Competitive Season Research Articles

“Beyond the Finish Line” the Epidemiology of Injury and Illness in Professional Cycling: Insights from a Year-Long Prospective Study

Introduction: Injury and illness rates within cycling are a growing concern for riders, medical personnel, and event organisers. This study is the first to document injury and illness rates in professional cyclists throughout one competitive season including training and racing. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 47 professional cyclists (30 males and 17 females) over the 2024 season (1 November 2023–31 October 2024). Injuries and illnesses were defined and recorded following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus guidelines for injury reporting in sports and its cycling-specific extension. Data collection utilised a centralised online hub, integrating exposure metrics (e.g., training hours and kilometres) and medical records. All data were processed on a Macintosh computer using the Microsoft Office and R statistics packages epi tools, binom.test function, and ggplot. (V.4.3.2, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Ethical approval was obtained from Queens University Belfast, number MHLS 23_175. Results: Fifty-five injury events were logged, with 1.15 (±0.359) locations injured per incidence and 1.57 (±1.06) injury types per incident. The overall combined injury rate for racing was 4.14 (95% CI: 2.65–5.79) per 1000 h of exposure, with the overall combined rate for training being 1.23 (95% CI: 0.8–1.7) per 1000 h. The injury risk ratio (RR) for injury during racing and training for females was 11.10 (95% CI: 2.69–37.60), and the RR for males was 10.24 (95% CI: 3.84–43.06), both indicating there is a significantly higher risk of injury during racing compared to training. Abrasions were the most common injury type, with fractures being the most burdensome injury. The most common illness was upper respiratory, 0.63 (95% CI: 0.27–0.99) per year for males and 1.11 (95% CI: 0.64–1.59) per year for females. Saddle sores were the second most common at 0.20 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.36) per year for males and 0.08 (95% CI: 0–0.18) per year for females. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive, season-long surveillance data for injuries and illnesses in male and female professional road cycling, highlighting the significant differences in injury profiles between racing and training. These results underscore the need for targeted injury prevention strategies and the establishment of a standardised injury and illness framework for professional cycling.

The Protective Role of the FIFA 11+ Training Program on the Valgus Loading of the Knee in Academy Soccer Players Across a Season.

Background: Improper neuromuscular control with excessive dynamic valgus loading of the knee has been identified as one of the main anterior cruciate ligament injury risk factors. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the FIFA 11+ training program on the valgus loading of the knee in academy soccer players over a competitive season. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 85 players. The drop vertical jump test was carried out before the match and at the end of the same match at the beginning and at the end of the season over a period of 11 months. Results: An increase of the varus angle on the right limb was noted between the start and the end of the season at the beginning of the match (-4.7 ± 8.9 versus -6.9 ± 6, p = 0.003) and between the start and the end of the match in values measured at the beginning of the season (-4.7 ± 8.9 versus -7.7 ± 9, p < 0.001). An increase of the flexion angle of both limbs was noted between the start and the end of the season in values measured at the start of the match (left limb 76.8 ± 32.8 versus 98.6 ± 17.2, p < 0.001; right limb 76.4 ± 32.8 versus 96.1 ± 16.1, p < 0.001) and between the start and the end of the season in values measured at the end of the match (left limb 92.8 ± 19.1 versus 98.5 ± 16.3, p = 0.002; right limb 92.6 ± 19.2 versus 96.7 ± 14.5, p = 0.013). Conclusions: A decrease in dynamic valgus angle and an increase in knee flexion angle measured with the DVJ test were noted between the start and the end of the season, suggesting a protective role of the FIFA 11+ training program.

Breast Impact Discomfort Reduced with Customised Breast Protection for Amateur Female Soccer and Rugby League Players in New Zealand

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to survey amateur female domestic soccer and rugby league players on their sports bra use, to compare prior use of sports bra to wearing a custom fitted sports bra with polymer inserts over a competition season in New Zealand, and to compare breast injuries with different sports bra utilization over a competition season. METHODS: Players were invited to participate in a baseline survey of sports bra use. Players who completed the survey were provided with the opportunity to wear a sports protection bra and inserts and to complete post-match surveys reporting any breast injuries. The study duration was one competition season in 2023. RESULTS: 93 players (41 soccer open, 29 soccer U16, 23 league) completed the baseline survey. Of these 79 players (32 soccer open, 24 soccer U16, 23 league) utilised the sports breast protector during the season. There were 25 breast injuries over the study resulting in a pooled breast injury incidence of 41.3 (95% CI: 26.7 to 61.1) per 1,000 match-hrs. Eight of 25 injuries (32%) occurred to players wearing the sports protection bra (i.e., 5/79 =10% sports breast protector players; 9/14 = 64% other players; 14/93 = 15% all players). Of the 34 participants who reported a previous breast injury, there were 2.6 ±1.4 breast injuries per player in the previous year and, more than a third (37.5%) reported either wearing a padded bra or did not use strategies to prevent breast injuries. CONCLUSION: It is important that players, coaches, and team medical support associated with female sports are educated on the injury risk to breasts in training and competition enabling these players to be encouraged to report and seek treatment if necessary.

“Retrospective epidemiological study on musculoskeletal injuries in amateur football athletes in Greece”

ABSTRACT Injuries in football affect team performance, players’ quality of life, and careers. While research mainly targets professionals, limited data exists for amateur players, especially in Greece. Methodological differences and variations in preparation and technique make applying professional injury data to amateurs uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the injury profile, sports history, and training routines of amateur male football players in Greece over one competitive season. It was conducted as a retrospective cross-sectional study using an electronic questionnaire to survey 222 amateur players aged 18–44 years. Among them, 70.7% reported at least one injury. A total of 220 injuries were recorded, with an incidence rate of 5.3 injuries per 1000 hours of play. Most injuries occurred during matches, predominantly affecting the lower limbs, with the posterior and inner thighs being the most common injury sites. Players were found to be 6.6 times more likely to sustain injuries in matches (12.1 injuries/1000 hours) than in training sessions (1.8 injuries/1000 hours). Strains were identified as the most common type of injury, often resulting from running/sprinting. These findings underscore the importance of implementing specific injury prevention measures in amateur football leagues in Greece to minimise the risks and severity of injuries among players.

Countermovement Jumps and Acute to Chronic Workload Ratios in Low, Moderate, and High Jump Load Groups Throughout a Division I Volleyball Season.

Sanders, GJ, Skodinski, S, Cabarkapa, DV, Howard, M, Cabarkapa, D, Kollock, RO, and Peacock, CA. Countermovement jumps and acute to chronic workload ratios in low, moderate, and high jump load groups throughout a Division I volleyball season. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of low, moderate, and high jump loads on the acute to chronic workload ratio (ACWR) and neuromuscular fatigue throughout a Division I volleyball season. Twelve female volleyball athletes were monitored throughout a competitive season to track daily jump loads and measure neuromuscular fatigue based on twice-weekly countermovement jumps (CMJs) using a dual force plate. Jump loads were categorized into thirds (low, moderate, high-volume) to assess changes in neuromuscular fatigue, and a secondary evaluation examined differences in the ACWR. The results of this study were statistically significant with a p ≤ 0.05. The Wilks Lambda test in the multivariate analysis of variance found there were main effects for low, moderate, and high jump load groups (F = 50.498, p < 0.001), weeks (F = 3.136, p < 0.001), and significant group by week interactions (F = 1.751, p < 0.001) for jump loads and CMJ test results. There was no main effect of week for ACWR (F = 0.634, p = 0.849), and although statistically different, there were minimal changes in the ACWR between groups. There were significant variations in jump loads and CMJ performance between low, moderate, and high jump load groups across a 16-week season, most notably after week 5. In addition, the data highlight the limitations of the ACWR when detecting changes in athlete fatigue throughout the season.

Monitoring of Training Load and Body Composition in Elite Male Kayakers

Background: Elite kayaking demands peak conditioning, and tracking these athletes reveals the science behind world-class performance. Physiological demands and body composition changes in elite male kayakers were tracked during the preparatory and transition periods of a kayaking competitive season. Methods: Laboratory (body composition assessment and a 4 min all-out test in a kayak ergometer) on-field tests (4 × 1500 m incremental intermittent protocol with 30 s rest intervals in a kayaking/rowing track) were applied on separate days to follow eight elite male kayakers (23.1 ± 5.6 y; 80 ± 8.8 kg; 177.0 ± 6.8 cm) at the beginning of the kayaking season (preparatory period, M1; first week of October), 22 weeks later, at the beginning of the transition period (M2; last week of February), and 5 weeks later, at the end of the transition period, i.e., beginning of the competitive period of the season (M3; first week of April). M3 corresponded to the participation in international competitions. Results: Distance at peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) on the kayak ergometer improved by 36.7 m from M1 to M3, the pace at V4 (aerobic capacity) was reduced (improved) by 25.2 s·km−1 from M1 to M2, and 25.6 s·km−1 by M3. Body weight decreased by 2.3 kg from M1 to M2, and fat mass percentage and kilograms decreased by 1.8% and 3.1%, respectively. Fat-free mass increased by 1.9% and 3.1%, respectively. Skinfold measurements showed a decrease in subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal, and geminal skinfold. Aerobic power (V˙O2peak) in absolute values (in L·min−1) improved by 0.7 L·min−1 from M1 to M2, and by 1.1 L·min−1 by M3, and from M2 to M3 was ~0.5 L·min−1. Aerobic power in relative values improved by 15.0 from M1 to M2, and by 6.4 mL·kg−1·min−1 from M2 to M3. Conclusions: Elite male kayakers improved their physiological performance and body composition during the preparatory and transition phases of the competitive season. Notable gains in performance were mainly due to enhanced aerobic power, and positive body composition changes. These findings provide insights for optimizing training strategies and boosting competitive performance.

Critical Fluctuations as an Early Warning Signal of Sports Injuries? A Proof of Concept Using Football Monitoring Data.

There has been an increasing interest in the development and prevention of sports injuries from a complex dynamic systems perspective. From this perspective, injuries may occur following critical fluctuations in the psychophysiological state of an athlete. Our objective was to quantify these so-called Early Warning Signals (EWS) as a proof of concept to determine their explanatory performance for injuries. The sample consisted of 23 professional youth football (soccer) players. Self-reports of psychological and physiological factors as well as data from heart rate and GPS sensors were gathered on every training and match day over two competitive seasons, which resulted in an average of 339 observations per player (range = 155-430). We calculated the Dynamic Complexity (DC) index of these data, representing a metric of critical fluctuations. Next, we used this EWS to predict injuries (traumatic and overuse). Results showed a significant peak of DC in 30% of the incurred injuries, in the six data points (roughly one and a half weeks) before the injury. The warning signal exhibited a specificity of 95%, that is, correctly classifying non-injury instances. We followed up on this promising result with additional calculations to account for the naturally imbalanced data (fewer injuries than non-injuries). The relatively low F1 we obtained (0.08) suggests that the model's overall ability to discriminate between injuries and non-injuries is rather poor, due to the high false positive rate. By detecting critical fluctuations preceding one-third of the injuries, this study provided support for the complex systems theory of injuries. Furthermore, it suggests that increasing critical fluctuations may be seen as an EWS on which practitioners can intervene. Yet, the relatively high false positive rate on the entire data set, including periods without injuries, suggests critical fluctuations may also precede transitions to other (e.g., stronger) states. Future research should therefore dig deeper into the meaning of critical fluctuations in the psychophysiological states of athletes. Complex Systems Theory suggests that sports injuries may be preceded by a warning signal characterized by a short window of increased critical fluctuations. Results of the current study showed such increased critical fluctuations before 30% of the injuries. Across the entire data set, we also found a considerable number of critical fluctuations that were not followed by an injury, suggesting that the warning signal may also precede transitions to other (e.g., healthier) states. Increased critical fluctuations may be interpreted as a window of opportunity for the practitioner to launch timely and targeted interventions, and researchers should dig deeper into the meaning of such fluctuations.

Associations between objective measures of performance-related characteristics and perceived stress in young cross-country skiers during pre-season training

ABSTRACT Monitoring performance-related characteristics of athletes can reveal changes that facilitate training adaptations. Here, we examine the relationships between submaximal running, maximal jump performance (CMJ), concentrations of blood lactate, sleep duration (SD) and latency (SL), and perceived stress (PSS) in junior cross-country skiers during pre-season training. These parameters were monitored in 15 male and 14 females (17 ± 1 years) for the 12-weeks prior to the competition season, and the data was analysed using linear and mixed-effect models. An increase in SD exerted a decrease in both PSS (B = -2.79, p ≤ 0.01) and blood lactate concentrations during submaximal running (B = -0.623, p ≤ 0.05). In addition, there was a negative relationship between SL and CMJ (B = -0.09, p = 0.08). Compared to males, females exhibited higher PSS scores and little or no change in performance-related tests. A significant interaction between time and sex was present in CMJ with males displaying an effect of time on CMJ performance. For all athletes, lower PSS appeared to be associated with longer overnight sleep. Since the females experienced higher levels of stress, monitoring of their PSS might be beneficial. These findings have implications for the preparation of young athletes’ competition season.

Effects of concurrent in-season training on physiological functions required for top handball performance athletes

This study examined the physiological effects of combining contrast complex training (CCT) with either repeated short sprints (RSE) or high-intensity intervals (HIIT) on elite male handball players during the competitive season. The goal was to identify which training method more effectively enhances strength, endurance, and sprint performance. Fifteen elite handball players were divided into two groups during a 12-week training program, conducted alongside their regular handball practice. The RSE group (n = 8) performed 10 shuttle sprints (2x15m) with passive rest, while the HIIT group (n = 7) completed 5 repetitions of 30-second all-out sprints with directional changes. Both groups participated in CCT exercises, including squats at 90% of 1RM, jump squats at 50% of body weight, and drop jumps from 30 cm. Performance was assessed before and after the intervention using tests for jump squat rate of force development (RFD), 5-jump distance, 30m sprint, repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), maximal squat strength, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (YYIRT 1), and VO2max. Both groups significantly increased maximal squat strength, with the RSE group improving by 8.8% and the HIIT group by 7.4% (p &lt; .01). The HIIT group showed a greater improvement in RFD (63.3% vs. 56.3%, p &lt; .05). VO2max increased by about 2% in both groups. YYIRT 1 improved by 9.4% in the RSE group and 5.8% in the HIIT group. However, acceleration (5m sprint) declined in both groups, more notably in the RSE group (-5.7%). RSSA performance deteriorated in the RSE group, while the HIIT group significantly enhanced their fatigue resistance, with a 39.1% improvement in Sdec at RSA (p &lt; .09). CCT increased strength and RFD but did not improve acceleration. HIIT was superior to RSE in maintaining or improving repeated sprint ability, making it the preferred method for elite handball players during the competitive season.

Risk Assessment of FMS and YBT on Sports Injuries in Collegiate Athletes

AbstractThis prospective cohort study investigated the predictive validity of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Y Balance Test (YBT) for sports injuries in 458 collegiate athletes across various sports. Preseason screening using FMS and YBT was conducted, followed by injury data collection over the competitive season. Logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between screening scores and subsequent injury risk. Results indicated that lower composite FMS scores (≤14) were associated with increased injury risk (OR=2.32; 95% CI: 1.54–3.48; p&lt;0.001), as were YBT anterior reach asymmetries &gt; 4 cm (OR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.43–3.26; p&lt;0.001). The combination of both risk factors demonstrated the strongest association (OR=3.57; 95% CI: 2.18–5.83; p&lt;0.001) when compared to individuals with FMS scores &gt;14 and YBT asymmetry &lt; 4 cm.The combination of low FMS scores and YBT asymmetries demonstrated the strongest predictive value. These findings underscore the value of the FMS and YBT as screening tools to identify collegiate athletes who may be at elevated risk for sports injuries, potentially guiding the implementation of targeted injury prevention strategies.

Effects of Two In-Season Short High-Intensity Interval Training Formats on Aerobic and Neuromuscular Performance in Young Soccer Players.

Supplementary high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs, focusing on different aspects of fitness, are commonly used in soccer practice. This study examined the impact of two different HIIT formats applied during the competitive season on aerobic and neuromuscular performance. Twenty-six young players from two youth amateur soccer teams (aged 18.1 ± 0.7 and 18.7 ± 1.1 years) participated. In a randomized design, Team A served as an experimental group, performing either a 10s/10s linear running HIIT or a 15s/15s HIIT with changes of direction, both at 100% of maximum aerobic speed, twice per week for six weeks. In that period, team B acted as a control group, maintaining their usual training soccer regimen. Following two weeks of lower volume and frequency training, team B added the two HIIT formats in their training for six weeks, while team A acted as control. Before and after each 6-weeks period, aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance was evaluated by the countermovement jump (CMJ). The 3-way ANOVA showed that both HIIT formats significantly enhanced Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-YO IR1) performance compared to the respective control periods. However, the main finding was that the 10s/10s compared with the 15s/15s HIIT format induced 45-50% greater improvements in Yo-YO IR1 (total distance: 18.5 ± 11.7% vs. 9.0 ± 8.5%, V̇O2max: 5.6 ± 3.2% vs. 3.0 ± 2.7%, and vV̇O2max: (3.3 ± 1.9% vs. 1.8 ± 1.7%, all p = 0.39, d = 0.85). Countermovement jump performance remained unchanged across both groups (p > 0.68). During HIIT rating of perceived exertion was higher in the 15s/15s vs. the 10s/10s format (6.4 ± 0.5 vs. 4.7 ± 1.2 a.u., p < 0.001). These findings suggest that while both HIIT formats effectively enhance aerobic performance during the season, the 10s/10s format offers superior benefits with less perceived exertion, while the 15s/15s format induces higher internal load.

Participation but not success in youth and junior World Championships is important for overall ranking in the biathlon World Cup during adult age.

The aim of this study was to investigate if competition rank in the youth (16-19 years) and junior (20-22 years) World Championships (WCH) and age of the athlete when reaching certain World Cup (WC) performance milestones (debut and top 40, 15, 6 and 3) were related to future World Cup total (WCT) performance. All data was obtained from the International Biathlon Unions database. The biathletes ranked top 30 in the WCT (82 men, 98 women) during 10 consecutive competition seasons were selected for further analysis. Biathletes were divided into performance groups due to their best WCT ranking (WCT6, rank 1-6; WCT15, rank 7-15; WCT30, rank 16-30). The relation between youth and junior WCH ranking and age when reaching the WC performance milestones with WCT performance was investigated. 63.3% and 86.1% of the biathletes in the WCT top 30 competed in the youth and/or junior WCH, respectively, but the correlation between junior and senior ranking was low. WCT6 reached most of the WC performance milestones at a younger age compared to WCT15 and WCT30 (p > 0.05) and reaching WC top15 at a younger age increased the chance of reaching WCT6 in the future. It seems beneficial to compete internationally (i.e., participation in youth/junior WCH) and reach certain WC performance milestones at a young age to achieve a high ranking in the WCT during adult age. This highlights that biathletes need to have a certain performance level during junior years, although ranking in youth/junior WCH is not a prediction for senior WCT success.

Maximum Isometric Hip Adduction Squeeze and Abduction Press Strength Values in Men's Rugby Union Players at Select Timepoints Throughout a Competitive Season.

O' Connor, C, Mc Intyre, M, Delahunt, E, and Thorborg, K. Maximum isometric hip adduction squeeze and abduction press strength values in men's rugby union players at select timepoints throughout a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The purpose of this research was to report hip adduction and abduction strength values in men's rugby union players at select timepoints throughout a competitive season and to examine if differences exist between time of season and hip-testing positions. This cross-sectional repeated measures study design consisted of 15 male rugby union players competing at senior club level. Maximum isometric hip adduction and abduction strength were measured using a ForceFrame in 3 testing positions at specific timepoints: start of preseason (T1), start of competitive season (T2), mid-season period 1 (T3), and mid-season period 2 (T4). At group level, hip adduction strength (N·kg-1) increased from T1 to T2 in all testing positions, with significant increases observed in the 0° hip-flexion short-lever position (p = 0.048), and 45° hip-flexion position (p = 0.032). No significant changes occurred in hip abduction strength (N·kg-1). Hip adduction:abduction strength ratio increased from T1 to T2, with a significant increase observed in the 0° hip-flexion short-lever position (p = 0.008). At individual level, large variations from baseline strength (N·kg-1) were observed between timepoints for hip adduction strength, abduction strength, and adduction:abduction strength ratio. In conclusion, the present study shows increases in hip adduction strength and hip adduction:abduction strength ratio from the start of preseason to the beginning of the competitive season, with no other significant changes in hip strength observed throughout the season. Individual and frequent hip strength monitoring throughout the season and a more individualized exercise prescription approach may be needed for rugby union players, in addition to a more generalized focus on improving adductor and abductor strength.

Musculoskeletal Soreness Location and Intensity in Soccer Athletes Across Multiple Seasons.

To compare soreness location and intensity between male and female soccer athletes across 2 competitive seasons. Descriptive Cohort Study. Collegiate Sports Medicine Facility. Forty male and 42 female collegiate soccer athletes. Season-long soccer trainings and games. Athletes reported perceived soreness location and intensity daily. χ2 analysis and linear mixed effect models were used to compare soreness locations and intensities by sex. Male and female soccer athletes reported similar number of soreness instances, but male soccer athletes reported soreness more frequently at the ankle, foot, hip, pelvis, and posterior thigh. Female soccer athletes reported soreness more frequently at the anterior leg, anterior thigh, and knee. There was no significant difference in soreness intensity between sexes at any body location (P = 0.86). When collapsed across sex, the frequency of anterior thigh soreness was higher at preseason (7.49%, CI: 5.46-9.52) than at midseason (4.55%, CI: 2.52-6.57; t = -2.94, P = 0.023) and at postseason (3.00%, CI: 0.76-5.23; t = -3.74, P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in hip soreness frequency between the preseason (2.35%, CI: 1.32-3.33) and the postseason time points (0.52%, CI: -0.73% to 1.67%; t = -2.68, P = 0.023). Male and female athletes differ in the locations of their lower extremity soreness. However, lower extremity soreness intensity does not differ between sexes. Soccer athletes report soreness more frequently during the preseason and midseason than during the postseason. With tools to measure daily soreness location and intensity, clinicians could create targeted interventions to reduce soreness and limit its negative affect.

Locomotor performance parameters as predictors of high-performing male soccer teams. A multiple-season study on professional soccer

This study aims to explore the interplay between locomotor demands and goal differentials to better understand their combined influence on overall success. Spanning three competitive seasons within the male Turkish Super League, this study analyzed all participating teams across 124 matches. Locomotor demands, including total distance (m) covered (TD), distances covered (m) at different speed thresholds (0.21–2.0 m/s; 2.01–4.0 m/s; 4.01–5.5 m/s; and 5.5–7.7 m/s), and the number of accelerations in range of 5.5–7.0 m/s (n), were quantified using an optical tracking system. Subsequently, regression models were employed to predict the total points earned by all teams over the three seasons. The logistic regression model, tailored to predict team categorization as high-points earners (HPE) or low-points earners (LPE) based on locomotor variables, exhibited a mean accuracy of 74%. Notably, total distance covered, running speed intervals between 4.4 and 5.5 m/s, and the number of accelerations in range of 5.5–7.0 m/s emerged as significant predictors of team success. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of running speed (4.01–5.5 m/s), number of accelerations, and total distance in predicting success for high-performing teams. Coaches can leverage these insights to refine training programs, thereby optimizing team performance, and fostering success in competitive environments.

How do young soccer players train? A 5-year analysis of weekly microcycle training load characteristics in an elite youth academy

This study aimed to describe the distribution of training load (session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), duration, and sRPE-training load) across weekly microcycles of an elite youth academy and assess the differences between four different age groups (U15-U16-U17-U19). Training load variables were recorded during in-season training weeks over 5 competitive seasons (from 2014–15 to 2018–19, evaluating new squads for each age group each season) for a total of 456 player observations. Mixed models assessed the variability of the three load variables across the different training days of a weekly microcycle and between the four different age groups. Estimated marginal means, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and effect sizes (d) were calculated for each training day of the microcycle. The main findings were significant differences in the training load variables three and four days before the next Match Day (i.e., MD-3 and MD-4, respectively), with U15 recording lower sRPE (−2.0 AU, d = 0.43–0.72) and U19 a lower duration (−35 min, d &lt; -1.10). All age groups reduced sRPE-training load in the two days before a match, mainly due to a decrease in training duration (−160 AU &amp; −17 min respectively). Match days provided the highest training loads within the weekly microcycle, with moderate-to-large differences between the four age groups (d = 0.77, 1.16 and 1.38 for U15 vs U16-U17-U19 respectively). The low variability in sRPE values in the three central sessions of a weekly microcycle indicates that training duration is an important factor to control when aiming to manipulate within-week training loads in elite youth soccer players.

Injury incidence, prevalence, and burden in an Argentinian male youth soccer academy: one-season descriptive study

ABSTRACT Objective To prospectively describe the incidence, severity, and burden of injuries in the youth divisions of an Argentinian professional soccer club during a competitive season. Methods Two hundred and twelve male soccer academy players were grouped by age categories and maturity offset as pre-peak height velocity (PHV), circa-PHV and post-PHV. Injury characteristics were recorded as the International Olympic Committee suggests. Results A total of 235 time-loss injuries were sustained by 101 different players. The overall injury incidence rate was of 5.8 injuries per 1000 hours (h), with a training and match injury incidence rate of 4.9 and 9.7 injuries per 1000 h, respectively. The prevalence over the season was 47%. Most of the injuries (202) affected the lower limbs (86.6%) and most of them were classified as muscle/tendon injuries (n = 117, 49.8%). Hamstring structural injury was the diagnosis with the highest burden in both circa and post-PHV groups. Conclusions The incidence, prevalence, and injury burden reported in this study would add valuable information to Argentinians’ youth soccer institutions. Post-PHV players had higher incidence, severity, and burden compared to circa-PHV. Structural/functional injuries to the muscle/tendon represented the highest burden for type of injuries (41.1 per 1000 h), suggesting a need for implementing preventive measures.

Assessing Energy Availability and Glucose Dynamics in Adolescent Cyclists: Implications for Nutritional Interventions During the Competitive Season.

The risk of developing a state of low energy availability (LEA) (<30 kcals/kg free-fat mass) in endurance athletes is known and recommendations for nutrition are available. However, information on male adolescent cyclists and the influence of hot temperatures is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact on energy availability of two 4-day nutritional intervention strategies: (1) supplementary carbohydrate (CHO) intake during exercise and (2) designing and implementing individual nutritional interventions. Each intervention was preceded by a 4-day basal assessment. Eight competitive male junior road cyclists (aged 16-17 years) were investigated using a 4-day diet and activity records, alongside bioelectric impedance analysis. Their real-time power output, interstitial glucose, and temperature were recorded via sensors and a bike computer. Their energy intake (EI) was estimated from daily, self-reported food diaries. Overall, 100% and 71% of the cyclists were in a state of LEA during the baseline assessment of the supplementary CHO and nutritional interventions, respectively. LEA prevalence, not modified by supplementary CHO intake alone (from 100% to 87%, ns), was markedly reduced by the individual nutritional intervention (from 71% to 14%, p < 0.05). When considering all the data as a whole, LEA was positively influenced by the training load (OR 1.06; 95% Cl 1.03 to 1.09) and free-fat mass (OR 1.46; 1.04 to 2.04) and was negatively affected by EI (OR 0.994; 0.991 to 0.997). A hot environment (air temperature) failed to influence the LEA or glucose dynamics. the nutritional intervention, but not the supplementary CHO intake, markedly reduced the prevalence of LEA in adolescents, who often fail to match their energy expenditure with their energy intake during the competitive season. Nutritional education is essential for adolescent endurance cycling teams.

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury in youth and male soccer athletes: an evaluation of 17,108 players over two consecutive seasons with an age-based sub-analysis

Objectives To evaluate the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in male athletes from professional soccer clubs over two consecutive seasons (2018-2019) with a sub-analysis based on age category: under-13 (U-13), under-15 (U-15), under-17 (U-17), and under-20 (U-20) years. Methods A total of 17,108 young male soccer players were retrospectively reviewed from sixty-three professional clubs in the four highest Brazilian soccer divisions. Data regarding the number of athletes and the number of ACL injuries confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams in the 2018 and 2019 seasons were collected. Incidence of ACL injury were compared by season, age category (under-13; under-15; under 17; and under-20), demographic region, and club division. Results Clubs from all regions of Brazil participated in the study. A total of 336 primary ACL injuries were diagnosed over the two seasons (8,167 athletes during the 2018 season and 8,941 athletes during the 2019 season) among all athletes, which corresponds to 2% of the included athletes. There were 11 cases (0.3%) in the under-13, 53 cases (1.3%) in the under-15, 107 cases (2.5%) in the under-17, and 165 cases (3.8%) in the under-20 age category. There was a higher incidence of ACL injury in the older age groups (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion A total of 336 ACL injuries were identified in 17,108 youth soccer players from 63 professional clubs with an overall incidence of 2% over 2 seasons of competition. ACL injury rate ranged from 0.3% to 3.8% and was higher in the older and more competitive club divisions.

Energy Availability in Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athletes.

Willingham, BD, Daou, M, VanArsdale, J, Thomas, M, and Saracino, PG. Energy availability in female collegiate beach volleyball athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1941-1950, 2024-Low energy availability (LEA) is a present risk for many female athletes. Yet, the literature on LEA is often reliant on single, short-term, snapshots, which may not be reflective of the chronic energy balance surrounding female athletes in sport. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the current prevalence of LEA in female collegiate beach volleyball athletes during the preseason and across the competitive season. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare measures of EA (i.e., dietary intake, activity energy expenditure [EE], body composition) and EE (i.e., resting metabolic rate and thermic effect of feeding) at 4 timepoints-once in the preseason (i.e., Fall), and 3 times across the 10-week competitive season in Spring (i.e., week 1, week 5, and week 9). Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Although mean EA was in the subclinical zone (i.e., 30-45 kcal·kg FFM-1·d-1) at each timepoint, the prevalence of LEA for individuals was 30.8% in the preseason, 37.5% at week 1, 25.0% at week 5, and 62.5% at week 9. Further, carbohydrate intake was below the recommended range for power athletes at each timepoint, suggesting that female beach volleyball athletes with LEA may benefit from increasing carbohydrate intake. Despite no statistical differences in body mass across the season (p = 0.577), there was a trend for increasing fat-free mass (p = 0.062) as the season progressed. Importantly, LEA is not a team-wide condition but an individual one. Therefore, approaches to mitigate LEA should be individualized.