Total Running Distance Research Articles

Individual Responses to Repeated Dosing with Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract During High-Intensity Intermittent Treadmill Running in Active Males.

We examined the repeat response of NZBC extract on HIIR performance. Sixteen active males (age: 23 ± 3 yrs, height: 179 ± 5 cm, mass: 79 ± 11 kg, V˙O2max: 55.3 ± 5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1, velocity at V˙O2max: 17.2 ± 0.8 km∙h-1, mean ± SD) participated. Familiarized subjects completed the HIIR test at individualized exercise intensities with stages consisting of six 19 s high-intensity running bouts interspersed by 15 s of low-intensity running and 1 min of inter-stage rest. The test was repeated at increasing speeds until exhaustion, under four conditions; two with a daily dose of 600 mg of NZBC extract (CurraNZ™, providing 210 mg anthocyanins) and two with a placebo, each over 7 days. The study used a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design with a wash-out period of at least 14 days. For the cohort, there were no differences between the placebo and NZBC conditions for mean heart rate (p = 0.071), mean oxygen uptake (p = 0.713), and mean lactate (p = 0.121) at exhaustion for the HIIR. The NZBC extract increased the mean total running distance and mean high-intensity running distance by 7.9% and 8.0% compared to the placebo. With NZBC extract, 8 of the 16 participants (50%) enhanced in both trials beyond the smallest worthwhile change for total running distance (≥173 m) and high-intensity running distance (≥111 m). For repeated responders, total running distance and high-intensity running distance was increased by 16.7% (95% CI [11.0, 22.4%] and 16.6% (95% CI [11.0, 22.2%]. Three participants had enhanced running performance in one trial beyond the SWC, and five participants were considered non-responders. This is the first study on the repeated response by an anthocyanin-rich supplement on high-intensity running performance. New Zealand blackcurrant extract can substantially enhance intermittent high-intensity running performance in consistent responders. Future work should examine dosing strategies of New Zealand blackcurrant, and whether a repeated response rate exceeding 50% can be attained. These findings suggest that NZBC extract could be beneficial for athletes participating in high-intensity team sports.

A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY ON STANDARDIZED FENUGREEK SEED EXTRACT COMPOSITION FOR ENDURANCE ENHANCEMENT IN RECREATIONALLY ACTIVE YOUNG SUBJECTS

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 8-week supplementation with FEΔE (fenugreek seed extracts composition, standardized to 4-hydroxyisolecuine, trigonelline, and select glycosides) on endurance capacity in recreationally active young male subjects, in a randomized, double-blind, Placebo-controlled manner. Methods: The 153 male participants were randomized equally into three groups and received either 300 mg or 600 mg of FeΔE capsules or a matching Placebo. Each participant performed endurance exercise training four times per week and visited the study center on the day of recruitment (baseline) and end of week-4, and week-8. The efficacy outcome measures were endurance (overall, cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic), power, work, physical and central fatigue, and stress, whereas safety outcomes were adverse events monitoring, compliance, and biochemical laboratory measurements. Results: FEΔE supplementation (but not Placebo) showed statistically significant beneficial changes in overall (increased time to exhaustion and total distance run), respiratory (increased oxygen consumption), metabolic (increased metabolic equivalent and decreased non-esterified fatty acids levels), physical fatigue (decreased Wingate fatigue index), central fatigue (reduced visual analog score), and mental endurance (decreased mental domain score in the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form) during within the group (vs. baseline) comparisons. The safety outcome measures did not differ between the groups (FEΔE vs. Placebo). Conclusion: Eight weeks of FEΔE supplementation in recreationally active participants resulted in comprehensive endurance enhancement, including respiratory, metabolic, and mental endurance. FEΔE supplementation was found to be safe without serious adverse events.

Does the External Load Have an Impact on Winning Matches in Football?

The present study was conducted to examine the impact of external load on winning matches in football. The study group comprised players of the football team in the Spor Toto 1 st League. A total of 13 matches, including 6 won matches and 7 lost matches, were used in the analysis. The data on matches were taken from the 2022-2023 season of the Spor Toto 1st League. The following external load parameters were used in the analysis: total running distance (m), total high-speed running (HSR) distance, total sprint distance (m), acceleration distance (m), deceleration distance (m), ACD load, and maximum sprint reached (km/h). Data were collected with the wearable technology tracking system on football players during matches via GPS. The independent t-test was used in the program (SPSS 26.0) when analyzing normally distributed research data. The analysis of research data found a statistically significant difference in the total distance covered, total HSR distance, total sprint distance, and acceleration values among the external load results for the won and lost matches (p 0.05) but did not find a statistically significant difference in the deceleration, ACD load, and sprint speed values (p>0.05). Consequently, it can be concluded that differences in many values that are considered necessary for success in the football field have an effect on winning matches in football. For values with no statistical difference, it may be recommended to conduct studies in a higher league, with more matches and more players. Keywords: football, external load, gps

Influence of Training Load on Muscle Contractile Properties in Semi-Professional Female Soccer Players Across a Competitive Microcycle: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to evaluate changes in muscle contractile properties during a training microcycle in semi-professional female football players and explore their relationship with training load variables. Nineteen players (age: 23.9 ± 3.9 years; body mass: 60.6 ± 6.9 kg; height: 164.5 ± 6.7 cm) underwent myotonometric assessments of the biceps femoris (BF) and rectus femoris (RF) before and after the following training sessions: MD1 (i.e., 1 day after the match), MD3, MD4, and MD5. Training loads were quantified for each session, revealing significant variations, with MD4 exhibiting the highest values for high-speed running distance, number of sprints, and accelerations. Notably, MD3 showed the highest perceived exertion (RPE), while MD5 recorded the lowest total distance run. Myotonometric assessments indicated significant differences in stiffness of the RF in MD3 and BF in MD5, as well as RF tone in MD5. The findings underscore a notable relationship between training load and myotometric variables, particularly in muscle stiffness and tone. These results emphasize the need for further research to clarify how training loads affect muscle properties in female athletes.

Environmental Heat Stress Detrimentally Affects Match Running Performance of Elite Soccer Teams Competing in the UEFA Champions League.

Modric, T, Clemente, FM, Versic, S, Chmura, P, Andrzejewski, M, Kryściak, J, and Sekulic, D. Environmental heat stress detrimentally affects match running performance of elite soccer teams competing in the UEFA Champions League. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to examine the effect of environmental heat stress (EHS), defined by wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), on match running performance (MRP) while controlling for match-related contextual factors. For this purpose, 2 approaches were implemented: (a) the MRP in heat stress nonrisking environment (NoEHS) (WBGT <22° C) and heat stress risking environment (EHSrisk) (WBGT ≥22° C) were compared and (b) changes in MRP according to the 1° C increase in WBGT were evaluated. Data on MRP were collected using an optical tracking system from all teams ( n = 32) in all UEFA Champions League matches ( n = 125) during the 2022-23 season. Metrics included total distance (TD), low-intensity (LIR), moderate-intensity (MIR), and high-intensity running (HIR) distances. Results indicated that less TD (108.84 vs. 110.71 km; Cohen's d [ d ] = 0.53), MIR (15.91 vs. 17.09 km; d = 0.85), and HIR (8.75 vs. 9.23 km; d = 0.46) were covered in matches played in EHSrisk compared with the NoEHS. Further investigation indicated that for every 1° C increase in WBGT, TD averagely decreased by 0.16 km ( d = -0.48), MIR by 0.13 km ( d = -1.09), and HIR by 0.06 km ( d = -0.69). These findings demonstrated decreased overall and intensive workload during the matches in EHSrisk, suggesting the detrimental effect of EHS on match volume and intensity in elite soccer. When EHS risk is anticipated, consideration of playing and recovery strategies should be implemented by coaches to achieve tactical goals while minimizing physical strain during a match.

Influence of Menstrual Phase and Symptoms on Match Running in Professional Footballers.

This study examined the effects of menstrual cycle phases and symptoms on match running performance in football (soccer) players. Twenty-one nonhormonal contraceptive using football players from four professional teams were monitored for up to four menstrual cycles during a domestic league season. Menstrual phases, classified as early-follicular phase (EFP), mid-late follicular phase (MFP), and luteal phase (LP), were determined by self-reporting of menstruation and urinary hormone tests (luteinizing hormone and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide). On match day, players completed a menstrual symptom severity questionnaire. In repeated matches, players wore 10 Hz Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) devices to measure relative (/min) total distance, high-speed running distance, very high-speed distance, peak speed, acceleration count, and deceleration count. Linear mixed models were performed for each GPS measure to determine the relationship with phase or symptoms. Data for 7 and 10 players were included for menstrual phase and menstrual symptoms analyses, respectively. A significantly higher total distance was reported during MFP compared to EFP (Δ 5.1 m min-1; p = 0.04) and LP (Δ 5.8 m min-1; p = 0.007). Significantly greater high-speed running was reported during MFP compared to EFP (Δ 1.2 m min-1; p = 0.012) and LP (Δ 1.1 m min-1; p = 0.007). No significant effect of menstrual phase was found for any other GPS measures (p > 0.05). Accelerations declined with increasing symptom severity (p = 0.021, estimate = -0.01count.min-1). Menstrual symptom severity did not affect any other GPS measures (p > 0.05). In conclusion, greater total distance and high-speed running occurred during the MFP. Additionally, accelerations minimally decreased with increasing menstrual symptom severity. Large intra- and inter-variability existed, suggesting individualized monitoring and management of menstrual effects on performance would be beneficial.

Enhancing Sports Injury Risk Assessment in Soccer Through Machine Learning and Training Load Analysis.

Sports injuries pose significant challenges in athlete welfare and team dynamics, particularly in high-intensity sports like soccer. This study used machine learning algorithms to assess non-contact injury risk in professional male soccer players from physiological and mechanical load variables. Twenty-five professional male soccer players with a first-time, non-contact muscle injury were included in this study. Recordings of external load (speed, distance, and acceleration/deceleration data) and internal load (heart rate) were obtained during all training sessions and official matches over a 4-year period. Machine learning model training and evaluation features were calculated for each of nine different metrics for a 28-day period prior to the injury and an equal-length baseline epoch. The acute surge in the values of each workload metric was quantified by the deviation of maximum values from the average, while the variations of cumulative workload over the last four weeks preceding injury were also calculated. Seven features were selected by the model as prominent estimators of injury incidence. Three of the features concerned acute load deviations (number of sprints, training load score-incorporating heart rate and muscle load- and time of heart rate at the 90-100% of maximum). The four cumulative load features were (total distance, high speed and sprint running distance and training load score). The accuracy of the muscle injury risk assessment model was 0.78, with a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.85. Our model achieved high performance in injury risk detection using a limited number of training load variables. The inclusion, for the first time, of heart rate related variables in an injury risk assessment model highlights the importance of physiological overload as a contributor to muscle injuries in soccer. By identifying the important parameters, coaches may prevent muscle injuries by controlling surges of training load during training and competition.

Training with reduced carbohydrate availability affects markers of bone resorption and formation in male academy soccer players from the English Premier League

PurposeTo test the hypothesis that training with reduced carbohydrate (CHO) availability increases bone resorption in adolescent soccer players.MethodsIn a randomised crossover design, ten male players (age: 17.4 ± 0.8 years) from an English Premier League academy completed an acute 90-min field-based training session (occurring between 10:30–12:00) in conditions of high (TRAIN HIGH; 1.5 g.kg−1, 60 g, 1.5 g.kg−1 and 1.5 g.kg−1 consumed at 08:00, during training, 12:30 and 13:30, respectively) or low CHO availability (TRAIN LOW; 0 g.kg−1). Participants also completed a non-exercise trial (REST) under identical dietary conditions to TRAIN LOW. Venous blood samples were obtained at 08:30, 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30 for assessment of bone resorption (βCTX), bone formation (PINP) and calcium metabolism (PTH and ACa).ResultsExternal training load did not differ (all P > 0.05) between TRAIN HIGH and TRAIN LOW, as evident for total distance (5.6 ± 0.8; 5.5 ± 0.1 km), average speed (81 ± 9; 85 ± 12 m.min−1) and high-speed running (350 ± 239; 270 ± 89 m). Area under the curve for both βCTX and PINP was significantly greater (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03) in TRAIN LOW versus TRAIN HIGH, whilst no differences in PTH or ACa (P = 0.11 and P = 0.89) were observed between all three trials.ConclusionCHO restriction before, during and after an acute soccer training session increased bone (re)modelling markers in academy players. Despite acute anabolic effects of bone formation, the long-term consequence of bone resorption may impair skeletal development and increase injury risk during growth and maturation.

Comparative Analysis of Activity Profiles in Division I Female Field Hockey Athletes: Before and after Game Time Modifications

Collegiate field hockey in the United States underwent a game format change in 2019, moving from two halves to four quarters to align with international play. The purpose of this study is to report physical activity profiles for US Collegiate Division I female field hockey athletes in the game format of four quarters and compare activity pre- and post-rule change. Activity profiles of a US Collegiate Division I female field hockey team were recorded using a Polar Pro Sensor. Fifteen regular season games from 2018 were analyzed from 21 players, and fifteen regular season games from 2019 were analyzed from 20 players. Absolute and relative activity profile data, including total distance, maximum velocity, low-speed and high-speed running, and number of surges for the team and positional difference, were compared across the two seasons. While an increase in the number of substitutions as well as a decrease in match time was noted, overall, the change in format had minimal impact on player performance profiles, including total time played, distance traveled, and maximum velocity. The results suggest the change in format did not alter the physical activity profiles for midfielders or forwards but did change for defenders. Implications for performance that existed before the rule change can be seen as consistent going forward.

Warm-up plus verbal communications administered as placebo procedure during the training session improves running performance

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on running performance of a within-session placebo procedure consisting of a conditioning treatment plus verbal communications. Twenty-six subjects were assigned to PLACEBO and CONTROL groups. Participants performed three sessions: Session 1-Cooper Test, Session 2-Baseline session and Session 3-Experimental session. During Session 2, participants performed a sprint-interval-training (SIT)-until-exhaustion preceded by a general warm-up, while in Session3 the SIT was preceded by a conditioning treatment (FIFA11+ warm-up), known to be effective in preventing injuries but not improving performance. Moreover, in Session3, only the PLACEBO group received verbal suggestions (before the warm-up) to influence participants' expectations about FIFA11+ effectiveness in improving performance, and deceptive feedback (during each SIT recovery bout) to increase the conditioning effect. To evaluate performance improvements, Running Time was chosen as a main outcome while to ensure participants reached exhaustion, physiological and metabolic responses were monitored. Total running distance (TRD) was also measured. Results showed that, Running Time and TRD significantly increased in the PLACEBO group whilst no differences in the CONTROL group were observed thus, suggesting the effectiveness of the within-session-placebo procedure in improving running performance. These findings shed a new light on the interaction between cognitive domain and performance, thus encouraging coaches to adopt this innovative method during the training protocol to enhance athletes’ performance. Moreover, this placebo procedure, not requiring additional time, tools or resources, could represent a more ecological approach that can be easily adopted in the field.

ACTN3 XX Genotype Negatively Affects Running Performance and Increases Muscle Injury Incidence in LaLiga Football Players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism with match running performance and injury incidence in top-level professional football players. A total of 315 top-level professional football players from the first division of Spanish football (i.e., LaLiga) participated in this prospective and descriptive study. The ACTN3 rs1815739 genotype was identified for each player using genomic DNA samples. During LaLiga 2021-2022, players' performance was obtained through a validated camera system in all official matches. Additionally, the incidence of non-contact injuries was obtained by each team's medical staff according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) statement. From the study sample, 116 (36.8%) players had the RR genotype, 156 (49.5%) had the RX genotype, and 43 (13.7%) had the XX genotype. The anthropometric characteristics of the players were similar across genotypes. However, the total running distance (p = 0.046), the distance at 21.0-23.9 km/h (p = 0.042), and the number of sprints (p = 0.042) were associated with the ACTN3 genotype. In all these variables, XX players had lower match performance values than RR players. Additionally, total and match injury incidences were higher in XX players than in RR players (p = 0.026 and 0.009, respectively). The rate of muscle injuries was also higher in XX players (p = 0.016). LaLiga football players with the ACTN3 XX genotype had lower match running performance and a higher incidence of non-contact injuries over the season.

Estrogen-mediated individual differences in female rat voluntary running behavior.

Regular exercise has numerous health benefits, but the human population displays significant variability in exercise participation. Rodent models, such as voluntary wheel running (VWR) in rats, can provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of exercise behavior and its regulation. In this study, we focused on the role of estrogen on VWR in female rats. Female rats run more than males, and we aimed to determine to what extent running levels in females were regulated by estrogen signaling. The running behavior of rats (duration, speed, and total distance run) was measured under normal physiological conditions, ovariectomy (OVX), and estrogen replacement in an OVX background. Results show cyclic variations in running linked to the estrous cycle. Ovariectomy markedly reduced running and eliminated the cyclic pattern. Estrogen replacement through estradiol benzoate (EB) injections and osmotic minipumps reinstated running activity to pre-OVX levels and restored the cyclic pattern. Importantly, individual differences and ranking are preserved such that high versus low runners before OVX remain high and low runners after treatment. Further analysis revealed that individual variation in running distance was primarily caused by rats running different speeds, but rats also varied in running duration. However, it is noteworthy that this model also displays features distinct from estrogen-driven running behavior under physiological conditions, notably a delayed onset and a broader duration of running activity. Collectively, this estrogen causality VWR model presents a unique opportunity to investigate sex-specific mechanisms that control voluntary physical activity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigates estrogen's role in voluntary wheel running (VWR) behavior in female rats. Female rats exhibit greater running than males, with estrogen signaling regulating this activity. The estrous cycle influences running, whereas ovariectomy reduces it, and estrogen replacement restores it, maintaining individual differences under all conditions. Both running speed and duration contribute to VWR variations. These findings emphasize individual estrogen regulation in female exercise and provide an estrogen replacement animal model for investigating neurobiological underpinnings that drive voluntary exercise behavior.

The influence of tactical formation on physical and technical performance across playing positions in the Chinese super league

This study aimed to investigate the impact of tactical formations on the physical and technical performance of professional football players in the Chinese Super League (CSL). A sample of 800 games from the 2015–2021 CSL was analyzed, and players' physical (total distance covered, distance covered while ball in play, number of sprints, sprint distance, and high/middle/low-speed running) and technical (gain/loss of possession, ball retention percentage, challenges, challenge success percentage, passes, and pass success percentage) performance was assessed across six team formations: 3-5-2 (n = 137), 4-3-3 (n = 77), 4-2-3-1 (n = 391), 4-4-2 (n = 257), 3-4-3 (n = 41), and 4-1-4-1 (n = 107). Linear mixed models were used to assess variations in performance indicators across positions and formations. The results demonstrated that central defenders traveled significantly more total and low-speed running distances in the 3-5-2 formation than in the 4-2-3-1 formation (ES range: 0.33–0.34, p < 0.01). Fullbacks in the 3-5-2 formation demonstrated more high-speed running than did those in the 4-4-2 formation (ES = 0.27, p = 0.04). The central midfielders exhibited significantly more sprints and longer sprint distances in the 4-2-3-1 formation than in the 4-4-2 formation (ES range: 0.2–0.24, p < 0.01). Regarding technical performance, central defenders displayed significantly greater ball retention percentages, passes, and pass success rates in the 3-4-3 than in the 3-5-2 formations (ES range: 0.58–0.65, p < 0.01). Moreover, fullbacks and central midfielders executed markedly more passes with superior pass success rates in 4-back formations than in 3-5-2 formations (ES range: 0.2–0.53, p < 0.01). These findings can help coaches and academic staff understand the physical and technical requirements of various positions in various tactical formations, thus optimizing the training process.

Effects of a 10-week athletic performance program on match performance variables in male professional football players.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an Athletic Performance Program (APP), implemented as a complement to the usual training routines of a professional football team, on match performance variables in professional football players. The APP was designed to target mobility, stability, strength, multidirectional and sprint skills, which are critical for performance during competitive matches. A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted over three consecutive seasons. Fifty-four professional football players were randomly allocated into a control group (CG, n = 25) and an experimental group (EG, n = 29). During the in-season period, both groups followed the standard training routines prescribed by the coaching staff. Additionally, the CG performed a general supplementary physical fitness program five times per week, while the EG undertook the APP with the same frequency. The APP included indoor track sessions and micro-doses of on-field stimuli, focusing on specific performance attributes. The interventions lasted 10 weeks. Performance metrics were assessed pre- and post-intervention using GPS to measure match-related variables (total running distance, sprint distance, number of sprints, and peak running speed) and countermovement jump tests to evaluate vertical jumping ability. A two-way ANOVA (2 × 2; group and time) was employed to analyze the effects of the interventions and their interaction. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for total running distance (F = 51.853, P < 0.001), sprint distance (F = 197.610, P < 0.001), number of sprints (F = 86.923, P < 0.001), and peak running speed (F = 81.351, P < 0.001) during matches. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that only the EG showed improvements across all performance variables: total running distance (117.5 ± 5.20 to 123.1 ± 3.5 m/min, P < 0.001), sprint distance (6.45 ± 1.43 to 8.35 ± 1.22 m/min, P < 0.001), number of sprints (0.14 ± 0.03 to 0.16 ± 0.03 sprint/min, P < 0.001), and peak running speed (31.1 ± 1.3 to 32.1 ± 1.0 km/h, P < 0.001). Conversely, the CG exhibited significant declines in these metrics post-intervention (P < 0.001). The findings demonstrate that integrating a 10-week multicomponent Athletic Performance Program into traditional training routines is effective in enhancing match performance variables, particularly in high-intensity actions such as sprints and running speed. The APP's focus on mobility, stability, strength, and sprint-specific skills likely contributed to these improvements, highlighting the importance of targeted supplementary training for optimizing athletic performance in professional football players. The observed decline in the CG emphasizes the need for specialized interventions to maintain and improve performance during the season.

Moderate-Duration Dynamic Stretching During Warm-up Improves Running Economy and Running Performance in Recreational Distance Runners.

The purpose of this study was to investigate, in distance runners, the acute effects of moderate durations (60s per leg) of static (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS) on running economy (RE) and performance. Twelve recreational runners completed a randomized crossover design. Initially, the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) and the speed associated with the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (vVO2max) were determined through an incremental test. Then, participants completed submaximal continuous-running (75%VT2 and 85%VT2) and running-until-exhaustion (vVO2max) tests preceded by 3 warm-ups: running plus SS or DS (SS or DS conditions) and running without stretching (NS condition). TheSS and DS conditions consisted of 5minutes of running plus 10minutes of SS or DS, respectively, and theNS condition consisted of 15minutes of running without stretching. RE at 75%VT2 and 85%VT2, time to exhaustion, and total running distance were evaluated. Rating of perceived exertion was also assessed. Running economy at75%VT2 resulted significantly better in the DS than in theNS (P < .001) and in the SS (P < .05). Time to exhaustion and total running distance were significantly improved in DS compared with NS (P < .001) and SS (P < .01). No differences in rating of perceived exertion among conditions were found. Our results showed that, in recreational distance runners, a preexercise moderate-duration bout of DS improved RE and enhanced total running distance and time to exhaustion, whereas 60seconds of SS did not induce significant improvements. Overall, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of moderate DS durations in optimizing RE and performance parameters, showing that such effects depend on the stretching modality used.

Changes in physical and technical match performance variables in football players promoted from the Spanish Second Division to the First Division.

The aim of this study was to compare physical and technical match performance variables in football players who competed in the Spanish second division for one season and were promoted to the top (first) division in the following season. A total of 97 male outfield football players who were promoted from the second to the first division of the Spanish professional football league within the same team were analysed. Data were recorded using the TRACAB (ChyronHego, New York, USA) multicamera computerised optical tracking system during five seasons (2015-2016 to 2019-2020). A one-way ANOVA repeated measures analysis showed that players executed a greater number of high-intensity running (HIR) efforts (P < 0.001; ES: 0.258), as well as covering greater HIR distance (P < 0.010; ES: 0.106) and total running distance (TD) (P < 0.010; ES: 0.080), when they played in the first division compared with the second division. Moreover, players performed a lower number of passes (P < 0.01; ES = 0.116), short passes (P < 0.01; ES = 0.106), long passes (P < 0.05; ES = 0.067), dribbles (P < 0.001; ES = 0.146) and shots (P < 0.01; ES = 0.074) in the first division compared to the second division. No significant differences were found for any of the defensive variables evaluated. In conclusion, being promoted from the second to the first division of professional football requires players to adapt to greater physical demands and a reduced number of technical actions.

Weekly external load distribution in football teams of different competitive levels.

This study aimed to compare the microcycle load distribution between teams from different competitive levels. A total of 22 microcycles from one team of each competitive level (first division, 1st DIV, n = 32 players; second division, 2nd DIV, n = 23 players; third division, 3rd DIV, n = 23 players) were monitored using GPS (10 Hz, Catapult). During the match, a higher number of high accelerations (i.e., > 3 m/s, per min) were found in the 3rd DIV team compared to the 1st and 2nd DIV teams. On match day (MD) +1&+2, the 1st DIV team covered more total (per min, p < 0.001) and high-speed running distance (HSR per min, p < 0.001 and p = 0.042, respectively) than both the 2nd and 3rd DIV teams. The 2nd DIV team showed lower values in most distance-related variables (total distance covered per min, p < 0.001; running distance per min, p < 0.001; HSR per min, p < 0.001; and sprinting distance per min, p < 0.001) for both MD-4 and MD-3 compared to the 1st and 3rd DIV teams. In contrast, it showed higher sprinting distance per min (p < 0.001) on MD-2. In general, the 3rd DIV team showed higher values in the number of high accelerations (per min, p < 0.001) across all sessions. These results suggest that distance-related variables may be a priority when planning microcycles for the 1st DIV team, while accelerations are relevant for the 3rd DIV team. A higher emphasis on external load during MD-2 by the 2nd DIV team may explain the lower external loads across the microcycle.

A Change-Point Method to Detect Meaningful Change in Return-to-Sport Progression in Athletes.

To explore how the change-point method can be used to analyze complex longitudinal data and detect when meaningful changes (change points) have occurred during rehabilitation. This design is a prospective single-case observational study of a football player in a professional club who sustained an acute lower-limb muscle injury during high-speed running in training. The rehabilitation program was entirely completed in the football club under the supervision of the club's medical team. Four wellness metrics and 5 running-performance metrics were collected before the injury and until the player returned to play. Data were collected over 130days. In the univariate analysis, the change points for stress, sleep, mood, and soreness were located on days 30, 47, 50, and 50, respectively. The change points for total distance, acceleration, maximum speed, deceleration, and high-speed running were located on days 32, 34, 37, 41, and 41, respectively. The multivariate analysis resulted in a single change point for the wellness metrics and running-performance metrics, on days 50 and 67, respectively. The univariate approach provided information regarding the sequence and time point of the change points. The multivariate approach provided a common change point for multiple metrics, information that would benefit clinicians to have a broad overview of the changes in the rehabilitation process. Clinicians may consider the change-point method to integrate and visualize data from multiple sources to evaluate athletes' progression along the return-to-sport continuum.

Defining Worst-Case-Scenario Thresholds in Soccer: Intensity Versus Volume.

This study aimed to enhance the understanding of soccer match peak demands by describing worst-case scenario (WCS) and time spent above 80% and 90% of the WCS for total distance (TD) and high-speed running (HSR). The investigation considered playing level (first team vs under-19 [U19] team) and playing position (center backs, fullbacks, midfielders, and forwards) to assess how WCS and the time spent above specific thresholds vary across different populations. Data from 31 players in a professional Italian soccer club were collected during the 2022-23 season. Microtechnology devices tracked physical activity during matches. Players were categorized by position, and WCS was determined using rolling averages over a 1-minute period. Time spent above 80% and 90% of WCS for TD and HSR was calculated. The U19 team exhibited higher HSR WCS compared with the first team (∼63m·min-1 vs ∼56m·min-1). Midfielders recorded the highest TD WCS (∼208m·min-1), and forwards exhibited the highest HSR WCS (∼70m·min-1). The first team spent significantly more time above 80% (∼6min) and 90% (∼1min) of TD WCS. Midfielders spent significantly more time above the 80% (∼7min) of TD WCS, while forwards above the 80% (∼2min) of HSR WCS. The study emphasizes that WCS used alone may not sufficiently capture real match intensity. Considering the time spent above specific thresholds provides additional insights (ie,between-levels differences and position). Practitioners should consider both WCS and time spent above thresholds for individualized training prescriptions, reflecting differences in playing roles.

Changes in female football players' in-season training load, intensity and physical performance: training progression matters more than accumulated load.

This observational study investigated: (1) potential changes in female football players' in-season training load, intensity and physical performance, and (2) if in-season accumulated training load, intensity, or their progression are associated to changes in physical performance. Thirty-five national level female players (∼21 years, n = 35) from three top-teams of the Finnish national league participated. Players performed tests at the beginning and at the end of the 27-week in-season. Tests were: 30-m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ) and 1,200-m shuttle run, used to calculate maximal aerobic speed (MAS). Players' external and internal training load and intensity were monitored in all on-field training sessions and official matches (3,941 data samples) using Polar Team Pro system. Training load decreased towards the end of the in-season (p < 0.05), but intensity remained stable. No changes in physical performance test results occurred from before to after in-season tests at a group level. Change of CMJ correlated negatively with accumulated training load, intensity and progression of total distance (TD) and low-intensity running distance (LIRD) (r = -0.398 to -0.599, p < 0.05). Instead, development of MAS correlated positively with progression of TD and LIRD intensities (r = 0.594 and 0.503, p < 0.05). Development of both CMJ and MAS correlated positively with intensity progression of very-high-intensity running distance (VHIRD) and number of accelerations and decelerations (r = 0.454-0.588, p < 0.05). Reduced training load over the in-season is not detrimental for players' physical performance when training intensity progressively increases. Intensity progression of VHIRD, moderate- and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations are indicators of both MAS and CMJ development, respectively.