Pre-season Period Research Articles

Changes in jump and sprint performances during 14 preseasons in a Spanish reserve elite soccer team

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in jump and sprint performances after the preseason period across 14 seasons depending on the initial performance level and the playing position in young professional soccer players. In total, 162 soccer players (age = 20.6 ± 1.8 years) belonging to the same reserve team of a Spanish La Liga club participated in this study. Countermovement jump (CMJ) and 5 and 15 m sprints were assessed in each season at the start of the preseason (July), Test 1 (T1), and the start of the competitive period (September), Test 2 (T2), from the 1998 to 2013 seasons. Considering all seasons, a trivial change was found in the sprint (5 m, Effect Size [ES] = −0.01; ±0.11, most-likely; and 15 m, ES = 0.05; ±0.09, most-likely) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performances (ES = −0.03; ±0.07; most-likely) after the preseason, but this varied across the seasons. While the fastest players in 5 m and 15 m tests and the most powerful worsened their performances in sprinting capacity (ES = 0.53–0.65, small very-likely) and in jump ability (ES = −0.54; ±0.25, small very-likely), respectively, the slowest players and the less powerful improved their performance likely/most-likely (ES = −0.33 and −0.68, small and moderate) and very-likely (ES = 0.40; ±0.20, small) after the precompetitive period. The changes in CMJ and sprinting were trivial and trivial/small for all tactical positions. The changes in neuromuscular performance after the preseason were not stable across the seasons and varied depending on the initial performance level. Individualization strategies should be considered in the design of strength and conditioning programs in order to optimize the training process.

Accelerometry-based variables in professional soccer players: comparisons between periods of the season and playing positions.

The aim of this study was to provide reference data of variation in external training loads for weekly periods within the annual season. Specifically, we aimed to compare the weekly acute load, monotony, and training strain of accelerometry-based measures across a professional soccer season (pre-season, first and second halves of the season) according to players’ positions. Nineteen professional players were monitored daily for 45 weeks using an 18-Hz global positioning system to obtain measures of high metabolic load distance (HMLD), impacts, and high intensity accelerations and decelerations. Workload indices of acute load, training monotony, and training strain were calculated weekly for each of the measures. The HMLD had greater training strain values in the pre-season than in the first (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.793) and second halves of the season (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.858). Comparisons between playing positions showed that midfielders had the highest weekly acute load of HMLD (6901 arbitrary units [AU]), while central defenders had the lowest (4986 AU). The pre-season period was associated with the highest acute and strain load of HMLD and number of impacts, with a progressive decrease seen during the season. In conclusion, coaches should consider paying greater attention to variations in HMLD and impacts between periods of the season and between players to individualize training accordingly.

Conservative management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in professional basketball

Abstract Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common injury in basketball, having a difficult therapeutic approach because it requires an extended period of time to be resolved once it appears. Therefore, preventing the onset of this condition seems critical in maintaining athletes’ health, and availability to compete. Because reducing training and competition volume in a professional team context is complex, the exercises presented here offer a good option for managing injured players without compromising their availability during the season. However, offseason and preseason periods are key to developing, protecting and strengthening the injured joint and its functionality for the competitive season.

Training intensity distribution of young elite soccer players

The current study described the training load and intensity distribution of 30 elite Under 20 soccer players (17.9 ± 0.6 years, 180.3 ± 5.7 cm, 73.7 ± 8.8kg) from a 3-time FIFA Club World Cup champion. Session-rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), internal training load (ITL) and monotony were recorded across 40 training sessions. Mixed-effects modeling was used for data analysis. The athletes performed 33.0 ± 6.9 out of 40 planned training sessions. Most common reasons for absence from training included sickness or minor injuries. Overall, these training sessions summed 2928.7 ± 627.6 minutes. Athletes performed significantly more training sessions at low and moderate intensity zones than at high-intensity zone (p <0.0001). The current data indicate that elite young soccer players perform their training sessions predominantly at the low-intensity zone. Training monitoring is an important aspect of the sport training process evolution. In fact, previous evidencehas already shown that an appropriate intensity distribution preventsmaladaptation from sports training and may optimize athletic performance. Therefore, coaches should implement strategies to monitor training loads during pre-season and competitive periods.

Preseason Injury Characteristics in Spanish Professional Futsal Players: The LNFS Project.

López-Segovia, M, Vivo Fernández, I, Herrero Carrasco, R, and Pareja Blanco, F. Preseason injury characteristics in Spanish professional futsal players: the National Futsal League (LFNS) project. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 232-237, 2022-This study aimed to examine the incidence of injuries and their characteristics among professional Spanish futsal players during the preseason period and to compare injury-related variables in the context of both competition and training. Eleven futsal teams belonging to the First and Second Spanish Division and 161 players participated in the study. Characteristics of injuries, including type, location, cause and time of injury, injury recurrence, and duration of absence, were recorded. A total of 62 injuries were reported; injury rates of 9.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.0-12.5) injuries/1,000 training hours and 61.1 (95% CI: 25.7-96.5) injuries/1,000 match hours were collected. These data indicate a mean of 5.64 ± 2.66 injuries per team during the preseason period. Of these injuries, 92.1% involved the lower limbs. When data from training and competition were analyzed together, the highest incidence of injuries affected the ankle (21%), followed by the hip/groin and knee (19.4% each). The most common type of injury was muscle rupture/tear/strain (29.0%). During training, the highest percentage of injuries were located in the knee (23.9%), followed by the ankle and hip/groin (21.7% in each case), while during matches, the thigh (35.7%) followed by the ankle (21.4%) was the regions most affected. A significant relationship (p = 0.008) was observed between injury cause (without contact, with other player, with the ball, and others) and injury context (training, match). To conclude, the results of this study suggest the need for injury prevention protocols focuses on the ankle and the knee joints and muscle strain prevention.

Isolated &amp; Combined Wearable Technology Underestimate the Total Energy Expenditure of Professional Young Rugby League Players; A Doubly Labelled Water Validation Study

Costello, N, Deighton, K, Cummins, C, Whitehead, S, Preston, T, and Jones, B. Isolated & combined wearable technology underestimate the total energy expenditure of professional young rugby league players; a doubly labelled water validation study. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3398-3403, 2022-Accurately determining total energy expenditure (TEE) enables the precise manipulation of energy balance within professional collision-based sports. Therefore, this study investigated the ability of isolated or combined wearable technology to determine the TEE of professional young rugby league players across a typical preseason and in-season period. Total energy expenditure was measured via doubly labelled water, the criterion method, across a fourteen-day preseason ( n = 6) and 7-day in-season ( n = 7) period. Practical measures of TEE included SenseWear Pro3 Armbands in isolation and combined with metabolic power derived from microtechnology units. SenseWear Pro3 Armbands significantly under-reported preseason (5.00 [2.52] MJ·d -1 ; p = 0.002) and in-season (2.86 [1.15] MJ·d -1 ; p < 0.001) TEE, demonstrating a large and extremely large standardized mean bias, and a very large and large typical error, respectively. Combining metabolic power with SenseWear Pro3 Armbands almost certainly improved preseason (0.95 [0.15] MJ·d -1 ; Effect size = 0.32 ± 0.04; p < 0.001) and in-season (1.01 [0.15] MJ·d -1 ; ES = 0.88 ± 1.05; p < 0.001) assessment. However, SenseWear Pro3 Armbands combined with metabolic power continued to significantly under-report preseason (4.04 [2.38] MJ·d -1 ; p = 0.004) and in-season (2.18 [0.96] MJ·d -1 ; p = 0.002) expenditure, demonstrating a large and very large standardized mean bias, and a very large and large typical error, respectively. These findings demonstrate the limitations of utilizing isolated or combined wearable technology to accurately determine the TEE of professional collision-based sport athletes across different stages of the season.

Determinants of hamstring fascicle length in professional rugby league athletes

ObjectivesInvestigate the determinants of hamstring fascicle length in professional rugby league players. DesignRetrospective cohort study MethodsThirty-three elite male athletes underwent testing in the pre-season and in-season periods. Fascicle length measurements of the biceps femoris long head, 3D kinematics and elapsed time-periods at thigh angular velocities between 20°/s to peak velocity during a single-leg Nordic hamstring strength test, GPS-derived running loads, age and previous injury history were all recorded. Fixed effect determinants for fascicle length were analyzed using multiple linear regression. ResultsSignificant determinants of hamstring fascicle length were observed. Multivariate regression analysis showed modifiable factors including chronic (56 days) running volumes >80% of measured peak velocity and maximum velocity itself collectively explained 43% of the variability in the fascicle length data, whilst peak eccentric strength and elapsed time under load from 20°/s to peak thigh angular velocity collectively contributed an additional 44%. Chronic running volumes >90% of individually measured peak velocity and the ‘break angle’ during a Nordic eccentric contraction were not significant contributors to the final model. Non-modifiable risk factors (age and previous injury) contributed the remaining 13%. ConclusionsManaging high velocity running exposure as well as eccentric strength allows for ˜90% of the controllable determinants in fascicle length within elite athlete populations. An important contributor to the explained variability within fascicle length (superseded only by chronic velocity exposure and peak eccentric strength) was an athletes ability to achieve a prolonged contraction at long lengths during eccentric strength training rather than the angle of failure during the contraction in itself.

Can a contemporary dietary assessment tool or wearable technology accurately assess the energy intake of professional young rugby league players? A doubly labelled water validation study

Accurate quantification of energy intake is imperative in athletes; however traditional dietary assessment tools are frequently inaccurate. Therefore, this study investigated the validity of a contemporary dietary assessment tool or wearable technology to determine the total energy intake (TEI) of professional young athletes. The TEI of eight professional young male rugby league players was determined by three methods; Snap-N-Send, SenseWear Armbands (SWA) combined with metabolic power and doubly labelled water (DLW; intake-balance method; criterion) across a combined ten-day pre-season and seven-day in-season period. Changes in fasted body mass were recorded, alongside changes in body composition via isotopic dilution and a validated energy density equation. Energy intake was calculated via the intake-balance method. Snap-N-Send non-significantly over-reported pre-season and in-season energy intake by 0.21 (2.37) MJ.day−1 (p = 0.833) and 0.51 (1.73) MJ.day−1 (p = 0.464), respectively. This represented a trivial and small standardised mean bias, and very large and large typical error. SenseWear Armbands and metabolic power significantly under-reported pre-season and in-season TEI by 3.51 (2.42) MJ.day−1 (p = 0.017) and 2.18 (1.85) MJ.day−1 (p = 0.021), respectively. This represents a large and moderate standardised mean bias, and very large and very large typical error. There was a most likely larger daily error reported by SWA and metabolic power than Snap-N-Send across pre-season (3.30 (2.45) MJ.day−1; ES = 1.26 ± 0.68; p = 0.014) and in-season periods (1.67 (2.00) MJ.day−1; ES = 1.27 ± 0.70; p = 0.012). This study demonstrates the enhanced validity of Snap-N-Send for assessing athlete TEI over combined wearable technology, although caution is required when determining the individual TEIs of athletes via Snap-N-Send.

Development of anthropometric characteristics in professional Rugby League players: Is there too much emphasis on the pre-season period?

Rugby League is a team sport requiring players to experience large impact collisions, thus requiring high amounts of muscle mass. Many players (academy and senior) strive to increase muscle mass during the pre-season, however, quantification of changes during this period have not been thoroughly investigated. We therefore assessed changes in body-composition using Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in eleven academy players over three successive pre-seasons and ninety-three senior players from four different European Super League clubs prior to, and at the end of, a pre-season training period. There was no meaningful change in lean mass of the academy players during any of the pre-season periods (year 1 = 72.3 ± 7.1–73.2 ± 7.2kg; ES 0.05, year 2 = 74.4 ± 6.9–75.5 ± 6.9kg; ES 0.07, year 3 = 75.9 ± 6.7–76.8 ± 6.6kg; ES 0.06) with small changes only occurring over the three-year study period (72.3–75.9kg; ES = 0.22). Senior players showed trivial changes in all characteristics during the pre-season period (total mass = 95.1–95.0kg; ES −0.01, lean mass = 74.6–75.1kg; ES 0.07, fat mass = 13.6–12.9kg; ES −0.17, body fat percentage = 14.8–14.1%; ES −0.19). These data suggest that academy players need time to develop towards profiles congruent with senior players. Moreover, once players reach senior level, body-composition changes are trivial during the pre-season and therefore teams may need to individualise training for players striving to gain muscle mass by reducing other training loads.

Differences in visceral adipose tissue and biochemical cardiometabolic risk markers in elite rugby union athletes of Caucasian and Polynesian descent

Polynesian individuals are leaner with greater musculature than Caucasians of an equivalent size, and this genetically different morphology provides a physique that is often compatible with success in a number of sports, including rugby union. Evidence indicates that Polynesians have greater stores of absolute and relative abdominal fat mass and this is known to confer cardiometabolic risk. The aims of this study were to (1) explore the relationship between ethnicity, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and cardiometabolic disease risk markers in elite Caucasian and Polynesian rugby union athletes, and (2) assess the impact of a pre-season training programme on these markers. Twenty-two professional rugby union athletes of Caucasian (n = 11) and Polynesian (n = 11) descent underwent physique assessment via surface anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging before and after an 11-week pre-season. A fasted blood test was undertaken at both time points. Compared to Caucasians, at baseline Polynesians displayed significantly higher VAT (771 ± 609 cm3 vs 424 ± 235 cm3; p = 0.043), triglycerides (1.0 ± 0.9 mmol/L vs 0.6 ± 0.2 mmol/L; p = 0.050), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.1 ± 0.9 mmol/L vs 2.3 ± 0.7 mmol/L; p = 0.019). Similar changes were observed in both groups over the pre-season period in VAT and blood biochemical markers. Polynesian rugby union athletes were more likely than Caucasians to exhibit risk factors associated with cardiometabolic disease, such as elevated VAT and unfavourable lipid profiles. Further longitudinal research is required to identify and explain the short- and long-term risk of cardiometabolic disease in athletes of Polynesian descent.

Changes in performance markers and wellbeing in elite senior professional rugby union players during a pre-season period: Analysis of the differences across training phases

ObjectivesTo assess the magnitude of change and association with variation in training load of two performance markers and wellbeing, over three pre-season training blocks, in elite rugby union athletes. DesignObservational. MethodsTwenty-two professional players (age 25±5 years; training age 6±5 years; body mass, 99±13kg; stature 186±6cm) participated in this study, with changes in lower (CMJ height) and upper body (bench press mean speed) neuromuscular function and self-reported wellbeing (WB) assessed during an 11-week period. ResultsThere was a small increase in CMJ height (0.27, ±0.17 – likely substantial; standardised effect size, ±95% confidence limits – magnitude-based inference) (p=0.003), bench press speed (0.26, ±0.15 – likely substantial) (p=0.001) and WB (0.26, ±0.12 – possibly substantial) (p<0.0001) across the pre-season period. There was a substantial interaction in the effect of training load on these three variables across the three training phases. A two-standard deviation (2SD) change in training load was associated with: a small decrease in CMJ height during the power phase (−0.32, ±0.19 – likely substantial) (p=0.001); a small reduction in bench press speed during the hypertrophy phase (−0.40, ±0.32 – likely substantial) (p=0.02); and a small reduction in WB during the strength phase (−0.40, ±0.24 – very likely substantial) (p<0.0001). The effects of changes in training load across other phases were either likely trivial, only possibly substantial, or unclear. ConclusionsThe effect of training load on performance can vary both according to the type of training stimulus being administered and based on whether upper- or lower-body outcomes are being measured.

Power training in elite young soccer players: Effects of using loads above or below the optimum power zone

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the effects of two jump squat (JS) training programs involving different loading ranges in under-20 soccer players during a preseason period. Twenty-three elite young soccer players performed sprint speed (at 5-, 10-, and 20-m), change-of-direction (COD) speed, JS peak-power (PP), and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests pre and post four weeks of training. Athletes were pair-matched in two groups according to their optimum power loads (OPL) as follows: lower than OPL (LOPL; athletes who trained at a load 20% lower than the OPL) and higher than OPL (HOPL; athletes who trained at a load 20% higher than the OPL). Magnitude-based inferences were used to compare pre- and post-training measures. Meaningful increases in the PP JS were observed for both groups. Likely and possible improvements were observed in the 5- and 10-m sprint velocity in the LOPL group. Meanwhile, possible and likely improvements were observed in the CMJ, 5- and 10-m sprint velocity, and COD speed in the HOPL group. Overall, both training schemes induced positive changes in athletic performance. Soccer coaches and sport scientists can implement the JS OPL-based training schemes presented here, either separately or combined, to improve the physical performance of youth soccer players.

Efecto del entrenamiento de pretemporada sobre la condición física de futbolistas jóvenes: análisis por demarcaciones

Objetivo: Analizar el efecto del entrenamiento de pretemporada sobre la condición física de futbolistas jóvenes en función de la demarcación ocupada en el campo.&#x0D; Método: En el estudio participaron 31 futbolistas jóvenes (edad: 15.5 ± 0.7 años; altura: 174.4 ± 6.3 cm; peso: 62.4 ± 13.4 kg; experiencia: 8.5 ± 1.3 años) que fueron divididos en tres grupos en función de su puesto de juego: defensas centrales y delanteros (DC-DE, n = 13), medios centros (MC, n = 6) y defensas y medios laterales (DL-ML, n = 12). Al comienzo (M1) y al final (M2) de un período de pretemporada de 6 semanas todos los futbolistas realizaron una serie de test de condición física: test de resistencia intermitente (30-15VFIT), test de sprints repetidos (RSAmedia y RSAmejor), test de salto horizontal (THbilateral), test de velocidad (sprint 40 m) y test de cambio de dirección (T-Test).&#x0D; Resultados: Los resultados mostraron mejores valores en THbilateral para DC-DE y DL-ML que para MC en M1 (5/4/92%, probable y 99/1/0%, muy probable; respectivamente) y en M2 (5/7/88%, probable y 97/2/1%, muy probable, respectivamente). En la medida M2 también se observaron mejores resultados en DL-ML que en DC-DE en las variables RSAmedia (5/8/87, probable), RSAmejor (2/8/90%, probable) y T-Test (2/10/82%, probable).&#x0D; Conclusión: Mientras que al comienzo del período de entrenamiento sólo existen diferencias entre demarcaciones en THbilateral, el entrenamiento específico puede provocar diferencias entre demarcaciones en la capacidad de repetir sprints y en la capacidad de cambio de dirección.

Factors underlying changes in salinity around the southeastern Antilles

Abstract A plume of fresh water, originating from the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers, infiltrates the southeastern Caribbean. Here, some of factors underlying changes of near-surface salinity are investigated using ocean and atmosphere reanalyses that include winds, currents, sea temperature, salinity, rainfall, and river basin run-off during pre-season (April–June) and in-season (July–September) periods 1980–2016. Composite results demonstrate that increased northeasterly trade winds and an accelerated North Brazil Current feed Amazon and Orinoco River water northwestward into the Caribbean, underpinning a 0.5C warming of sea temperature and an increase in the frequency and intensity of passing hurricanes. This chain of events is partially related to the Atlantic meridional mode.

Sleep Quality and Quantity of International Rugby Sevens Players During Pre-season.

Leduc, C, Jones, B, Robineau, J, Piscione, J, and Lacome, M. Sleep quality and quantity of international rugby sevens players during pre-season. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1878-1886, 2019-The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of training load on objective and subjective sleep measures among elite rugby sevens players during pre-season. Nine international male rugby sevens players participated in this study. Actigraphic and subjective sleep assessment were performed on a daily basis to measure sleep parameters. Training load was measured during the entire pre-season period, and sleep data from the highest and lowest training load week were used in the analysis through magnitude-based inferences. During the highest training load, likely to possibly small, moderate decreases in time in bed (effect sizes; ±90% confidence limits: -0.42; ±0.44 for session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE], -0.69; ±0.71 for total distance covered [TDC]) and total sleep time (-0.20; ±0.37 for sRPE, -0.23; ±0.35 for TDC) were found. Possibly small (-0.21; ±0.35 for high-speed distance, -0.52; ±0.73 for acceleration/deceleration [A/D]) and likely moderate (-074; ±0.67 for TDC) decreases were observed in subjective sleep quality. Possibly small to very likely moderate changes in sleep schedule were observed. Sleep quantity and subjective quality seem to be deteriorated during higher loads of training. This study highlights the necessity to monitor and improve sleep among elite rugby sevens players, especially for the intense period of training.

Physical Profiles of Female Academy Netball Players by Position.

Thomas, C, Ismail, KT, Simpson, R, Comfort, P, Jones, PA, and Dos'Santos, T. Physical profiles of female academy netball players by position. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1602-1609, 2019-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the height, body mass, and physical characteristics of female academy netball players by position (centers, defenders, and shooters). Data were collected on 43 regional academy players during the preseason period and comprising height, body mass, and physical characteristics (single-leg hop [SLH], squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ], 5- and 10-m sprint, 505 change of direction speed and cardiorespiratory fitness). Defenders and shooters demonstrated significantly (p ≤ 0.05; d ≥ 1.1) greater body mass compared with centers. Defenders demonstrated significantly (p ≤ 0.05; d = 1.6) greater height compared with centers; however, no significant differences were noted between centers and shooters (p = 0.19; d = 0.7) and defenders and shooters (p = 0.70; d = 0.5). Centers performed better during the SLH left leg (p = 0.01; d = 1.0), SJ (p = 0.03; d = 1.1), CMJ (p = 0.01; d = 1.4), 5-m (p = 0.04; d ≥ -0.9) and 10-m sprint (p = 0.01; d = -1.2), 505 left (p ≤ 0.03; d ≥ 1.0), 505 right (p ≤ 0.03; d = 1.3), and cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.01; d ≥ 1.2) compared with other positions. No other significant differences were observed. These findings demonstrate that height, body mass, and physical characteristics differ between positions in female netball players and provide normative data for English academy netball players. Strength and conditioning coaches should consider the specific demands on individual positions when training female netball players.

Pre-season training responses and their associations with training load in elite rugby league players

ABSTRACTObjective: Strength, power and endurance characteristics and their association with training load during a 7-week preseason training phase were assessed in elite rugby league players.Methods: Twenty-two players (age 23.3 ± 4.4 years) performed bench throw, one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press, squat jumps, three repetition maximum (3RM) squats, prone pull-ups and prone Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) before and after the 7-week preseason period. Training was classified into Gym, Field and Wrestle, with training load of each monitored using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) multiplied by training duration (sRPE-TL). Results: There were most likely improvements in 3RM back squat, prone pull-ups and Yo-Yo IR1 and likely improvements in the bench press, bench throw and squat jump after the 7-week training programme (ES = 0.3 to 1.2). Accumulated sRPE-TL for Gym, Field and Wrestle sessions were 9176 ± 1187, 10,906 ± 2162, and 1072 ± 315 AU, respectively. Relationships between mean weekly sRPE-TL and changes in physical qualities were trivial to large (r = −0.67 to 0.34). Conclusions: This study suggests sRPE-TL is unsuitable to detect dose–response relationships between training load and the changes in physical qualities of elite rugby league players during the pre-season period.

Relationship of Pre-season Training Load With In-Season Biochemical Markers, Injuries and Performance in Professional Soccer Players.

IntroductionThere is controversy in the literature in regards of the link between training load and injury rate. Thus, the aims of this non-interventional study were to evaluate relationships between pre-season training load with biochemical markers, injury incidence and performance during the first month of the competitive period in professional soccer players.Materials and MethodsHealthy professional soccer players were enrolled in this study over two pre-season periods. Data sets were available from 26 players during the first season (2014–2015) and 24 players during the second season (2015–2016) who completed two pre-season periods (6 weeks each). External training load was assessed from all athletes during training using Global Positioning System (GPS). Internal training load was monitored after each training session using rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Before and after each pre-season, blood samples were taken to determine plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Injury incidence and overall performance (ranking of the team after the first five official games of the championship) were recorded for both seasons separately.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in mean RPE values of the two-preparation periods (2737 ± 452 and 2629 ± 786 AU, p = 0.492). The correlational analysis did not reveal significant associations between internal and external training load (RPE and GPS data) and biological markers. There was a significant positive correlation between RPE and LDH during the 2015/2016 season (r = 0.974, p = 0.001). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between total distance >20 km/h and CRP during the 2015–2016 season (r = -0.863, p = 0.027). The injury rates for the two seasons were 1.76 and 1.06 per 1000 h exposure for the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 seasons, respectively (p = 0.127).ConclusionOur study showed that pre-season training load is not associated with overall team performance. This association is most likely multifactorial and other factors (e.g., technical and tactical level of the team, opponents, environment) may play an important role for the collective team performance. Our findings may help coaches to better prepare their athletes during pre-season.

Accounting for multiple injuries does not improve the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) as a tool to identify injury risk among English Premier League academy football players: a 3-season prospective cohort study

ABSTRACTPurpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between FMS™ score and non-contact injury while accounting for participant exposure and multiple injuries to the same player.Materials and methods: Sixty-four players were screened during the preseason period with non-contact injuries and exposure time recorded prospectively for the entirety of three consecutive seasons (2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17). One-hundred and eighteen player-season observations were included in the analysis. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were utilized to explore associations between FMS™ composite, individual sub-test scores, the number of sub-test asymmetries and non-contact injury.Results: The FMS™ composite score demonstrated a likely trivial (IRR: 1.05 95%CI: 0.94–1.17) association with non-contact injury. The number of individual sub-test asymmetries and all of the sub-test scores (with the exception of the hurdle step, IRR: 1.58 95%CI: 0.99–2.52) demonstrated unclear associations with non-contact injury.Conclusions: No associations with non-contact injury were observed for the FMS™ composite score, individual sub-test scores or the number of sub-test asymmetries, even when accounting for exposure and multiple injuries to the same player.Practical implications: The FMS™ composite score is likely not useful for injury risk stratification, nor are the individual sub-tests or the number of asymmetries.

Dietary Intake and Energy Expenditure Assessed during a Pre-Season Period in Elite Gaelic Football Players.

There is currently a lack of research into the energy demands and associated nutritional intakes of elite Gaelic football players during the pre-season period, which is a crucial time of year for physical development. The aim of the current study was to investigate the dietary intake and energy expenditure (EE) of elite Gaelic football players during a typical pre-season week. Over a seven-day period, which included four training days and three rest days, dietary intake (validated self-reported estimated food diary) and EE (Sensewear Pro armband) were recorded in 18 male players from a single elite inter-county Gaelic football team. Average energy intake (EI) (3283 ± 483 kcal) was significantly (p = 0.002) less than average EE (3743 ± 335 kcal), with a mean daily energy deficit of −460 ± 503 kcal. Training days elicited the greatest deficits between intake and expenditure. The mean carbohydrate (CHO) intake was 3.6 ± 0.7 g/kg/day, protein intake was 2.1 ± 0.5 g/kg/day, and fat intake was 1.6 ± 0.2 g/kg/day. These findings indicate that the dietary practices of the sampled players were inadequate to meet EE and CHO recommendations. Training days are of particular concern, with the players not altering energy and CHO intake to encounter increased energy demands. Education on nutritional strategies for elite Gaelic footballers should be considered in relation to training demands to avoid detriments to performance and health.