Semi-professional Football Players Research Articles

Prevalence of emotional abuse and subsequent feelings in adolescent and young semi-professional male football players

ABSTRACT Emotional abuse is the most common form of maltreatment in sports. However, due to the ignorance of the harmful effects and the hiding of this abuse in the shadow of success, less attention has been paid to it. In the present study, the researchers investigated the amount of emotional abuse and the subsequent feelings in young and adolescent athletes. The current research is cross-sectional with a mixed-methods approach, and 100 football players (adolescent = 59, young = 41) participated in the study. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, which was analyzed and interpreted by grounded theory and SPSS software. Evidence demonstrated that 48% of all participants were emotionally abused by a coach during their sports career, such as humiliation and insults. While this maltreatment has been more common among young athletes, it has left far more short and long-term destructive effects, such as self-blame and loss of pride among adolescents. Based on the findings, we conclude that many athletes are exposed to emotional abuse, which has adverse consequences, especially in adolescence. Therefore, the awareness of athletes and coaches regarding maltreatment and its harmful effects can reduce the frequency of emotional abuse and maintain the psychological safety of athletes.

The Acute: Chronic Workload Ratio and Injury Risk in Semiprofessional Football Players.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association and predictive capacity between the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) and non-contact injuries in a semiprofessional football team. Seventeen football or soccer players from a Spanish Third Division football team participated voluntarily in this study. A prospective longitudinal study was developed during the 2020/2021 season. Twenty-four weeks were analyzed from October to March, including a regenerative microcycle due to the absence of competition during Christmas. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and session-rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) were registered for every training and game session. Afterward, acute and chronic workloads were calculated, and ACWR was subsequently derived from them. Furthermore, non-contact injuries were registered during the period mentioned. The main findings were that there is a poor correlation between the ACWR and non-contact injuries (r=0.069 (p<0.05)), and the use of the ACWR by itself is insufficient to predict the occurrence of non-contact injuries in a semiprofessional football team. Consequently, the ACWR is not an useful predictive tool for injuries in semiprofessional football teams.

Peak fat oxidation, peak oxygen uptake, and running performance increase during pre-season in sub-elite male football players.

In Football, the high-intensity running bouts during matches are considered decisive. Interestingly, recent studies showed that peak fat oxidation rates (PFO) are higher in football players than other athletes. This study aimed to investigate whether PFO increases following a pre-season. Secondarily, and due to COVID-19, we investigated whether PFO is related to the physical performance in a subgroup of semi-professional male football players. Before and after 8 weeks of pre-season training, 42 sub-elite male football players (18 semi-professionals and 24 non-professionals) had a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and performed a graded exercise test on a treadmill for the determination of PFO, the exercise intensity eliciting PFO (Fatmax) and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak). Additionally, the semi-professional players performed a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 2 (YYIR2) before and after pre-season training to determine football-specific running performance. PFO increased by 11 ± 10% (mean ± 95% CI), p = 0.031, and V̇O2peak increased by 5 ± 1%, p < 0.001, whereas Fatmax was unchanged (+12 ± 9%, p = 0.057), following pre-season training. PFO increments were not associated with increments in V̇O2peak (Pearson's r2 = 0.00, p = 0.948) or fat-free mass (FFM) (r2 = 0.00, p = 0.969). Concomitantly, YYIR2 performance increased in the semi-professional players by 39 ± 17%, p < 0.001, which was associated with changes in V̇O2peak (r2 = 0.35, p = 0.034) but not PFO (r2 = 0.13, p = 0.244). PFO, V̇O2peak, and FFM increased following pre-season training in sub-elite football players. However, in a subgroup of semi-professional players, increments in PFO were not associated with improvements in YYIR2 performance nor with increments in V̇O2peak and FFM.

Are change of direction speed and agility different abilities from time and coordinative perspectives?

This study aimed to test whether agility and change of direction speed (COD) are independent capacities using the same movement pattern (1) in terms of the completion time and (2) the entropy. Seventeen semi-professional female football players participated in the study. The agility task consisted of a Y-shaped (45° COD) task with three possible exit options (center, right and left) performed pre-planned or in reaction to the movement of two testers (i.e., blocking exit gates). Players’ acceleration was measured using an inertial measurement unit. Entropy was calculated from the acceleration signal and completion time was extracted using a magnet-based timing system. Significantly greater times and lower entropy (p&lt;0.001) were found during agility runs to pre-planned COD runs. Furthermore, weak to moderate correlations were found between COD and agility for both completion time (r = 0.29, p&lt;0.001) and entropy (r = 0.53, p&lt;0.001, r2 = 28.1%). These results highlight that COD speed and agility are independent capacities and skills, and as such, should be tested and trained as distinct, separate qualities. Modifying task constraints including a reactive stimulus (i.e., cognitive factors), is essential for increasing task complexity by altering the biomechanical and coordinative aspects of the action.

Manipulating Internal and External Loads During Repeated Cycling Sprints: A Comparison of Continuous and Intermittent Blood Flow Restriction.

Mckee, JR, Girard, O, Peiffer, JJ, and Scott, BR. Manipulating internal and external loads during repeated cycling sprints: A comparison of continuous and intermittent blood flow restriction. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-This study examined the impact of blood flow restriction (BFR) application method (continuous vs. intermittent) during repeated-sprint exercise (RSE) on performance, physiological, and perceptual responses. Twelve adult male semi-professional Australian football players completed 4 RSE sessions (3 × [5 × 5-second maximal sprints:25-second passive recovery], 3-minute rest between the sets) with BFR applied continuously (C-BFR; excluding interset rest periods), intermittently during only sprints (I-BFRWORK), or intraset rest periods (I-BFRREST) or not at all (Non-BFR). An alpha level of p < 0.05 was used to determine significance. Mean power output was greater for Non-BFR ( p < 0.001, dz = 1.58 ), I-BFRWORK ( p = 0.002, dz = 0.63 ), and I-BFRREST ( p = 0.003, dz = 0.69 ) than for C-BFR and for Non-BFR ( p = 0.043, dz = 0.55 ) compared with I-BFRREST. Blood lactate concentration ( p = 0.166) did not differ between the conditions. Mean oxygen consumption was higher during Non-BFR ( p < 0.001, dz = 1.29 and 2.31; respectively) and I-BFRWORK (p < 0.001, dz = 0.74 and 1.63; respectively) than during I-BFRREST and C-BFR and for I-BFRREST ( p = 0.002, dz = 0.57) compared with C-BFR. Ratings of perceived exertion were greater for I-BFRREST ( p = 0.042, dz = 0.51) and C-BFR ( p = 0.011, dz = 0.90) than for Non-BFR and during C-BFR ( p = 0.023, dz = 0.54) compared with I-BFRWORK. Applying C-BFR or I-BFRREST reduced mechanical output and cardiorespiratory demands of RSE and were perceived as more difficult. Practitioners should be aware that BFR application method influences internal and external demands during RSE.

Influence of a football match on landing biomechanics and jump performance in female football players.

This study aimed to assess the acute effect of a competitive football match on jump performance and kinematic parameters during jump landing in semiprofessional female football players. Twenty-two semiprofessional players (20 ± 3 years) underwent a drop jump task for a posterior video analysis of the landing phase. These measurements were obtained at (1) baseline, (2) after, and (3) 48 h after a competitive football match. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was employed to detect differences over the time. There was a main effect of time for maximal knee flexion angle during drop landing (p = 0.001). In comparison with baseline, maximal knee flexion angle was reduced immediately post-match and was still reduced 48 h after the match (63.4 ± 8.6 vs 57.0 ± 11.7 vs 48.9 ± 19.1, p ≤ 0.038). There was also a main effect of time for drop jump height (p < 0.001). Drop jump height was reduced immediately post-match and remained low 48 h after the match in comparison with baseline (27.3 ± 3.6 vs 24.5 ± 2.8 ~ 25.5 ± 3.0 cm, p ≤ 0.002). There was a main effect of time on hip flexion angle during landing (p = 0.001), but the pairwise comparison revealed that this variable was not affected immediately post-match but was lower 48 h after the match than at baseline (50.1 ± 10.1 ~ 50.8 ± 13.2 vs 38.1 ± 17.8 °, p ≤ 0.005). A competitive football match worsened jump performance and several landing biomechanical parameters in female football players, which were still decreased in comparison with baseline even 48 h after the match.

IMPACT OF SLACKLINE TRAINING &amp; FIFA 11+ EXERCISE PROGRAM IN PREVENTING LOWER LIMB SOFT TISSUE INJURIES AMONG SEMI-PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Elite semi-professional football showed a high incidence of soft tissue injury. The positive impact of slackline training on static and dynamic balance could indicate the usefulness of slackline training in injury prevention. The study aimed to compare the impact of slackline training and the FIFA 11+ exercise program on the Y-balance test to prevent soft tissue injuries in the lower limb among semi-professional football players. 30 subjects were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups [Group A &amp; Group B]. The Y-balance test score was assessed for all participants. Group A followed a supervised slackline training program, and Group B was involved in the FIFA 11+ exercise program. For both groups, the frequency of training was 3 days per week for eight weeks. On statistical analysis, the post-test values showed that the p-value of YBT AT, YBT PL, YBT PM scores between the 2 groups are &lt; 0.05, &lt; 0.01, and &lt; 0.001 respectively. Though both groups showed improvement in Y-balance test scores, Group A showed significant improvement over Group B subjects. In conclusion, slackline training is a better method to improve dynamic balance and thereby prevent injuries than the FIFA 11+ exercise program.

Cryo plus Ultrasound Therapy, a Novel Rehabilitative Approach for Football Players with Acute Lateral Ankle Injury Sprain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Acute lateral ankle sprains are common injuries among athletes, but the optimal treatment strategies in elite athletes are still debated. This proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the impact of cryo-ultrasound therapy on the short-term recovery of football players with acute lateral ankle sprains. Semi-professional football players with grade I or II lateral ankle sprains were randomly assigned to the experimental group (receiving cryo-ultrasound therapy combined with conventional physical therapy) or control group (sham cryo-ultrasound therapy combined with conventional physical therapy). Pain intensity and physical functioning were assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) at baseline (T0) at the end of treatment (T1), after one month (T2), and two months after treatment (T3). After the study intervention, significant between groups differences were reported in terms of pain relief (NRS: 4.08 ± 1.29 vs. 5.87 ± 1.19; p = 0.003) and physical function (FADI: 50.9 ± 10.3 vs. 38.3 ± 11.5; p = 0.021). However, no significant between group differences were reported at T2 and T3. No adverse effects were reported. Cryo-ultrasound therapy combined with conventional physical therapy can accelerate recovery and early return to sport in elite football players with acute lateral ankle sprains. While this study contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of cryo-ultrasound therapy, further investigations with a longer follow-up are needed to validate and optimize the application of physical agent modalities in the management of ankle injuries.

Pre-Season ACL Risk Classification of Professional and Semi-Professional Football Players, via a Proof-of-Concept Test Battery

This study aimed to identify football players at high risk (HR) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury via a four-test battery and assess possible factors affecting classification. Ninety-one professional and semi-professional male athletes participated in a field-based pre-season screening. The cut-off points of the test battery were 10% acknowledged inter-limb asymmetry limit for quadriceps and hamstring isometric strength and single-leg triple hop for distance, in addition to the upper limit of 6 errors in the landing error scoring system (LESS). Additional assessment of hip adductors and core stability completed the global functional profile of the players. Sixty-one players were identified as HR and thirty as low-risk (LR) for ACL injury. Discriminant analysis showed that the proposed test battery classified accurately 78.0% of them, with 91.8 sensitivity and 61.9% specificity. Only four misclassified players in the LR group were at risk of inadequate treatment. All participants were considered healthy, and history of a previously rehabilitated injury did not interfere with the results. LESS seems to be the best predictor for injury-risk grouping. Prone bridge time was also a whole-body variable discriminating between groups. The proposed test battery provides a promising option for field-based pre-season ACL risk assessment of football players and needs to be studied prospectively.

Assessment of movement variability and time in a football reactive agility task depending on constraints

ABSTRACT The aims of this study were to (1) analyse time and movement variability in a football (soccer) agility task performed with or without ball, both in the following situations a) reacting to the movement of two players with a single exit gate (R1), b) reacting to the movement of one player with two possible exit gates (R2) and c) not reacting to a stimulus; and, (2) analyse the relationship between time and movement variability. Seventeen semi-professional female football players participated in the study. Acceleration was measured using an inertial measurement unit attached to each player through an elastic belt close to the sacrum. Entropy was calculated from the acceleration signal and time was extracted using a magnet-based timing system. Movement variability was reduced whereas time increased when adding the ball and/or the reaction, finding no differences between R1 and R2. A moderate negative correlation was found between time and movement variability (r = −0.56, p < 0.01). Our findings demonstrate that increasing the difficulty and/or the amount of information from the environment, decreased movement variability and increased the time. The measurement of movement variability in addition to time in an agility task can be used to determine the mastery level of players.

Biomarkers of post-match recovery in semi-professional and professional football (soccer).

High-level football (soccer) players face intense physical demands that result in acute and residual fatigue, impairing their physical performance in subsequent matches. Further, top-class players are frequently exposed to match-congested periods where sufficient recovery times are not achievable. To evaluate training and recovery strategies, the monitoring of players' recovery profiles is crucial. Along with performance and neuro-mechanical impairments, match-induced fatigue causes metabolic disturbances denoted by changes in chemical analytes that can be quantified in different body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine, thus acting as biomarkers. The monitoring of these molecules might supplement performance, neuromuscular and cognitive measurements to guide coaches and trainers during the recovery period. The present narrative review aims to comprehensively review the scientific literature on biomarkers of post-match recovery in semi-professional and professional football players as well as provide an outlook on the role that metabolomic studies might play in this field of research. Overall, no single gold-standard biomarker of match-induced fatigue exists, and a range of metabolites are available to assess different aspects of post-match recovery. The use of biomarker panels might be suitable to simultaneously monitoring these broad physiological processes, yet further research on fluctuations of different analytes throughout post-match recovery is warranted. Although important efforts have been made to address the high interindividual heterogeneity of available markers, limitations inherent to these markers might compromise the information they provide to guide recovery protocols. Further research on metabolomics might benefit from evaluating the long-term recovery period from a high-level football match to shed light upon new biomarkers of post-match recovery.

Pathological Findings in Male and Female Semi-Professional Football Players from 11 to 14 Years—A Report of the Bavarian Football Association’s Pre-Participation Screening Program

Pre-participation screening (PPS) in professional junior football is common practice. However, football players (FP) from non-professional football clubs may also be exposed to health risks, both internal and musculoskeletal. Therefore, the Bavarian Football Association (BFV) implemented a cardiological and orthopedic screening program for semi-professional FP in 2014. The purpose of this study was to obtain and present epidemiological data of pre-adolescent and adolescent semi-professional FP, including cardiac pathologies, past injuries, and orthopedic disorders. This study represents a retrospective analysis of semi-professional FP aged 11 to 14 years participating in the PPS program from 2014 to 2018, including their medical history, cardiac risk profiles, and the results of undergoing orthopedic and sports cardiology examinations. Overall, 362 male and 162 female FP could be included. More than 20% of the FP indicated suffering from one or more medical conditions. Cardiac abnormalities were reported in 30 (5.7%) FP. Further cardiological diagnostics were recommended for 3% of the FP due to findings while undergoing the PPS. Orthopedic disorders could be detected in 51 (9.7%) FP. Of the reported injuries, 44.3% could be categorized as overuse injuries. In order to guarantee extensive preventive sports medical care for semi-professional junior FP, a PPS concept should include a basic orthopedic examination in addition to cardiological screening due to a high rate of overuse injuries and cardiac abnormalities among pre-adolescent and adolescent FP. Further studies are needed in junior football to gain epidemiological data on injury occurrence and cardiac abnormalities on an amateur level to evaluate possible PPS programs, even on an amateur level.

A comparative analysis of two novel shuttle running field tests for critical velocity modelling in football players

Background and aim: The study compared differences in derived critical velocity (CV) and maximal speed from the 3-Minute All-Out Shuttle Test (3MST), 7-Minute Intermittent Critical Velocity Shuttle Test (7MST) and 3-Minute All-Out Running Test (3MRT). We also determined test-retest reliability of the 3MST versus the 7MST. Methods: Eleven semi-professional football players completed 10 visits; 3 familiarisation and 7 testing sessions (3 trials for each of the 3MST and 7MST and 1 trial of the 3MRT). CV was calculated, and maximal speed was recorded via GPS. Results: CV via the 3MRT (14.17 ± 1.49 km.h-1) was faster than the 3MST (10.12 ± 0.97 km.h-1, p &lt; 0.001) and 7MST (9.03 ± 0.97 km.h-1, p &lt; 0.001), although minimal differences were observed between the 3MST and 7MST (p = 0.13). Maximal speed differed across all test modes; 3MRT (29.07 ± 2.19 km.h-1, p &lt; 0.001), 3MST (26.18 ± 1.71 km.h-1, p &lt; 0.001) and 7MST (23.14 ± 1.10 km.h-1, p &lt; 0.001). Intra-class correlation coefficient was larger for the 3MST (0.37) than the 7MST (0.05). Coefficient of variation was smaller for the 3MST (7.57%) compared to the 7MST (11.56%). Conclusions: Shuttle tests derive significantly slower CV and maximal speeds compared to linear tests and thus likely provide greater task specificity for CV modelling of team-sport athletes.

Effects of Repeated Sprints on Hamstring Active Shear Modulus Pattern and Neuromuscular Parameters in Football Players with and without Hamstring Strain Injury History—A Retrospective Study

The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of a (i) repeated sprint protocol on the sprint performance, hamstrings shear modulus pattern, and neuromuscular parameters between players with and without previous hamstring strain injury (HSI); and (ii) between limbs with HSI and their healthy contralateral limbs on the hamstrings shear modulus pattern and neuromuscular parameters. One-hundred-and-five professional and semiprofessional football field players were invited to participate in this study during the pre-season 2021/2022 (June–July), resulting in a sample size of 210 limbs with 46 sustaining HSI in the previous 2 years. No differences were seen between previously injured and healthy control players regarding their sprint performance, hamstrings shear modulus pattern, and neuromuscular parameters, except for the early rate of torque development (0–50 ms) with previously injured limbs in the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) displaying higher rates than their contralateral muscle (injured: 496.93 ± 234.22 Nm/s; contralateral 422.72 ± 208.29 Nm/s; p = 0.005; η2p = 0.469). Overall, the present study provides evidence for no differences regarding sprint performance, hamstrings load sharing pattern, and major neuromuscular parameters between players with previous HSI in the last 2 years and healthy control players. Therefore, the results can possibly suggest that the duration between injury and screening could recover the differences between injured-control and injured-contralateral groups.

The Safe Landing warm up technique modification programme: An effective anterior cruciate ligament injury mitigation strategy to improve cutting and jump-movement quality in soccer players

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Safe Landing (SL), a 6-week technique-modification (TM) programme, on cutting and jump-landing movement quality in football players. In a non-randomized design, 32 male semi-professional football players from two Spanish clubs participated in the study: one served as the control group (CG, n = 11), while the other performed the SL (n = 15). Performance and movement quality of drop vertical jump and 70º change of direction (COD70) were evaluated through 2D video footage pre- and post-intervention. In such tasks, the Landing Error Scoring System for first (LESS1) and second (LESS2) landings, and the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) were used for assessing movement quality. Pre-to-post changes and baseline-adjusted ANCOVA were used. Medium-to-large differences between groups at post-test were shown in CMAS, LESS1 and LESS2 (p < 0.082, ղ2 = 0.137–0.272), with small-to-large improvements in SL (p < 0.046, ES=0.546–1.307), and CG remaining unchanged (p > 0.05) pre-to-post. In COD70 performance, large differences were found between groups (p < 0.047, ղ2 = 0.160–0.253), with SL maintaining performance (p > 0.05, ES=0.039–0.420), while CG moderately decreasing performance (p = 0.024, ES=0.753) pre-to-post. The SL is a feasible and effective TM program to improve movement quality and thus potential injury risk in cutting and landing, while not negatively affecting performance.

Information seeking behaviors and attitudes of wives of former football players regarding chronic traumatic encephalopathy

This study examines CTE-related knowledge and information-seeking behaviors of caregivers of persons who are at high risk of CTE. Online survey responses were collected from 64 females, ages 18–74, who were married to former college, semiprofessional, or professional football players and were fluent in English. Ranging from 0 to 18, a score was calculated to represent level of CTE knowledge. Participants were classified into groups based on their spouse’s reported symptoms and diagnosis. Approximately 87% of participants reported that their spouses have been diagnosed with a football-related concussion and were significantly more likely to seek out information from a healthcare provider, a scientific journal or article, and post/comment on social media compared to spouses of symptomatic/undiagnosed and non-symptomatic groups. Participants reported 77% of available information as probably true, with social media thought to be highly credible. Highest levels of dissatisfaction were reported for league-sponsored websites and physicians/healthcare providers. Although the majority of participants sought CTE related information on regular or social media, and the internet, information sources differed amongst the groups. These findings may help healthcare providers and organizations develop more effective health-related educational programs that will help the wives make informed decisions regarding care for their spouses with respect to CTE.

Impact of hydration with beverages containing free sugars or xylitol on metabolic and acute kidney injury markers after physical exercise.

The proper fluid and carbohydrates intake is essential before and during physical exercise, and for this reason most athletes drink beverages containing a high amount of free sugars. Sweetened soft drinks are also commonly consumed by those not doing any sport, and this habit seems to be both unhealthy and also the cause of metabolic problems. Recently, several sweeteners have been proposed to replace sugars in popular beverages. To examine the impact of free sugars and the popular sweetener xylitol on metabolic profile and the markers of kidney function and injury after exercise the present study was conducted with semi-professional football players. All participants were healthy, with a mean age of 21.91years. Their sports skills were on the level of the 4th-5th division of the league. The subjects took part in four football training sessions. During each session they drank a 7% solution of sugar (sucrose, fructose, glucose) or xylitol. The tolerability of these beverages and well-being during exercise was monitored. Before and after each training session, blood and urine were collected. The markers of kidney function and injury, uric acid, electrolytes, complete blood count, CRP, serum albumin, serum glucose and the lipid profile were analyzed. The main finding of this study was that the xylitol beverage is the least tolerated during exercise and 38.89% of participants experienced diarrhea after training and xylitol intake. Xylitol also led to unfavorable metabolic changes and a large increase in uric acid and creatinine levels. A mean increase of 1.8mg/dl in the uric acid level was observed after xylitol intake. Increases in acute kidney injury markers were observed after all experiments, but changes in urine albumin and cystatin C were highest after xylitol. The other three beverages (containing "free sugars" - glucose, fructose and sucrose) had a similar impact on the variables studied, although the glucose solution seems to have some advantages over other beverages. The conclusion is that sweeteners are not a good alternative to sugars, especially during exercise. Pure water without sweeteners should be drunk by those who need to limit their calorie consumption. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, (NCT04310514).

How Do Male Football Players Meet Dietary Recommendations? A Systematic Literature Review.

The aim of this review was to determine whether male football players meet dietary recommendations according to a UEFA expert group statement and to identify priority areas for dietetic intervention, including training periodization and field position. A database search of PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO and Scopus was performed. To be included within the final review, articles were required to provide a dietary intake assessment of professional and semi-professional football players. A total of 17 studies met the full eligibility criteria. Several studies showed insufficient energy and carbohydrate intake compared to the recommendations. A majority of athletes consume adequate protein and fat intakes compared to the recommendations. In addition, several studies showed the insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. This systematic review showed that football players do not meet the nutritional recommendations according to the UEFA expert group statement. Future research should be focused on how to apply nutritional recommendations specific for athletes in accordance with training periodization and positions on the field.

Is there association between cutting and jump-landing movement quality in semi-professional football players? Implications for ACL injury risk screening

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) to evaluate movement quality, their intra- (INTRAob) and inter-observer (INTERob) reliability, and the comparison between the two drop vertical jump (DVJ) landings (1st and 2nd). DesignCross-sectional. Participants42 male semi-professional soccer players performed three trials of DVJ and 70° change of direction with a ball located as an external focus. Main outcome measuresMovement quality was evaluated through 2D video footage using the CMAS and LESS, screened by two observers. Relational, comparative and reliability analyses were conducted. ResultsBoth tools showed moderate to substantial (ICC = 0.58–0.71), and substantial to almost perfect (ICC = 0.68–0.87) INTRAob and INTERob reliability, respectively. No significant associations were found among CMAS, LESS 1st and 2nd for either scores or risk profiles (r = −0.158–0.202, p > 0.05). LESS 2nd was moderately higher (ES = 0.80–0.83, p = 0.002–0.007) than 1st scores. ConclusionsCMAS and LESS are reliable tools to evaluate movement quality, although evaluations should be preferably performed by the same observer; ACL injury risk profile's is task-dependent; both landings of the DVJ should be assessed as they represent different biomechanical and neuromuscular control deficits.

Objective Comparison of Achievement Motivation and Competitiveness among Semi-Professional Male and Female Football Players

The aim of this study was to examine differences in achievement motivation (measured with the Objective Achievement Motivation Test, OLMT, Schuhfried®) and competitiveness between male and female semi-professional football players. The OLMT objectively assessed three constructs regarding achievement motivation: motivation through personal goals, aspiration level, and motivation through competition. In addition, competitiveness was measured with the self-reported Competitiveness-10 Questionnaire. Finally, participants’ performance was assessed by three expert observers in each of ten matches. Thirty-eight football players (men = 27; women = 11) participated in the present study, and no significant differences were found in the Levene test when comparing men and women with respect to the scores obtained in the different measures used in our research. Significant differences were found in the motivation through competition (p = 0.021) as well as in self-reported competitiveness (p = 0.020) as a function of gender, with males showing higher values in both cases. No gender differences were found in aspiration level (p = 0.283) or motivation through personal goals (p = 0.897). Moreover, age and player performance did not modulate gender differences on any measures. No significant correlation was found between motivational measures and performance. In conclusion, it should be noted that the only variable on which gender differences emerged was the level of competitiveness, such that males scored higher than females on both objective and self-reported measures.