Recreational Football Players Research Articles

Prevalence of Ankle Sprain in Recreational Football Players of Peshawar Sports Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan

Prevalence of Ankle Sprain in Recreational Football Players of Peshawar Sports Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan

Effects of athletic socks with high frictional properties on in-shoe foot sliding and performance in football-specific movements

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of high friction socks on in-shoe foot sliding and running performance of male footballers during change of direction movements. Twelve recreational football players (mean age 20.3 ± 1.1 years) completed a 26 m dynamic agility course at their maximum running speed. 3D kinematic and kinetic data were collected for three maximum speed 45° side-cuts, and 180° turns in two different sock conditions. Comparisons were made between a sock with a high static coefficient of friction (GripSock) and a regular sock (CompressionS). The Gripsock condition significantly increased utilized traction (COFu) and a reduction of GRF angle (GRFα) was identified during the braking phase of the side cut (COFu: + 9.3 ± 10%; GRFα: −3.1 ± 2.9%) but not in the side-cut propulsion, turn braking and turn propulsion phases. Speed perception was raised in the GripSock condition (+18 ± 30%). However, wearing a sock with high frictional properties did not significantly reduce in-shoe foot sliding in any examined direction nor did it significantly reduce running times over a functional traction course. The relationship between in-shoe traction and running performance is complex and likely dependent on the overall interaction of shoe properties and the type of athletic sock.

The Relationship between Functional Movement Screen Scores and Athlete Performance in Recreational Football Players

Introduction: Athletics is always accompanied by an inherent risk of injuries. It is very essential to determine the ability of a person to participate in sporting events. Functional mobility skills are important talents that should be assessed up to 10 years of age, as these skills are the foundation for a variety of sports. After the age of 10 years, it is essential to improve some athletic talents, such as agility, mobility, and flexibility. Therefore Functional movement screen scoring (FMS) has already been used as a test to make evaluating movement patterns in ordinary sports practice easier. Aim: This study aims to detect if there is a relationship between FMS and hamstring flexibility and agility. Materials Methods: Sixtysix subjects were chosen based on a set of eligibility criteria and were allotted to two distinct groups (group A FMS>14, group B FMS<14) using a convenient sampling technique. Group A (FMS>14) is a correlation done between FMS that was assessed using the FMS kit along with hamstring flexibility using the AKE test and Agility using IAT. Group B (FMS<14) is a correlation done between FMS that was assessed using the FMS kit along with hamstring flexibility using AKE and agility using IAT. The results were calculated using a coefficient correlation test. Outcome Measures: FMS, AKE, IAT. Results: There was a positive correlation between FMS and agility that is when FMS were high, the agility time was less and vice versa. The relationship of FMS with knee extension was positive, suggesting that when FMS were high, knee extension was more and vice versa. Conclusion: This study states that there is a positive correlation between FMS with athlete performance among recreational football players.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Concussion Reporting Behavior Intentions in Parents of Youth Recreational Football Players

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study: (1) Described the knowledge, attitudes, and reported behavior intentions of young recreational football players’ parents toward concussion. (2) Investigated associations of the previous variables with parent demographics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design utilized an online platform to survey parents of children (8–14 yrs.) in three youth football leagues in the southern United States. Demographics collected included items such as sex or concussion history. Knowledge was assessed via true/false items, with higher scores (0–20) representing greater concussion understanding. 4-point Likert scales were used to describe parents attitudes (1 = not at all, 4 = very much), confidence in intended recognition/reporting (1 = not-confident, 4 = extremely confident), and agreement with intended reporting behaviors (1 = strong- disagreement, 4 = strong-agreement). Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographics. Mann–Whitney U test or Kruskal–Wallis Tests examined survey responses across demographics. Results: Respondents (n = 101) were primarily female (64.4%), white (81.2%), and participated in contact sport (83.2%). Parents averaged 15.9 ± 1.4 on concussion knowledge, with only 34.7% (n = 35) of parents scoring > 17/20. Statements that received the lowest average agreement (3.29/4) regarding reporting intent were related to emotional symptoms. Some parents (n = 42, 41.6%) reported low confidence in recognizing symptoms of a concussion in their child. Parent demographics did not have clinically significant associations with survey responses, with 6/7 demographic variables resulting in no statistical significance (p > .05). Conclusions: Although one-third of parents attained high knowledge scores, several reported low confidence in recognizing concussion symptoms in their children. Parents scored lower in agreement with removing their child from play when concussion symptoms were subjective. Youth sports organizations providing concussion education to parents should consider these results when revising their materials.

Validity and sensitivity of field tests' heart-rate recovery assessment in recreational football players.

We aimed at examining the criterion validity and sensitivity of heart-rate recovery (HRRec) in profiling cardiorespiratory fitness in male recreational football players in the untrained and trained status, using endurance field-tests. Thirty-two male untrained subjects (age 40 ± 6 years, VO2max 41.7 ± 5.7 ml·kg-1·min-1, body mass 82.7 ± 9.8 kg, stature 173.3 ± 7.4 cm) participated in a 12-week (2‒3 sessions per week) recreational football intervention and were tested pre- and post-intervention (i.e. untrained and trained status). The participants performed three intermittent field tests for aerobic performance assessment, namely Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 1 (YYIE1) and level 2 (YYIE2) tests, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) test. VO2max was assessed by performing a progressive maximal treadmill test (TT) and maximal HR (HRmax) determined as the maximal value across the testing conditions (i.e., Yo-Yo intermittent tests or TT). HRRec was calculated as the difference between Yo-Yo tests' HRpeak or HRmax and HR at 30 s (HR30), 60 s (HR60) and 120 s (HR120) and considered as beats·min-1 (absolute) and as % of tests' HRpeak or HRmax values. Significant post-intervention improvements (p<0.0001) were shown in VO2max (8.6%) and Yo-Yo tests performance (23-35%). Trivial to small (p>0.05) associations were found between VO2max and HRRec (r = -0.05-0.27, p>0.05) across the Yo-Yo tests, and training status either expressed as percentage of HRpeak or HRmax. The results of this study do not support the use of field-test derived HRRec to track cardiorespiratory fitness and training status in adult male recreational football players.

Effect of Static Stretching on Dynamic Balance and Performance of the Saudi Recreational Football Players

Back ground There have been rather controversial reports that some sport performances are negatively affected by stretching. It is widely believed that pre-exercise static stretching reduces the risk of injury and enhances performance. Several studies reported that pre-exercise static stretching decreases maximal force production, jump height and speed. (Does static stretching has a negative influence on balance and/ or athletic performance?) Aim of study: To determine the effect of static stretching (SS) on static and dynamic balance (DB) and its influence on the performance of the Saudi recreational football players. Material &amp; methods: 40 healthy male Saudi recreational football players, their mean age was 21 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups A (n=20) started dynamic balance first then the static balance, while group B (n=20) started the static balance test first and Intervention: Participants at each group were asked to preform static stretching exercises for each muscle group (hamstring, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius) three times. Holding period of SS was 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest. The static balanced (SB) test was measured using “Balance Master System”, while Modified Star Excursion Balance Tests was used to measure the DB. Group A started SB test first and group B started DB test first. Results: The results indicated statistically significant effect for groups (P= 0.017) and for the interaction between group and time (P= 0.001). However, the main effect for time was not significant (P= 0.533). Group B significantly showed better mean score of SB compared to group A in both period (P= 0.017). group B demonstrated slightly lower mean score immediately post stretching which, indicate an improvement of the SB while, group A demonstrated an increase in the mean score of the SB indicating low SB. Conclusion: Static stretching has an immediate (acute) positive effect on the static and dynamic balance of recreational football players. This effect decreased over time.

Acute arm and leg muscle glycogen and metabolite responses to small-sided football games in healthy young men.

Studies have indicated upper body involvement during football, provoking long-term muscular adaptations. This study aimed at examining the acute metabolic response in upper and lower body skeletal muscle to football training organized as small-sided games (SSG). Ten healthy male recreational football players [age 24 ± 1 (± SD) yrs; height 183 ± 4cm; body mass 83.1 ± 9.7kg; body fat 15.5 ± 5.4%] completed 1-h 5v5 SSG (4 × 12min interspersed with 4-min recovery periods). Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis (VL) and m. deltoideus (DE) pre- and post-SSG for muscle glycogen and metabolite analyses. Blood lactate samples were obtained at rest, middle and end of the SSG. Muscle glycogen in VL decreased (P < 0.01) by 21% and tended (P = 0.08) to decrease in DE by 13%. Muscle lactate increased in VL (117%; P < 0.001) and DE (81%; P < 0.001) during the game, while blood lactate rose threefold. Muscle ATP and PCr were unaltered, but intermuscular differences were detected for ATP at both time points (P < 0.001) and for PCr at pre-SSG (P < 0.05) with VL demonstrating higher values than DE, while muscle creatine rose in VL (P < 0.001) by 41% and by 22% in DE (P = 0.02). Baseline citrate synthase maximal activity was higher (P < 0.05) in VL compared to DE, whereas baseline muscle lactate concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in DE than VL. The upper body may be extensively involved during football play, but besides a rise in muscle lactate in the deltoideus muscle similar to the leg muscles, the present study did not demonstrate acute metabolic changes of an order that may explain the previously reported training effect of football play in the upper extremities.

Knee and ankle biomechanics in 90° side cutting on synthetic turf with shock pad

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in knee and ankle biomechanics on synthetic turf with and without a shock pad in two approach velocities during a 90° cutting movement. Twelve recreational male American football or soccer players performed five trials of 90° side cutting in each of four conditions: turf only and turf with shock pad at approach velocity of 3.0 and 4.0 m/s. A two-way (surface × approach velocity) ANOVA was used to analyse selected variables. Knee and ankle variables were generally similar across surface conditions. However, peak knee frontal-plane loading eccentric power was greater (p = 0.013) while peak knee frontal-plane push-off eccentric power was reduced on the shock pad (p = 0.020). A surface × approach velocity interaction was detected for peak knee sagittal-plane eccentric power (p = 0.018), and a post-hoc analysis found a significant increase of peak knee sagittal-plane eccentric power at a faster approach speed on the turf only condition compared to the turf with the shock pad. There were increases in the knee extension moments (p = 0.004), peak push-off medial ground reaction force (GRF, p = 0.025), peak ankle eversion moment (p < 0.001), and ankle inversion ROM (p = 0.001) as approach velocity increased while peak push-off vertical GRF decreased (p = 0.011). The effects of the inclusion of a shock pad on lower extremity loading during a 90° cutting movement are limited. The results indicate that the turf with the shock pad absorbs more kinetic energy as speed increases than the turf alone.

Intra and Inter-Observer Reliability and Repeatability of Metatarsus Adductus Angle in Recreational Football Players: A Concordance Study.

Metatarsus adductus (MA) is a congenital foot deformity often unrecognized at birth. There is adduction of the metatarsals, supination of the subtalar joint, and plantarflexion of the first ray. The aims of this study were to assess the intra and inter-reader reliability of the radiographic MA measurement angles used in the literature. Methods: All consecutive recreational football players who practice activity more than 5 h/week over 21 years of age with MA by roentgenographic evaluation on weight-bearing dorsoplantar images were included in a cross-sectional study. Controls were matched to cases according to age and gender. We assess all radiographic measurements to evaluate metatarsus adductus with the different measurements frequently used in the literature: Sgarlato, modified Sgarlato, Rearfoot, Root, Engel, modified Engel, Kite, Kilmartin, modified Kilmartin, Simons, and Laaveg & Ponseti. Results: The variables measured in 80 weight-bearing dorsoplantar foot radiographs show excellent reliability ranging p > 0.900 in Sgarlato and modified Sgarlato with low SEM, CV, and MCD. Rearfoot, Root, Engel, modified Engel, Kite, Kilmartin, Simons, Laaveg & Ponseti, and modified Kilmartin’s angles showed intra or inter reliability with ICC lower than <0.900, systematic differences between intersession or inter observers, or high MCD value. Conclusion: It is more suitable to measure the MA angle with the Sgarlato and modified Sgarlato techniques to show higher reliability and repeatability for intra and inter-observer.

Estimation of maximal oxygen uptake using the heart rate ratio method in male recreational football players.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health in the general population. The heart rate (HR) ratio method (HRratio) is a valid, easy and accessible method for estimating VO2max in well-trained subjects. This study examined the validity of using the HRratio to estimate VO2max in recreational football players in the untrained and trained states. Sixty-six participants (age 39.3 ± 5.8 years) were tested pre-training and 28 after 12 weeks, for VO2max assessment, running on a treadmill alternating speed (1 km h−1) and inclination (1%) increments every 30 s until exhaustion. Maximal HR (HRmax) was assessed directly with a multiple approach and estimated with selected equations. Resting HR (HRrest) was measured in supine position, after 15 min of rest. The HRratio method considers the product of HRmax/HRrest ratio by a theoretical proportionality factor (15 ml kg−1 min−1, TPF) to estimate VO2max. This population-specific proportionality factor (SPF) was 14.6 ± 2.6 ml kg−1 min−1. In the untrained state (n = 66), participants’ actual VO2max (41.3 ± 6.2 ml kg−1 min−1) was moderately lower (~ 2 ml kg−1 min−1) than the estimated VO2max using the TPF. A nonsignificant difference (0.7 ml kg−1 min−1) was found when the VO2max was estimated using the SPF. When using HRmax equations and the TPF, a small nonsignificant difference (~ 1.5 ml kg−1 min−1) was reported between actual and estimated VO2max. In the trained state (n = 28), the estimated VO2max values were not significantly different from the actual VO2max (44.2 ± 5.2 ml kg−1 min−1), with large effect sizes when considering TPF and estimated HRmax. The results of this study provide evidence of the applicability of HRratio in estimating VO2max in male adult/middle-aged recreational football players.

Injuries in Recreational Footballers and the Severe Consequences of Player-to-Player Contact: A Prospective Observational Study.

IntroductionFootball is the most popular sport in the world with its wide audience and important economic effects. This game is mainly played by professional football players, it is also an activity that is frequently played by non-professionals. Although members of the public mostly engage in this sport as a hobby and to develop a healthy lifestyle, vital injuries, such as head and thorax trauma can also occur during these recreational activities. In this study, our aim was to identify these severe traumas, investigate their causes and mechanisms, and make suggestions to reduce trauma among recreational football players.MethodsThis prospectively designed study included players aged over 14 years who presented to the emergency department with an injury incurred during a recreational football match activity. The demographic characteristics of the patients, warm-up status, match conditions, field conditions, and injury mechanisms, as well as post-injury outcomes, were recorded and analyzed with appropriate statistical methods.ResultsThere were 167 patients included in the study and 140 of these patients were eligible for the study. We identified 45 cases with poor outcomes such as pneumocephalus, rib fractures, pneumothorax, Achilles tendon rupture, and bone fractures. (32.1%). Factors that could have an effect on poor outcomes were determined as a pre-match warm-up, pre-match sleep duration, and suitability of equipment. Player-to-player contact was determined as a mechanism of head and thorax trauma.ConclusionsIt may be beneficial to inform recreational football players about how player-to-player contact can cause head and thoracic trauma and establish a database of sports injuries in hospitals.

Assessment of muscle volume using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in football players after hamstring injuries

ABSTRACT Muscle injuries of the hamstrings are among the most frequent in football and a main cause for significant time away from training and competition. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the loss of muscle volume in recreational football players three and six weeks after initial trauma. We hypothesized that significant muscle volume loss occurs within 6 weeks after the initial injury event. Twenty recreational football players (mean-age=25 ± 4years; mean-height=181 ± 8cm; mean-weight=81 ± 10kg) with type3a (minor partial muscle tear) and type3b (moderate partial muscle tear) injuries were included. Muscle volume was determined using established methods for the hamstrings and the quadriceps femoris muscle within 3 days and after 3 and 6 weeks following the initial injury. The injured hamstrings lost 6.5% (mean=64 cm3(95%CI=31–98 cm3), p<0.001), the healthy hamstrings lost 2.1% (mean=21 cm3(3–44 cm3),p=0.096) of muscle volume after six weeks. The quadriceps in the injured leg lost 3.8% (mean=78 cm3(51–104 cm3), p<0.001) and 4.5% (83 cm3 (45–121 cm3), p<0.001) in the healthy leg. Muscle volume loss inversely correlated with activity levels in the healthy leg for the quadriceps (r=0.96 (0.90–0.98); R 2=0.92; p<0.001) and the hamstrings (r=0.72 (0.40–0.88); R 2=0.51; p<0.001), as well as the quadriceps in the injured leg (r=0.70 (0.37–0.87); R 2=0.49; p<0.001), but not the injured hamstrings. Muscle volume ratio of hamstrings to quadriceps in the control limb was 0.52 ± 0.06 and 0.53 ± 0.06 in the injured leg. The rehabilitation period of six weeks did not have a relevant negative or a positive effect on ratios. Significant muscle volume loss in the upper thigh occurs in recreational soccer players within three, and within six weeks after a hamstring injury and lies between 2% and 7%.

Comparative Effects of Dynamic Stretching and Cryotherapy on the Physical Performance in Recreational Football Players: A Randomised Crossover Study

Background: It has been seen that the effects of dynamic stretching and cryotherapy has good effects in the performance of the football players. There are enough evidences and literature on both individually but the comparison between the two was not found. So, with the same concept comparison has been taken out with some interventions in the recreational football players. Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study was to check the comparative effects of both the interventions upon different variables like vertical jump height, agility and 20 meter sprint. Methodology: 30 subjects were taken, who were divided into 2 groups. The first group received dynamic stretching first and then cryotherapy and the second group vice-versa. Further, after a period of 48 hours of flush out time the interventions were reversed to both the groups. Pre and post readings of variables were taken: vertical jump height, agility and 20 meter sprint. Result: Vertical jump height test was significant for both the groups, after dynamic stretching. Vertical Jump height test had a significant p-value of 0.01 in group A and non-significant value for group B, after cryotherapy that is 0.531. T-test was significant for group A with a p value of 0.01 and non-significant for group B with a P value of 0.481. Significant for group B after cryotherapy with a p-value of 0.061. Conclusion: It can be inferred from the result of the study that each Variable: vertical jump height increased significantly in Group A and B after stretching but there was no significance in group B in the vertical jump height test in which cryotherapy was given first. Cryotherapy significantly increased the 20 meter sprint. Agility increased with dynamic stretching. On comparing the two groups-A and B, it was found that the sequence of altered interventions given (dynamic stretching/ cryotherapy) do not give any significant difference in the results as a whole.

Effects of Plyometric Training on Speed and Agility among Recreational Football Players

Plyometrics are exercises that involved the enhancement of muscle performance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of 6-weeks plyometric training on speed and agility performance among recreational football players. This study was conducted following the pre-post test model of quasi-experimental method. Twenty-two recreational football players were chosen for this study (aged between 19 to 26 years old) and randomly assigned into control (N=11) and intervention group (N=11) for six weeks. Subjects in the control group did not undergo any plyometric training. In contrast, the intervention group performed plyometric training for six weeks. All subjects participated in two tests; 1) Sprint test of 20 m distance for speed performance and; 2) Agility test using Agility T-test for agility performance before (pre) and after (post) training. For the intervention group, significant improvement in the difference of sprint time before and after six weeks of training were discovered (t = 3.76, p = 0.001) when compared to the control group. The agility performance of the intervention group also showed a significant difference when compared to the control group (t = 2.53, p = 0.01). Therefore, this will help players to improve their performance during a football match and prevent injury among recreational football players.

Prevalence of Groin Injury in Recreational Male Football Players

Objectives: The objective of this study was to find out the occurrence of respective types of groin injury on the basis of duration of play and their age and their severity. On the basis of palpation and resisted manoeuvre’s assessment was done. Severity was graded on the basis of Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Method: There were total 143 subjects, out of which 100 subjects were participants of this study. This was a study on presence of groin injury in recreational male football players. Here we evaluated presence of groin injury, classified them into their respective types and assessed their severity using HAGOS questionnaire. Result: There is a relation between groin injuries and recreational male football players. Groin injury is found more within the age group 21-23 years as compared to 24-26 years. Also, groin injury was seen more in individuals who played for 4-7 days compared to those who played for 1-3 days. Conclusion: There is prevalence of groin injury in recreational male football players

Effectiveness of Open Kinematic Chain Exercises and Closed Kinematic Chain Exercises in Adductor Groin Pain in Recreational Football Players

Background: Football has been growing considerably for the past decade in India. Many young adults have taken up football as their passion. However, the grounds are underdeveloped with limited number of facilities required for a safe game. Coaching facilities are inadequate and thus fail to provide basic information about the precautions to be taken during play or the necessary steps to be taken post injury. This leads to increased risk of injuries. Groin injuries comprise of 10-18% of all football injuries. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the effects of open and CKC exercises on groin injuries in young adults who play football for recreation. Pain Assessment, Tenderness assessment and MMT were used for assessing the individuals. Method: There were total 40 subjects who were willing participants of this study of which 3 dropped out. This was a study conducted to find the effects of open and CKC exercises on groin injuries in young adults who play football for recreation. Here we evaluated the pain using VAS and tenderness grading. Muscle strength was assessed using MMT. Result: There was a significant effect of open and CKC exercises on groin injuries. There was a reduction of pain; both on activity as well as on resistance(p=0.0065 and 0.0235) respectively. Tenderness was also less (p= 0.0130). Muscle strength did not show any significant change (p= 0.1775) Conclusion: There is a significant effect of OKC and CKC exercises being administered together rather than giving only CKC exercises on reducing pain and reducing the risk of injuries in recreational football players.

Effectiveness of Conventional Physiotherapy Exercises Versus Kinesiotaping in Recreational Football Players with Plantar Fasciitis

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a disorder in which there is non-inflammatory structural breakdown of the plantar fascia. It is more common in sports that involve running and long- distance walking. Many of the literature suggest that there is 21.7 % of prevalence rate of plantar fasciitis in individuals who play sports, especially in football players who uses studs/cleats shoes. Attachment of the cleats place the foot in a dorsiflexed position throughout the stance phase of running which produces and increases pressure upon the calcaneus. This creates a pull from soft tissue attachments such as plantar fascia which further leads to disorders like plantar fasciitis which needs to be treated early and by more advanced techniques to prevent further overuse injuries. Objective: To find the effect of conventional physiotherapy exercises versus kinesiotaping in football players with plantar fasciitis. Material and Method: In this pre-post intervention study 40 football players having plantar fasciitis were included. They were randomly divided into 2 groups with 20 individuals each. Group A was treated with conventional exercises and Group B with kinesiotaping along with conventional exercises for two weeks. After pre-post assessment, data was analysed with help of appropriate statistical methods. Results: According to the result, in Group A and Group B there is significant difference in pain and measures of foot function index with p value &lt; 0.0001. Conclusion: The results obtained by studying both the groups in this study suggests that in treatment of plantar fasciitis, Conventional Therapy along with Kinesiotaping is more effective than Conventional Therapy alone.

Estimation of maximal heart rate in recreational football: a field study.

To examine the accuracy of practical indirect methods (i.e., recreational football match and estimation equations) in assessing individual maximal heart rate (HRmax) in recreational football players. Sixty-two untrained male participants engaged in a recreational football intervention (age 39.3 ± 5.8years, VO2max 41.2 ± 6.2ml·kg-1·min-1, body mass 81.9 ± 10.8kg, height 173.2 ± 6.4cm) were tested for HRmax using a multiple approach, at baseline and post-intervention (i.e., in the untrained and trained status, respectively). Observed HRmax was plotted against peak match HR (Match-HRpeak) and HRmax estimated from prediction equations (EstHRmax) at both time-points. In the untrained status, only the 211 - 0.64 × Age and 226 - Age equations showed non-significant (medium-to-small) differences with observed HRmax. The differences between observed HRmax and Match-HRpeak were large (P < 0.0001). At post-intervention, the observed HRmax (Post-HRmax) was significantly and largely lower than at baseline. The prediction equations under consideration provided EstHRmax values that were lower than Post-HRmax, with small-to-large differences (P > 0.05). The exception was for the 226 - Age and 211 - 0.64 × Age equations, with values largely higher than Post-HRmax. This study suggests caution when considering EstHRmax and Match-HRpeak in recreational football interventions to track HRmax. The accuracy of EstHRmax may vary according to training status, suggesting the need for different approaches and equations across training interventions.

Submaximal field testing validity for aerobic fitness assessment in recreational football.

Submaximal field tests are especially recommended when repeated testing is warranted. This study aimed at assessing the validity of the submaximal versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent tests in male recreational football players in untrained and trained status. The participants' (n=66; age 39.3±5.8years, VO2max 41.2±6.2mL·kg-1 ·min-1 , body mass 81.9±10.8kg, height 173.2±6.4cm) heart rate after 2minutes (HR2min ) during the level 1 (YYIE1HR2min ) and 2 (YYIE2HR2min ) versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test and the level 1 version of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1HR2min ) was plotted against individual VO2max values. Thirty-two participants performed all the tests after a 12-week recreational football intervention for test responsiveness. Associations between VO2max and YYIE1HR2min were large to small (P=.0001). Large to trivial associations were found between YYIE2HR2min , YYIR1HR2min , and VO2max (P<.01). Maximal Yo-Yo performances were large, significant, and inversely related to HR2min (-0.68 to -0.49, P<.0001). Pre- to post-intervention ICC values were good for YYIE1HR2min and YYIE2HR2min , and excellent for YYIR1HR2min . Post-intervention associations between HR2min and Yo-Yo maximal performances were large to very large (-0.55 to -0.72; P<.002, n=32). Training-induced changes in VO2max moderately correlated with YYIR1HR2min (-0.48; P=.007; n=32). HR2min lower than 89%, 98%, and 91% HRmax for YYIE1HR2min , YYIE2HR2min , and YYIR1HR2min , respectively, may be considered as signs of good to excellent VO2max levels. Since in the YYIE1HR2min , the participants attained 84% HRmax and test specificity increased for HR2min values <89%, this test may be the preferred choice when repeated assessment of aerobic fitness, using submaximal intermittent Yo-Yo tests, is considered in recreational football.

FLUCTUATIONS IN HEART RATE RESPONSE AND EXTERNAL DEMANDS RELATIVE TO GAME PERIOD IN RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL

This study aimed to investigate fluctuations in external demands and heart rate (HR) response across two game periods (half-times) in recreational football players. Eighteen recreationally active, male college students (goalkeepers: n = 2; outfield players: n = 16; age: 20.9 ± 1.5 yr; height: 179.4 ± 5.0 cm; body mass: 76.9 ± 8.1 kg; fat mass: 15.3 ± 5.5%) participated in this study. Two sessions were used to administer 4-a-side small-side games (SSG). Differences in activity demands and HR response were analyzed using a paired sample t-test. The magnitude of the differences in each dependent variable was quantified with effect size (ES) analyses and interpreted as: trivial, &lt;0.2; small, 0.2–0.59; moderate, 0.6–1.19; large, 1.2–1.99; very large, &gt;2. An ES analysis showed, small to moderate, significant decreases in distance covered at 0-6.00 km·h-1 (ES = -0.54, small), 6.01-12.00 km·h-1 (ES = -0.99, moderate), 12.01-18.00 km·h-1(ES = -0.66, moderate), &gt;24 km·h-1 (ES = -0.72, moderate), total distance (ES = -0.91, moderate) and high-intensity accelerations (ES = -0.60, moderate) during the second rather than the first half. In addition, unclear significant decreases in HRmean, and percentage of time spent working 81-90% HRmax were observed across two game periods. Our findings indicate game-related fatigue, whereby players demonstrated a consistent HR response across two game periods despite diminutions in activity demands during the second half. Similarities in HR response across two game periods might be due to the lower physical fitness of recreational players, eliciting slower HR recovery.