (LJ) performance and differences between maturity groups in physical characteristics in young male track-and-field athletes. Competition results, countermovement jump, isometric leg press, 10-5 repeated jump test, and 50-m sprint were collected over 3 seasons for 54 male athletes (age 13 [1]y; stature 160.0 [8.9]cm; body mass, 48.0 [9.8]kg; percentage predicted adult height 92.2% [5.5%]) grouped by maturity status: approaching- (n = 16), circa- (n = 19), and post-peak height velocity (PHV) (n = 19). There were significant between-group differences in 60m, LJ, and all physical testing variables (P < .001, g = 0.88-5.44) when comparing the approaching- and circa-PHV groups with the post-PHV group. Significant differences were identified between the approaching- and circa-PHV groups in 40-m (P = .033, g = 0.89), 50-m (P = .024, g = 1.64), and 60-m (P < .001, g = 0.89) sprint times. Countermovement jump and 50-m sprint variables were consistently important for projection of 60m and LJ performance across the valid multivariate models. Large differences in performance across maturity groups highlight the importance of understanding athletes' maturity status to accurately interpret performance. Several physical performance variables were important for projecting competition 60m and LJ performance.

Match running performance is similar in lower and higher competitive standards of Spanish professional soccer accounting for effective playing time.

This study aimed to compare match running performance of players in the top two competitive standards of Spanish professional soccer, accounting for effective playing time (the duration of play after subtracting the game interruptions). A total of 2,784 match observations from 44 teams competing in the Spanish First Division (LaLiga Santander) and the Second Division (LaLiga Smartbank) were undertaken during two consecutive seasons (from 2021/22 to 2022/23). Total distance (TD), medium-speed running (MSR, distance 14.1-21 km · h-1), high-speed running (HSR, > 21 km · h-1), very high-speed running (VHSR, 21.1-24 km · h-1) and sprinting speed running distance (Sprint, > 24 km · h-1) were analyzed using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, NY). These physical performance variables were calculated for both total and effective playing time. The main results showed that the mean effective playing time was significantly higher in matches of the First Division than in the Second Division (p < .01). In contrast to those observed when total playing time was considered, there were no significant differences (p > .05) between both competitive standards on medium speed running (MSR), high speed running (HSR), very high-speed running (VHSR), and sprint distances when the effective playing time was considered. Such findings demonstrate that contrary to previous research match running performance of players was similar in lower and higher competitive standards. Thus, effective playing time should be taken into account when interpreting the match running performance of professional soccer players.

Analysis of anthropometric and physical performance variables in U-17 soccer players

IntroductionSoccer is considered a multifaceted collective sport, and to reach an elevated level, players must have moderate to high power, good agility, joint flexibility and muscle development. Also, players must be able to generate high torques during fast movements, which implies the development of different capacities, understood as multifactorial preparation. The objective was to analyse the effects of training (aerobic and continuous) on the leg power, fatigue levels, speed, agility, body fat, muscle mass and bone mass of these players.MethodsSeventy-two soccer players, male and under 17, from 4 teams participated. The teams performed 3 times a week training sessions of about 60–90 min each. Informed consent requests were given to their parents for authorisation to participate in this investigation. Data was collected in two different time points, about ten months apart. Specific tests were performed for each variable: the vertical jump with Bosco System for leg power, the T-Test for agility, the linear sprint test for speed and the RAST test for fatigue levels. A precision Tanita scale was used for the anthropometric tests such as body fat, muscle mass and bone mass. Statistical procedures were applied through the Wilcoxon test to compare the two time points of evaluation.ResultsImprovements were found between evaluations regarding the level of anthropometric and physical fitness variables.ConclusionsThe implemented training improved all the analysed variables with significant statistical values for leg power, speed, bone mass, muscle mass and fat mass.

Quantification of External Training Load among Elite-Level Goalkeepers within Competitive Microcycle

This study aimed to evaluate the external training load (ETL) of elite-level goalkeepers considering days before match day (MD minus) and playing status in subsequent matches. The ETL of three goalkeepers from the Croatian highest national football competition were analyzed, quantifying goalkeeping-specific physical performance variables (i.e., distances covered, acceleration frequencies, dives, jumps). Data were collected using a 10 Hz global-positioning system and 100 Hz accelerometer technology (Vector G7, Catapult Sports Ltd., Melbourne, Australia) from 67 training sessions. Significant daily differences for almost all physical performance variables were found (all small-to-medium effect sizes (ESs)). Specifically, total distance, total and high-intensity dives, high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, and explosive efforts were greatest on MD-3 and lowest on MD-2 and MD-1. Nonstarters performed more medium jumps on MD-4 (large ES); low jumps on MD-3 (medium ES); total, right-, and left-side dives and low jumps on MD-2 (all small-to-medium ESs); and left-side dives and low and medium jumps on MD-1 (all small-to-medium ESs) compared to the starters. These findings demonstrated that (i) elite-level goalkeepers experienced the greatest ETL on MD-3 and the lowest on MD-2 and MD-1 and that (ii) starters’ and nonstarters’ ETLs were similar on MD-4 and MD-3, while nonstarters compared to the starters presented slightly greater ETLs on MD-2 and MD-1. This study highlighted the differing daily training demands placed on elite-level goalkeepers, offering valuable insights for their preparation.

Fear of Falling as a Behavioral Symptom in Neurocognitive Impaired Patients: Evidence from an Underrepresented Population.

Fear of falling (FoF) is a condition associated with falls, multi-morbidity, and functional impairment. To date it remains unknow which clinical, somatic, socio-demographic, behavioral, and emotional factors are associated with FoF and how these factors interact in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Identify the association of FoF with clinical, socio-demographic, and neuropsychiatric factors in patients with AD and bvFTD. We evaluated 98 participants, 58 with AD and 40 with bvFTD at mild or moderate stages and assess FoF using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Additionally, we analyzed cognitive, physical performance variables, functional impairment, and affective and behavioral symptoms associated with FoF using standardized scales and a regression model analysis. The prevalence of FoF in AD and bvFTD was 51% and 40%, respectively. In the AD group, physical performance [F (3, 53) = 4.318, p = 0.009], the behavioral symptoms model [F (19, 38) = 3.314, p = 0.001], and the anxiety model [F (1, 56) = 13.4, p≤0.01] showed statistically significant values. In addition, the presence of hallucinations assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and social behavior assessed with the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist were significant. In contrast, in the bvFTD group, a homologous group of models was evaluated but we did not find any significant results. FoF in people with AD was related to physical performance, neuropsychiatric symptoms such as apathy and hallucinations, and affective symptoms such as anxiety. However, this pattern was not seen in the bvFTD group, and therefore further studies are required.

‘Bridging the gap’: Differences in training and match physical load in 1st team and U23 players from the English Premier League

Objectives To explore the differences in training and match load in English Premier League (EPL) 1st team and U23 players. Identifying differences in relative and absolute physical outputs in relation to Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) and Maximal Sprint Speed (MSS) and how this informs monitoring and training prescription. Methods Two groups of full-time professional football players (1st team, n = 24 and U23 squad, n = 27) participated in this study. Training and match data were categorised into weekly blocks from Monday to Sunday. Each player's weekly total was then averaged to provide a squad average for each metric examined. Results Match analysis identified significantly higher distance covered above 120% MAS and distance between 120% MAS and 85% MSS ( p = .04, effect size [ES] = 0.64; p &lt; .01, ES = 1.13) for the 1st team. Distance above 85% MSS was significantly higher for the U23's ( p &lt; .01, ES = 2.92). Training and match data during one-match weeks displayed significantly higher differences in all high-speed variables for 1st team players compared to U23 players ( p ≤ .05, ES = 0.82–1.78). Analysis of training and match data during a two-match week displayed no significant differences for all physical variables ( p &gt; .05). Conclusions Practitioners should consider the utilisation of individual relative thresholds to identify differences between physical performance variables during training and matches for 1st team and U23 players. Utilising these comparisons to inform training design, could maximise players physical development and potential for successful transition. Importantly, these findings relate to only one EPL club and therefore practitioners should assess their own players’ relative training and game outputs.

The relationship between ambient temperature and match running performance of elite soccer players.

The influence of environmental factors on key physical parameters of soccer players during competitive match-play have been widely investigated in the literature, although little is known on the effects of sub-zero ambient temperatures on the performance of adult elite soccer players during competitive matches. The aim of this study was to assess how the teams' match running performance indicators are related to low ambient temperature during competitive matches in the Russian Premier League. A total of 1142 matches played during the 2016/2017 to 2020/2021 seasons were examined. Linear mixed models were used to assess the relationships between changes in ambient temperature at the start of the match and changes in selected team physical performance variables, including total, running (4.0 to 5.5 m/s), high-speed running (5.5 to 7.0 m/s) and sprint (> 7.0 m/s) distances covered. The total, running and high-speed running distances showed no significant differences across temperatures up to 10°C, while these showed small to large decreases at 11 to 20°C and especially in the >20°C ranges. On the contrary, sprint distance was significantly lower at temperature of -5°C or less compared to higher temperature ranges. At sub-zero temperatures, every 1°C lower reduced team sprint distance by 19.2 m (about 1.6%). The present findings show that a low ambient temperature is negatively related to physical match performance behavior of elite soccer players, notably associated with a reduced total sprint distance.

Physical-Performance Changes Over the Season: Are They Related to Game-Performance Indicators in Elite Men Volleyball Players?

The development and influence of physical capabilities and game action performance over the course of the season are a big challenge for coaches and players. The aims of the present study were to examine (1)the seasonal changes in the physical capabilities (mechanical and kinematic) and game-performance indicators in top-level men volleyball players and (2)the relationship between these physical capabilities and game-performance indicators in official matches. Eleven top-level players participated. Players were physically tested 3 times during the season. Before each test, players' match performance (11 sets) was analyzed according to the level of opposition and match location. The percentage of change, statistical differences over the season (Friedman and Wilcoxon tests), and associations between variables (Spearman r) were calculated (P < .05) among mechanical (force-velocity profile during vertical jump and bench press), kinematic (jump height and spike ball speed), and game action performance features (coefficient, efficacy, and percentage of errors in serve, attack, and block). The theoretical maximal force and velocity during vertical jump and bench press, respectively; the peak spike ball speed; and the serve efficacy significantly increased over the season. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in serve errors as the jump height increased (r = -.44; P = .026), as well as a significant increase in serve errors as the peak spike ball speed increased (r = -.62; P = .001). These findings reveal how the physical and game action performance variables evolve and interact during the season. This may help coaches and trainers to monitor and analyze the most relevant volleyball performance factors.