Position specific physical demands in different phases of competitive matches in national level women's football

Young male players exhibit higher eccentric hamstring muscle fatigue than females and older males after a basketball match participation

OBJECTIVES

Investigating hamstring eccentric strength before and after a basketball match.

DESIGN

Cohort observational study.

SETTING

Playing facilities of local basketball teams on official championship matches.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-four healthy male and female 14-25-year-old basketball athletes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hamstring mean, absolute peak torque, and total work were measured during the execution of the Nordic hamstring exercise before and after a match. Anterior knee laxity was also measured.

RESULTS

The results showed non-significant intersex pre- vs. post-match changes for all measured parameters. The 14-19-year-old male players showed a significantly lower post-match mean hamstring peak torque than their 20-25-year-old peers (p = 0.013). Hamstring strength correlated with age in males with the younger players significantly weaker post-match than the older athletes. Younger vs. older males experienced a mean eccentric hamstring peak torque decrease of 16.4 ± 38.18 Nm (-5.6 %) vs. an increase of 27.55 ± 41.87 Nm (11.8 % - Spearman R = 0.408), an absolute eccentric hamstring peak torque reduction of 13.32 ± 35.45 Nm (-4 %) vs. an improvement of 31.5 ± 43.83 Nm (11.6 % - R = 0.434), and a hamstring work decline of 1474.5 ± 1370.83 J (-19.2 %) vs. an increment of 560.32 ± 1584.28 J (13.2 % - R = 0.627) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger male basketball players were more fatigued post-match compared to their older same-sex peers.

Perceptions and experiences of the menstrual cycle amongst elite adult and adolescent football players

The purpose of this study was to investigate players' experiences and perceptions of the menstrual cycle (MC) and the perceived impact on performance. Female elite adult (n = 31, age 24.6 ± 5.1 years) and adolescent (n = 65, age 15.0 ± 1.1 years) players completed an online questionnaire consisting of quantitative and qualitative questions. MC symptoms were experienced by 90.1% naturally menstruating participants (86.9% adolescents and 93.6% adults (x2 = 1.53, df = 2, p = 0.47, n = 92)), and 78.3% adolescents perceived their MC impacts performance, compared to 96.4% adults (x2 = 4.54, df = 1, p = 0.033, n = 74). Physical symptoms, psychological symptoms and energy levels were cited as key reasons for the MC negatively impacting performance. Challenges in communicating MC experiences were reported by 44.92% (n = 23) adolescents compared to 20.0% (n = 6) adults (x2 = 7.29, df = 2, p = 0.026, n = 82), with a perceived lack of knowledge, ability to relate and awkwardness cited as key reasons. Football players report wellbeing and performance impacts due to their MC, highlighting the need for individual understanding and support. Furthermore, understanding the experiences of adolescents enables the development of targeted support structures that equip them with tools to manage and communicate about their MC, and hopefully preventing issues as they become senior players.

Physical Responses During Matches of International Female Football Players with Cerebral Palsy According to Their Sport Classes

Background/Objectives: International-level competition opportunities have recently been introduced for female footballers with cerebral palsy (CP), highlighting a gap in the research on their physical performance during matches. The objectives of this study were (I) to describe the physical responses during the 2022 Women's World Cup of football players with cerebral palsy (CP) and (II) to analyze the differences in physical responses based on the players' sport class (i.e., FT1, FT2, and FT3). Methods: Physical responses were recorded using global positioning devices (GPS) during four official international matches. Results: The results showed that FT2 players covered more explosive distances than FT1 players (p < 0.05; ES = -0.82), and FT2 and FT3 players achieved higher maximum velocities than FT1 players (p < 0.01; ES = -1.16 and p < 0.05; ES = -1.41, respectively). Furthermore, FT2 players performed more accelerations (p < 0.05; ES = -0.82 to -1.01) and decelerations (p < 0.01; ES = -1.00) in the mid-high intensity zones than FT1 players. Conclusions: While the greater impairment of FT1 players may have influenced their lower physical responses in competition compared to FT2 and FT3 players, the absence of differences between FT2 and FT3 classes is a novel aspect that requires further scientific investigation.

Variability of whole and peak match physical performance in highly trained female academy soccer players: A multi-club analysis

OBJECTIVE

Quantify between-match, -player and -team variability and compare whole- and peak-match locomotor characteristics between positions in elite female academy soccer.

METHOD

Foot-mounted inertial measurement unit data were collected from 11 Women's Super League Academy teams (n = 257 players; 171 matches). Differences between positions and variability were analysed using partial least squares correlation analysis (PLSCA) and linear mixed effects. Two latent variables were computed as composite scores of either whole match or peak intensity variables from the PLSCA.

RESULTS

Between-match variability of whole- and peak-match locomotor characteristics were similar (2 to 24% vs 0.2 to 22%). Between-team and -player variability was higher for whole- than peak-match locomotor characteristics (1 to 20% vs 0.1 to 3%, 8 to 112% vs 0.3 to 77%). From 30 pairwise comparisons, there were two large effect size (ES) differences (p < 0.001), WM had greater whole and peak match composite intensity than CDM. There were 10 moderate ES differences (p < 0.05), with WM greater than CD and CAM, F greater than CD and CDM and WD greater than CDM. All other comparisons were non-significant, trivial or small.

CONCLUSION

Whole- and peak- match locomotor characteristics are similar across all outfield positions in elite female academy soccer. Between-match variability was greater for sprint distance than all other locomotor characteristics. Low variability between teams for peak locomotor characteristics means practitioners can be confident using peak reference values from this study and use them to evaluate training drill intensities of tactical-technical drills.

High-Intensity Accelerations and Decelerations During Intercounty Camogie Match Play

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare acceleration and deceleration demands of intercounty Camogie players, and differences across playing positions and halves of play.

HYPOTHESIS

The middle 3 positions will have greatest accelerations and decelerations variables across match play and halves of play.

STUDY DESIGN

Nonrandomized, repeated measures design.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

Global positioning systems (GPS) (10 Hz) collected data from 28 participants during 18 competitive matches across 2 seasons; 206 individual player datasets were analyzed.

RESULTS

Half-backs (P < 0.05; effect size [ES], -1.75) and midfielders (P < 0.05; ES, -1.68) covered significantly greater total number of accelerations than full-forwards. In acceleration zone 4, midfielders (P < 0.05; ES, = -1.67) and half forwards covered a significantly greater number than full-forwards (P < 0.01; ES, = -1.41). Midfielders accumulated a significantly greater distance in acceleration zone 4 than full-backs (P < 0.05; ES, = -0.57). Significant decrements were observed between halves in total number of accelerations (P < 0.01; ES, = 0.49), accelerations in zones 1 to 4 (P < 0.01; ES, 0.16-0.43), total distance of accelerations, and acceleration distance in zones 2 to 4 (P < 0.05; ES, 0.25; P < 0.01; ES, 0.45; P < 0.01; ES, 0.38). There were significant decrements in the total number of decelerations (P < 0.01; ES, 0.43), number of decelerations in zones 2 (P < 0.05; ES, 0.25), 3 (P < 0.01; ES, 0.45), and 4 (P < 0.01; ES, 0.38), and total deceleration distance (P < 0.01; ES, 0.16).

CONCLUSION

Half-backs and midfielders covered significantly greater total number of accelerations than full-forwards. Significant decrements in several acceleration and deceleration variables were observed between halves.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Players competing in intercounty Camogie should receive progressive exposure to acceleration and deceleration-based movement demands to prepare players for intercounty Camogie match play.

Effects of linear and change of direction high-intensity interval training on physical performance of elite female soccer players

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of linear and change of direction high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance in elite female soccer players. Thirty elite female soccer players (age: 19.6 ± 4.6 years; height: 166.5 ± 4.8 cm; body weight: 60.5 ± 8.3 kg; BMI: 21.9 ± 2.9 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to HIIT linear (HIITLIN) and HIIT change of direction (HIITCOD) training groups. The HIITLIN group performed linear running for 15, 20 or 25 s by keeping constant pace during the entire distance. In contrast, the HIITCOD group performed three changes of direction (COD) with a 180° turn during each interval run at 15, 20 or 25 s. Physical performance was assessed using sprinting, agility, vertical jumps, repeated sprint ability (RSA) and 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT). In both groups, all physical performance measurements improved (p ≤ 0.05), except RSAbest in HIITLIN (p = 0.45). Both interventions significantly improved speed over 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, Pro-agility, Zig-zag, RSAavg, fatigue index, maximal oxygen uptake, and velocity at 30-15 IFT, while moderate improvements were observed in countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with arm swing and squat jump. However, HIITCOD did not achieve superior improvements in any of the aforementioned measurements compared to HIITLIN. Based on the obtained results, we concluded that different types of HIIT training have a positive effect on physical performance in elite female soccer players.

The Physical and Physiological Demands of Intercounty Camogie During Competitive Match-Play

ABSTRACT

Duggan, JD, Byrne, P, Malone, S, Cooper, S-M, and Moody, J. The physical and physiological demands of intercounty camogie during competitive match-play. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e510-e520, 2024-The aim of this study was to determine the physical and physiological demands of intercounty camogie match-play between positions and halves of play. Data were collected from 28 players during 18 competitive games using global positioning systems (10-Hz) and heart rate monitors (2.4-GHz). The study demonstrated that intercounty camogie players covered a total distance (TD) (m ± SD) of 6,040 ± 628 m, relative distance (RD) of 83 ± 13 m·min-1, and maximum speed of 25 ± 1 km·h-1. Furthermore, the players covered a mean sprint distance of 214 ± 112 m and 14 ± 6 sprints. Players' mean heart rate (HRmean) and HRmax was 138 ± 23 b·min-1 and 164 ± 20 b·min-1, respectively. There were decrements between halves in TD (p < 0.01, ES = -0.45), RD (p < 0.01, ES = -0.45), maximum speed (p < 0.05, ES = -0.18), HRmax (p < 0.05, ES = -0.23), running (p < 0.01, ES = -0.34), high-speed running (p < 0.01, ES = 0.34), sprinting (p < 0.01, ES = -0.10), HRmax (p < 0.05, ES = -0.23), and HRmax % (p < 0.05, ES = -0.24). Midfielders covered a greater TD compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = -0.38) and half-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = -0.38). Full-backs covered a significantly lower RD than midfielders (p < 0.05, ES = -1.2), half-backs compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = 1.14), and half-forwards compared with full-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = 1.15). Full-forwards covered significantly less RD when compared with half-backs (p < 0.05, ES = -1.14), midfielders (p < 0.05, ES = -1.47), and half-forwards (p < 0.05, ES = -1.15). The findings provide physical and physiological values on the match demands of intercounty camogie match-play.

Impaired pre-competition wellbeing measures can negatively impact running performance in developmental youth female soccer players

This study aimed to determine the association between pre-competition perceived player wellbeing measures and subsequent relative and peak running performance of developmental youth female soccer players (n = 15, age: 16 ± 1 years). Total distance (TD), high-speed (> 3.5 m/s) (HSRD) and very high-speed (> 5.3 m/s) running (VHSRD) were expressed using 1-, 2- and 5-minute epochs and relative (per minute) calculations. Fatigue, sleep quality, upper and lower-body muscle soreness, stress, and mood wellbeing measures were collected via a self-reported questionnaire (1-5 Likert scale). Menstrual cycle phase was collected via a calendar-based countback method. Results demonstrated that reductions in stress was associated with decreased relative and peak TD in all epochs (p = 0.008-0.040), relative and peak HSRD (p = 0.006-0.039) in 2- and 5-minute epochs as well as VHSRD in 2-minute epochs (p = 0.026). For example, a one-point reduction of 'normal' to 'relaxed' is associated with a decrease of 7 m/min in peak TD for 1-minute epochs. One-point increase in fatigue (e.g., 'normal' to 'more tired than normal') displayed a decrease of 7 m/min peak TD for 2-minute (p = 0.048) and 9 m/min for 5-minute (p = 0.007) rolling epochs. Likewise, one-point increase in lower-body muscle-soreness (e.g., 'normal' to 'increase in soreness/tightness') was associated with a reduction of 6 m/min peak VHSRD for 1-minute epochs (p = 0.034). Results suggest that perceived player wellbeing can influence running performance. However, the magnitude of the change in player wellbeing should be considered in a practical sense.

Average demands and most demanding passages of national-level female soccer matches: do small- and large-sided games replicate match demands?

Introduction

This study aims to (1) determine the average and most demanding passage (MDP) load of national-level female soccer matches and (2) evaluate the relationship between average and MDP load during small-sided games (SSGs), large-sided games (LSGs), and matches.

Methods

A total of 37 national-level female soccer players from a single club senior team and the U18 team participated. The average and 1-, 3-, and 5-min MDP external (total, high-speed, and very-high-speed running distances, acceleration and deceleration distances, average metabolic power, and high-metabolic load distance) and internal loads (average heart rate, rate of perceived exertion) of the 29 league matches, ten 4 vs. 4 + goalkeepers SSGs, and six 8 vs. 8 + goalkeepers LSGs were analyzed by the Polar Team Pro player tracking system.

Results

In matches, the external load variables during 1-, 3-, and 5-min MDPs were 167%-1,165%, 135%-504%, and 126%-359%, of match average values, respectively. In LSGs, all external load variables reached higher average values compared with those during matches, except for the very-high-speed running distance; however, no variable reached higher values of 1-min MDP compared with those during the matches. In SSGs, the average acceleration and deceleration distances were higher compared with those during the matches.

Discussion

The findings from the present study suggest that LSGs and SSGs can be used to overload the average values of the selected external load variables compared with those during the matches; however, other training options must be explored to overload 1-min match MDPs.