Sub-elite Football Research Articles

Adjusting the Yo-Yo IRT-1 equation to estimate VO2max of sub-elite football referees: a gender-comparative study.

To gain optimal positioning to make sure the game laws are applied in uniform way, the performance of field referee must be periodically evaluated to have constantly adequate training during a match and during the competitive season. Considering that field Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test-Level 1 is frequently employed in elite team sport players to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2max</inf>) in field settings, the aim of this cross-sectional, gender-comparative study was to develop a new adjusted Yo-Yo-1 equation for estimating VO<inf>2</inf>max in football referees. During off-season, 20 male (21.2±3.6 yrs) and 20 female (22.5±4.6 yrs) sub-elite football referees underwent laboratory treadmill test and Yo-Yo-1. VO<inf>2max</inf> during Yo-Yo-1 and laboratory treadmill test were significantly correlated in the whole sample (r=0.871; P<0.0001), women (r=0.861; P<0.0001) and men (r=0.800; P<0.0001). Only in women VO<inf>2max</inf> during Yo-Yo-1 was lower than laboratory treadmill test (-4.3%; P=0.014). Adjusted formulae (pooled and gender-based) allowed to mitigate the underestimated values of laboratory treadmill test of VO<inf>2max</inf> found with the Bangsbo's equation (pooled sample: -14.9%, P<0.0001; women: -13.2%, P<0.0001; men: -16.4%, P<0.0001). Adjusted Yo-Yo-1 equations allow to accurately monitor changes in cardiopulmonary performance, and based on this, administer constantly adequate training loads, in male and female field referees.

RELATIVE AGE EFFECT CREATES A DISCRIMINATION AND DROPOUT PANDEMIC IN YOUTH FOOTBALL: SHOULD EVERYONE GET THE SAME CHANCE?

The goal of this study was to determine the dropout rate and the difference between football players born in different halves of the year. This study involved 101 sub-elite football players (14.4±2.9 yr, 168.2±9.4 cm, 60.1±5.3 kg, 21.7±2.2 BMI) divided into three age categories and two sub-groups for each of them (U-11a/b, U-14a/b and U-19a/b). The difference between the sub-groups was assessed using the T-test for independent groups and the Mann-Whitney U test with statistical significance set at the p &lt; .05 level. The 10, 20 and 30 m running tests, SJ, CMJ, CMJmax, T-test, 9-3-6-3-9, and Slalom agility tests were used. Statistical difference for U-11 group was obtained for the SJ (p = .002), T-test (p = .012) and 9-3-6-3-9 test (p = .002). In U-14 group the statistical difference is shown in all speed and explosive strength tests (p &lt; .05). Body fat did not show a statistically significant difference between groups while body height, body mass and muscle mass differ at a statistically significant level (p = .017, .041, .0.46, respectively). Compared to younger groups, U-19 group showed a significant difference on T-test and 10 m running (p = .017, .037, respectively). The main limitation is that this is not a longitudinal study with a single group followed throughout the process. In conclusion, it would be desirable for everyone to get an equal chance due to the different speed of development in order to be competent. Further recommendations are to divide youth categories into two separate leagues so that everyone gets the same playing time.

Classification of recovery states in U15, U17, and U19 sub-elite football players: a machine learning approach.

A promising approach to optimizing recovery in youth football has been the use of machine learning (ML) models to predict recovery states and prevent mental fatigue. This research investigates the application of ML models in classifying male young football players aged under (U)15, U17, and U19 according to their recovery state. Weekly training load data were systematically monitored across three age groups throughout the initial month of the 2019-2020 competitive season, covering 18 training sessions and 120 observation instances. Outfield players were tracked using portable 18-Hz global positioning system (GPS) devices, while heart rate (HR) was measured using 1 Hz telemetry HR bands. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6-20) and total quality recovery (TQR 6-20) scores were employed to evaluate perceived exertion, internal training load, and recovery state, respectively. Data preprocessing involved handling missing values, normalization, and feature selection using correlation coefficients and a random forest (RF) classifier. Five ML algorithms [K-nearest neighbors (KNN), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), support vector machine (SVM), RF, and decision tree (DT)] were assessed for classification performance. The K-fold method was employed to cross-validate the ML outputs. A high accuracy for this ML classification model (73-100%) was verified. The feature selection highlighted critical variables, and we implemented the ML algorithms considering a panel of 9 variables (U15, U19, body mass, accelerations, decelerations, training weeks, sprint distance, and RPE). These features were included according to their percentage of importance (3-18%). The results were cross-validated with good accuracy across 5-fold (79%). The five ML models, in combination with weekly data, demonstrated the efficacy of wearable device-collected features as an efficient combination in predicting football players' recovery states.

Analyzing Key Factors on Training Days within a Standard Microcycle for Young Sub-Elite Football Players: A Principal Component Approach.

Utilizing techniques for reducing multivariate data is essential for comprehensively understanding the variations and relationships within both biomechanical and physiological datasets in the context of youth football training. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the primary factors influencing training sessions within a standard microcycle among young sub-elite football players. A total of 60 male Portuguese youth sub-elite footballers (15.19 ± 1.75 years) were continuous monitored across six weeks during the 2019-2020 in-season, comprising the training days from match day minus (MD-) 3, MD-2, and MD-1. The weekly training load was collected by an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS), 1 Hz heart rate (HR) monitors, the perceived exertion (RPE) and the total quality recovery (TQR). A principal component approach (PCA) coupled with a Monte Carlo parallel analysis was applied to the training datasets. The training datasets were condensed into three to five principal components, explaining between 37.0% and 83.5% of the explained variance (proportion and cumulative) according to the training day (p < 0.001). Notably, the eigenvalue for this study ranged from 1.20% to 5.21% within the overall training data. The PCA analysis of the standard microcycle in youth sub-elite football identified that, across MD-3, MD-2, and MD-1, the first was dominated by the covered distances and sprinting variables, while the second component focused on HR measures and training impulse (TRIMP). For the weekly microcycle, the first component continued to emphasize distance and intensity variables, with the ACC and DEC being particularly influential, whereas the second and subsequent components included HR measures and perceived exertion. On the three training days analyzed, the first component primarily consisted of variables related to the distance covered, running speed, high metabolic load, sprinting, dynamic stress load, accelerations, and decelerations. The high intensity demands have a high relative weight throughout the standard microcycle, which means that the training load needs to be carefully monitored and managed.

How do referees visually explore? An in-situ examination of the referential head and eye movements of football referees

ABSTRACT The majority of a football referee’s time is spent assessing open-play situations, yet little is known about how referees search for information during this uninterrupted play. The aim of the current study was to examine the exploratory gaze behaviour of elite and sub-elite football referees in open-play game situations. Four elite (i.e. national) and eight sub-elite (i.e. regional) referees officiated an in-situ football match while wearing a mobile eye-tracker to assess their gaze behaviour. Both referential head and eye movements (i.e. moving gaze away from and then back to the ball) were measured. Results showed gaze behaviour was characterised overall by more referential head than eye movements (~75 vs 25%), which were of longer duration (~950 vs 460 ms). Moreover, elite referees employed faster referential movements (~640 vs 730 ms), spending less time with their gaze away from the ball (carrier) than the sub-elite referees. Crucially, both the referential head and eye movements were coordinated relative to key events in the match, in this case passes, showing that referees anticipate the passes to ensure that the referential movements did not occur during passes, rather before or after. The results further our understanding of the coordinative gaze behaviours that underpin expertise in officiating.

Data Mining Paths for Standard Weekly Training Load in Sub-Elite Young Football Players: A Machine Learning Approach.

The aim of this study was to test a machine learning (ML) model to predict high-intensity actions and body impacts during youth football training. Sixty under-15, -17, and -19 sub-elite Portuguese football players were monitored over a 6-week period. External training load data were collected from the target variables of accelerations (ACCs), decelerations (DECs), and dynamic stress load (DSL) using an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS). Additionally, we monitored the perceived exertion and biological characteristics using total quality recovery (TQR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE (sRPE), chronological age, maturation offset (MO), and age at peak height velocity (APHV). The ML model was computed by a feature selection process with a linear regression forecast and bootstrap method. The predictive analysis revealed that the players' MO demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in predicting their DEC and ACC across different ranges of IQR. After predictive analysis, the following performance values were observed: DEC (x¯predicted = 41, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 36.6, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), and upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 46 decelerations, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0). The player's MO also demonstrated the ability to predict their upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 51, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 40, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), and ACC (x¯predicted = 46 accelerations, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62). The ML model showed poor performance in predicting the players' ACC and DEC using MO (MSE = 2.47-4.76; RMSE = 1.57-2.18: R2 = -0.78-0.02). Maturational concerns are prevalent in football performance and should be regularly checked, as the current ML model treated MO as the sole variable for ACC, DEC, and DSL. Applying ML models to assess automated tracking data can be an effective strategy, particularly in the context of forecasting peak ACC, DEC, and bodily effects in sub-elite youth football training.

Accuracy of a non-exercise method using seismocardiography for the estimation of V̇O2peak in sub-elite football players.

A non-exercise method equation using seismocardiography for estimating V̇O2peak (SCG V̇O2peak) has previously been validated in healthy subjects. However, the performance of the SCG V̇O2peak within a trained population is unknown, and the ability of the model to detect changes over time is not well elucidated. Forty-seven sub-elite football players were tested at the start of pre-season (SPS) and 36 players completed a test after eight weeks at the end of the pre-season (EPS). Testing included an SCG V̇O2peak estimation at rest and a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill for determination of V̇O2peak. Agreement between SCG V̇O2peak and CPET V̇O2peak showed a large underestimation at SPS (bias±95% CI: -9.9±1.8, 95% Limits of Agreement: 2.2 to -22.0mL·min-1kg-1). At EPS no interaction (p=0.3590) but a main effect of time (p<0.0001) and methods (p<0.0001) was observed between SCG and CPET V̇O2peak. No correlation in V̇O2peak changes was observed between SCG and CPET (r=-20.0, p=0.2484) but a fair agreement in classifying the correct directional change in V̇O2peak with the SCG method was found (Cohen's κ coefficient=0.28±0.25). Overall, the SCG V̇O2peak method lacks accuracy and despite being able to estimate group changes, it was incapable of detecting individual changes in V̇O2peak following a pre-season period in sub-elite football players. The SCG algorithm needs to be further adjusted and the accuracy and precision improved for the method to be applicable for use within a trained population.

A Comparison of Elite and Sub-elite Match-Play Running Performance of Gaelic Football Players.

Donnelly, S, Collins, K, Burns, C, O'Neill, C, and Mangan, S. A comparison of elite and sub-elite match-play running performance of Gaelic football players. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 912-923, 2024-This research aimed to examine differences in match-play running performance between elite and sub-elite Gaelic football players. Global Positioning System devices were used to record the match-play running performance of sub-elite and elite players during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively. In total, 783 samples were collected from 31 sub-elite and 30 elite players, from 1 elite and 1 sub-elite team. Comparisons were made on a team and positional level. Statistical significance was accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Significant positional differences were present between all positions with varying effect sizes (ESs) and p-values. Effect size was used to determine the magnitude of statistical difference. On a team level, the elite covered significantly more relative distance (p = 0.021, ES = 0.007) and elicited significantly higher average speed (p = 0.023, ES = 0.007) in quarters 2, 3, and 4 than the sub-elite. The elite covered significantly more relative distance high-intensity running (17-21.9 km·h-1; p = 0.002, ES = 0.012) in quarter 3 and performed significantly more power events per minute (p = 0.006, ES = 0.009) in quarter 4. In quarter 1, the sub-elite performed significantly more power events per minute (p = 0.006, ES = 0.009), relative high-speed running (≥17 km·h-1; p = 0.011, ES = 0.009), and relative distance high-intensity running (17-21.9 km·h-1; p = 0.002, ES = 0.012). Power events were defined as the estimation of the number of events that depend on anaerobic processes. The present study indicates that elite players possess superior conditioning, ability to read match-play, pacing, and anaerobic capacity. Sub-elite teams may use the present study to inform their training to potentially improve conditioning, pacing, and anaerobic capacity.

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.

Association between hip muscle strength/function and hip cartilage defects in sub-elite football players with hip/groin pain

ObjectiveTo explore associations between hip muscle strength and cartilage defects (presence and severity) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in young adults with hip/groin pain participating in sub-elite football. DesignSub-elite football players with hip/groin pain (>6 months) completed assessments of isometric hip strength and functional task performance. Hip cartilage defects were assessed using the Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI tool. This exploratory, cross-sectional study used logistic and negative binomial models to assess the relationships between hip muscle strength or functional task performance and hip cartilage defects, controlling for body mass index, age, testing site and cam morphology, incorporating sex-specific interaction terms. ResultsOne hundred and eighty-two (37 women) sub-elite (soccer or Australian football) players with hip/groin pain (age 26 ± 7 years) were included. Greater hip extension strength was associated with higher cartilage total score (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.01, 95%CI: 1.0 to 1.02, p = 0.013) and superolateral cartilage score (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 to 1.06, p < 0.01). In female sub-elite football players, greater hip external rotation strength was associated with lateral cartilage defects (aOR 1.61, 95%CI: 1.05 to 2.48, p = 0.03) and higher cartilage total score (aIRR 1.25, 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.66, p = 0.042). A one-repetition increase in one-leg rise performance was related to lower odds of superomedial cartilage defects (aOR 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94 to 0.99, p < 0.01). ConclusionsOverall, there were few associations between peak isometric hip muscle strength and overall hip cartilage defects. It is possible that other factors may have relevance in sub-elite football players. Additional studies are needed to support or refute our findings that higher one leg rise performance was associated with reduced superomedial cartilage defect severity and greater hip extension strength was related to higher cartilage defect severity scores.

Monitoring of sprint and change of direction velocity, vertical jump height, and repeated sprint ability in sub-elite female football players throughout their menstrual cycle

ABSTRACT Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the early follicular (EF, i.e., menstruation), late follicular (LF), and middle luteal (ML) phases of the menstrual cycle and different factors that may influence football performance. Methods To this end, 11 eumenorrheic sub-elite female football players underwent field tests to assess sprint speed, lower extremity power, repeated sprint ability, velocity on change of direction, and technical skills at each cycle phase. Results Performance during the 15-m change of direction ability test, 15-m ball dribbling test, squat jump height, total sprint time [sum of 7 sprints] and decrement score [(mean sprint time/best sprint time × 100) − 100], maximum and mean heart rate, and perceived exertion did not significantly differ among menstrual cycle phases. Conversely, the linear sprint velocity over 10, 20, 30-m distances was decreased in EF vs LF (10-, 20- and 30-m) and in ML vs LF (10- and 20-m) (p < 0.05). The 40-m sprint velocity did not change in the different menstrual cycle phases. Conclusion Overall, our study suggests that sex hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are not associated with vertical jump, velocity on change of direction, and repeated sprint ability, but may influence linear sprint velocity over short distances (10, 20, and 30 m).

Lower limb strength and training experience in elite and sub-elite female footballers

BACKGROUND: Strength differences between performance levels remain unclear in female football. Furthermore, the relationship between fulltime training and strength has been unexplored despite increased professionalisation in the sport. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this research were to examine knee flexor/extensor and hip adductor/abductor strength differences between elite and sub-elite female footballers, and then determine the relationship of strength performance to age, years of football experience (FE), and years of fulltime training (FTT). METHODS: 15 elite and 15 sub-elite professional female footballers were tested. The main outcomes were concentric isokinetic knee flexor and extensor peak moment at 60, 180, and 300∘/s, and isometric hip adductor (ADD) and abductor (ABD) force. RESULTS: The elite team had higher absolute (300∘/s: 47.13–49.33 Nm vs 37.33–38.93 Nm, p&lt; 0.05) and normalised (300∘/s: 0.76–0.80 Nm/kg vs 0.59–0.62 Nm/kg, p&lt; 0.05) knee flexor values, and higher normalised ADD (5.64–5.66 N/kg vs 4.98–5.05 N/kg, p&lt; 0.05) and ABD force (5.80–6.00 N/kg vs 5.26–5.39 N/kg, p&lt; 0.05), compared to the sub-elite team. Age, FE, and FTT were correlated to knee flexor values (r= 0.381–0.559, p&lt; 0.05). Additionally, FTT was correlated with normalised ADD and ABD force (r= 0.362–0.546, p&lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sub-elite female footballers may require additional knee flexor and hip strengthening in order to make the step up to the elite level. Those who are younger or have low FTT may also be recommended additional lower limb strengthening ahead of joining a fulltime training environment.

A qualitative examination of factors inhibiting and facilitating professional mental health help-seeking following injury in sub-elite club Gaelic footballers

ABSTRACT Mental health issues are common in Gaelic footballers, with injury significantly increasing the risk of experiencing symptoms of a common mental disorder. However, professional help-seeking is not common in athletes, with a preference for informal help sources who may be untrained and inexperienced to provide help and support. Participation at the sub-elite, or club, level represents the broadest playing population in Gaelic football and therefore, the current study aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators to professional mental health help-seeking among sub-elite adult Gaelic footballers. Male (n = 14) and female (n = 13) sub-elite Gaelic footballers with a history of injury participated in a focus group. Focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Education, the attitudes, actions and opinions of others and accessibility were perceived as key barriers and facilitators to help-seeking among sub-elite Gaelic footballers. Negative self-attitudes to help-seeking and characteristics of the professional help-provider were identified as additional barriers. Interventions aimed at reducing identified barriers must be introduced and professional mental health help-seeking facilitated to ensure Gaelic footballers are managing their mental health post-injury.

Motivational profiles and their relation to wellbeing, burnout, and drop-out intentions in university football players in the UK: A mixed methods approach.

In this multi-study paper, we adopted a mixed methods approach to examine the motivational profiles of sub-elite student footballers participating in UK university sport, in relation to their wellbeing, burnout, and drop-out intentions. In Study 1 we used a cross-sectional survey design to collect quantitative measures of motivational regulations, wellbeing, burnout, and drop-out intentions in 260 (n = 129 female) and (n = 131 male) sub-elite university footballers from UK universities (Mage = 20.7 y, SD = 1.5 y). Latent profile analysis revealed five distinct motivational regulation profiles that we deemed ranged from less to more motivationally adaptive in the following order: High-controlled, Amotivated (n = 27), Very-low Motivation (n = 32), Average Motivation (n = 104), High-autonomous, High-controlled (n = 38), and High-autonomous, Low-controlled (n = 59). Wald chi-square tests revealed between-profile differences in wellbeing (χ2 = 115, p < .001), burnout (reduced accomplishment: χ2 = 74, p < .001, exhaustion: χ2 = 34, p < .001, devaluation: χ2 = 121, p < .001), and drop-out intentions (university football: χ2 = 40, p < .001, football in general: χ2 = 91, p < .001). Pairwise comparisons suggested more adaptive motivational profiles had higher wellbeing, and lower burnout and drop-out intentions, than less adaptive profiles. Subsequently, in Study 2 we qualitatively explored the experiences of footballers from the different motivational profiles. We purposefully sampled 2–4 participants from each of the five motivational profiles to take part in focus groups, resulting in a total of 15 participants (Mage = 21.6 y, SD = 1.41 y; n = 8 female, n = 7 male). Results revealed commonalities across the motivational profiles, including that while motivation was complex, individualized, dynamic and interactive in nature; a central, underlying motivator for all players was their passion for football. However, results also suggested that compared to those from less motivationally adaptive profiles, those from more adaptive profiles tended to perceive the environment more positively and tended to feel more valued by those around them. Thus, protecting players’ passion for football and helping them feel more valued within their university-sport environment may support players in remaining in, or moving towards, more adaptive motivational regulation profiles and experiencing associated positive outcomes.

English

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities that could endanger the lives of elite and sub-elite professional athletes based on normal, borderline, and abnormal findings described in international recommendations. Material and method: This retrospective observational study was performed only on men elite football players, men elite baseball players, men elite basketball players, and men sub-elite football players (second division, third division, U-15, U-17, and U-20). Data were collected from pre-competition ECGs performed by team-affiliated physicians in the 2012 – 2019 preseasons of active-roster athletes and sub-elite players. The qualitative characteristics of each ECG were analyzed using the international recommendations for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes to detect accepted training-related ECG findings and findings classified as borderline and abnormal. Results: A total of 716 ECGs were included. Common training-related ECG changes were found in 63.1%; sinus bradycardia was the most prevalent training-related ECG change (47.2%). The prevalence of borderline ECG readings among all the participants was 3.9%; the most frequent change was right axis deviation. The prevalence of abnormal ECG findings overall was 4.2%. Conclusion: Electrocardiographic changes in athletes are frequently seen; however, a constant review of changes within abnormal or borderline parameters is recommended. It is suggested that further research studies should study the electrocardiographic changes in elite and sub-elite athletes and compare these changes considering the biological sex of the athletes to see if there are any differences.

The Design and Implementation of a Novel Mental Health Literacy Educational Intervention Program in Gaelic Footballers.

Lack of education, stigma, and negative self-attitudes are key barriers to help-seeking in Gaelic footballers. With the prevalence of mental health issues in Gaelic footballers and the increased risk of experiencing mental health challenges after injury, mental health literacy (MHL) interventions are necessary. To design and implement a novel MHL educational intervention program in Gaelic footballers. Controlled laboratory study. Online. Elite and subelite Gaelic footballers divided into intervention (n = 70; age = 25.1 ± 4.5 years) and control (n = 75; age = 24.4 ± 6.0 years) groups. In the intervention group, 85 participants were recruited, but 15 dropped out after completing baseline measures. A novel educational intervention program, "GAA [Gaelic Athletic Association] and Mental Health-Injury and a Healthy Mind," was designed to address the key components of MHL and was underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Help-Seeking Model. The intervention was implemented online via a brief 25-minute presentation. Measures of stigma, help-seeking attitudes, and MHL were completed by the intervention group at baseline, immediately after viewing the MHL program, and at 1 week and 1 month after the intervention. The control group completed the measures at similar time points. Stigma decreased, and attitudes toward help-seeking and MHL increased in the intervention group from baseline to after the intervention (P < .05), with significant differences sustained at 1-week and 1-month follow-ups. Our results showed differences in stigma, attitudes, and MHL between groups across time points. Intervention participants provided positive feedback, and the program was appraised as informative. Remote online delivery of a novel MHL educational program can effectively decrease mental health stigma, improve attitudes toward help-seeking, and increase the recognition and knowledge of mental health issues. Gaelic footballers with improved MHL may be better equipped to manage their mental health and cope with stressors, leading to improved mental health outcomes and overall mental well-being.

The association between hip/groin pain and hip strength in football players: An exploratory analysis of the FORCe cohort.

Explore associations between peak hip strength in football players with hip/groin pain and healthy controls. Cross-sectional study. Male and female sub-elite football players (soccer and Australian football) with hip/groin pain >6-month duration and players without hip/groin pain were recruited across Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia. Demographic information and two questionnaires; the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score and the International Hip Outcome Tool 33 were collected. Hand-held dynamometry was used to measure isometric hip strength for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Linear mixed effects models were used to compare strength measures between groups. 190 football players with hip/groin pain (mean ± standard deviation age, 27.8 ± 6.3 years) and 64 controls (age, 27.3 ± 5.6 years) were included in this study. Of these, 291 symptomatic limbs and 128 control limbs were used for analyses. Symptomatic players had lower peak hip adduction (adjusted mean difference = -0.18: 95 % confidence interval -0.27 to -0.08, P : 0.001), external rotation (-0.06: 95 % confidence interval -0.09 to -0.02, P : 0.003), and internal rotation strength (-0.06: 95 % confidence interval -0.10 to -0.03, P : 0.001) compared to controls. A sport-specific interaction was observed for hip abduction strength. When separated by football code, abduction strength was lower in symptomatic Australian football players compared to their same sport peers (-0.20: 95 % confidence interval -0.33 to -0.06, P : 0.004), but not in symptomatic soccer players (-0.05: 95 % confidence interval -0.15 to 0.06, P : 0.382). Hip adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation strength appears lower in football players with hip/groin pain independent of sex and football code. Hip abduction strength was lower in symptomatic Australian football players but not in soccer players.

Resultant equations for training load monitoring during a standard microcycle in sub-elite youth football: a principal components approach.

Applying data-reduction techniques to extract meaningful information from electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) has become a hot topic in football training load (TL) monitoring. The aim of this study was to reduce the dimensionality of the internal and external load measures, by a principal component approach, to describe and explain the resultant equations for TL monitoring during a standard in-season microcycle in sub-elite youth football. Additionally, it is intended to identify the most representative measure for each principal component. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted with a Monte Carlo parallel analysis and VariMax rotation to extract baseline characteristics, external TL, heart rate (HR)-based measures and perceived exertion. Training data were collected from sixty sub-elite young football players during a 6-week training period using 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS) with inertial sensors, 1 Hz short-range telemetry system, total quality recovery (TQR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Five principal components accounted for 68.7% of the total variance explained in the training data. Resultant equations from PCA was subdivided into: (1) explosiveness, accelerations and impacts (27.4%); (2) high-speed running (16.2%); (3) HR-based measures (10.0%); (4) baseline characteristics (8.3%); and (5) average running velocity (6.7%). Considering the highest factor in each principal component, decelerations (PCA 1), sprint distance (PCA 2), average HR (PCA 3), chronological age (PCA 4) and maximal speed (PCA 5) are the conditional dimension to be considered in TL monitoring during a standard microcycle in sub-elite youth football players. Current research provides the first composite equations to extract the most representative components during a standard in-season microcycle in sub-elite youth football players. Futures research should expand the resultant equations within training days, by considering other well-being measures, technical-tactical skills and match-related contextual factors.

Insurance cost and injury characteristics of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in sub-elite football: A population analysis involving 3 years of Australian insurance data.

To investigate the injury characteristics and insurance cost of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in sub-elite football players in New South Wales, Australia. Descriptive epidemiological study. Three years of insurance records (2018-2020) was used to describe anterior cruciate ligament injury costs and characteristics. Concomitant injuries and the mechanism of injury were determined by analysing the injury descriptions. Claim characteristics and costs are presented by age group (junior = 7-17 years, senior = 18-34 years, and veteran = 35 + years) and sex. Categorical data (including age-groups and sex) are presented as counts and percentages and analysed using a Chi squared or Fisher's exact test. Cost data are reported as means ± standard deviation with 95 % confidence intervals. Over the course of three football seasons (2018-2020), 786 anterior cruciate ligament injuries were reported to the injury insurance company. The total insurance cost was AU$3,614,742 with direct injury insurance costs accounting for 36.3 % of the total costs. The mean indirect insurance costs were six-fold higher than direct insurance costs (AU$11,458 vs AU$1914). Isolated injuries had an average cost of $4466 whilst concomitant injuries had an average cost of $4951. Surgical costs are excluded from direct cost calculations. The peak injury count occurred in the first month of all three football seasons, immediately after the pre-season. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries represent a substantial economic burden to the insurer and individual. The cost data provided can be used for future economic and modelling studies.

Are hip biomechanics during running associated with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome?

BackgroundFemoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is considered a motion-related condition. Little is known about the influence of symptom severity and cam morphology on hip biomechanics for individuals with FAI syndrome. Research questionAre hip biomechanics during running associated with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome? MethodsForty-nine male, sub-elite football (soccer or Australian football) players (mean age= 26 years) with FAI syndrome completed the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and underwent radiographic evaluation. Biomechanical data were collected during overground running (3–3.5 m∙s−1) using three-dimensional motion capture technology and an embedded force plate. Various discrete hip angles and impulses of joint moments were analysed during the stance phase. Linear regression models investigated associations between running biomechanics data (dependent variables) and iHOT-33 and HAGOS scores and cam morphology size (independent variables). ResultsHip joint angles during running were not associated with symptom severity in football players with FAI syndrome. A positive association was found between the impulse of the hip external rotation moment and HAGOS-Sport scores, such that a smaller impulse magnitude occurred with a lower HAGOS-Sport score (0.026 *10−2 [95%CI <0.001 *10−2 to 0.051 *10−2], P = 0.048). Larger cam morphology was associated with a greater peak hip adduction angle at midstance (0.073 [95%CI 0.002–0.145], P = 0.045). SignificanceHip biomechanics during running did not display strong associations with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome who were still participating in training and match play. Future studies might consider investigating associations during tasks that utilise end range hip joint motion or require greater muscle forces.