Dietary Intake of Soccer Players before, during and after an Official Game: Influence of Competition Level and Playing Position

Physical demands in soccer differ according to league level and playing position and may influence nutritional requirements. This study examined the effect of competition level and playing position on dietary intake in male soccer players (SP). Diet was weighed and recorded by 123 SP for 3 days; before, on the day, and the day after an official match. SP in the Super League (SL, n = 33) division reported higher (p < 0.05) average three-day energy (195 ± 36 kJ/kg), carbohydrate (6.0 ± 1.1 g/kg), and protein (2.2 ± 0.5 g/kg) intakes compared to the intakes reported by SP in the 2nd (n = 30) (energy: 159 ± 31 kJ/kg; carbohydrate: 4.6 ± 1.2 g/kg; protein: 1.9 ± 0.4 g/kg), 3rd (n = 30) (energy: 153 ± 34 kJ/kg; carbohydrate: 4.5 ± 1.2 g/kg; protein: 1.7 ± 0.4 g/kg), and 4th (n = 30) (energy: 152 ± 36 kJ/kg; carbohydrate: 4.2 ± 1.2 g/kg; protein: 1.7 ± 0.5 g/kg) national leagues (mean ± SD). Furthermore, when data were analyzed by playing position (pooled data), wide midfielders reported higher (p < 0.05) energy (183 ± 33 kJ/kg), carbohydrate (5.4 ± 1.2 g/kg), and fat (1.5 ± 0.4 g/kg) intakes compared to central defenders (energy: 147 ± 37 kJ/kg; carbohydrate: 4.1 ± 1.1 g/kg; fat: 1.2 ± 0.4 g/kg). The dietary intake of SP may differ according to the playing position and competition level, possibly due to different metabolic demands in training and competition.

Effects of a Singular Dose of Mangiferin-Quercetin Supplementation on Basketball Performance: A Double-Blind Crossover Study of High-Level Male Players

Pre-exercise mangiferin-quercetin may enhance athletic performance. This study investigated the effect of mangiferin-quercetin supplementation on high-level male basketball players during a basketball exercise simulation test (BEST) comprising 24 circuits of 30 s activities with various movement distances. The participants were divided into two groups (EXP = 19 and CON = 19) and given a placebo one hour before the BEST (PRE-condition). The following week, the EXP group received mangiferin-quercetin (84 mg/140 mg), while the CON group received a placebo (POST-condition) before the BEST in a double-blind, cross-over design. The mean heart rate (HR) and circuit and sprint times (CT and ST) during the BEST were measured, along with the capillary blood lactate levels (La-), the subjective rating of muscle soreness (RPMS), and the perceived exertion (RPE) during a resting state prior to and following the BEST. The results showed significant interactions for the mean CT (p = 0.013) and RPE (p = 0.004); a marginal interaction for La- (p = 0.054); and non-significant interactions for the mean HR, mean ST, and RPMS. Moreover, the EXP group had significantly lower values in the POST condition for the mean CT (18.17 ± 2.08 s) and RPE (12.42 ± 1.02) compared to the PRE condition (20.33 ± 1.96 s and 13.47 ± 1.22, respectively) and the POST condition of the CON group (20.31 ± 2.10 s and 13.32 ± 1.16, respectively) (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of pre-game mangiferin-quercetin supplementation to enhance intermittent high-intensity efforts in sports such as basketball.

Time Course of Performance Indexes, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Muscle Damage Markers after a Female Futsal Match

BACKGROUND

Our aims were to investigate the time-course effects of a futsal match on performance, oxidative stress, and muscle damage markers, as well as inflammatory and antioxidant responses during a 6-day post-match period.

METHODS

Thirty-four female high-level futsal players were assessed on several oxidative stress, inflammation, subjective muscle soreness, subjective rate perceived exertion, and performance tests before a futsal match, immediately after, and 24 h to 144 h after.

RESULTS

Counter movement jump, 20 m, and 10 m sprints performance significantly decreased immediately after the match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 72 h post-match (p > 0.05). Delayed onset muscle soreness peaked 24 h post-match and rate perceived exertion peaked post-match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 96 h post-match (p > 0.05). Inflammatory biomarkers peaked at 24 h (p < 0.05) and remained significantly elevated for 72 h after the match (p < 0.05). Muscle damage biomarkers peaked at 24 h (p < 0.05) and remained significantly (p < 0.05) elevated for at least 72 h after the match. Oxidative stress markers peaked at 24 h-48 h (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 120 h post-match (p > 0.05). In respect to antioxidant responses, these peaked at 24 h-48 h post-match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 120 h after the match (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A single futsal match induces short/mid-term changes in performance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage markers for about 72 h-96 h post-match.

Meta-Analysis of Carbohydrate Solution Intake during Prolonged Exercise in Adults: From the Last 45+ Years' Perspective

Carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation during prolonged exercise postpones fatigue. However, the optimum administration timing, dosage, type of CHO intake, and possible interaction of the ergogenic effect with athletes' cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are not clear. Ninety-six studies (from relevant databases based on predefined eligibility criteria) were selected for meta-analysis to investigate the acute effect of ≤20% CHO solutions on prolonged exercise performance. The between-subject standardized mean difference [SMD = ([mean post-value treatment group-mean post-value control group]/pooled variance)] was assessed. Overall, SMD [95% CI] of 0.43 [0.35, 0.51] was significant (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that SMD was reduced as the subjects' CRF level increased, with a 6-8% CHO solution composed of GL:FRU improving performance (exercise: 1-4 h); administration during the event led to a superior performance compared to administration before the exercise, with a 6-8% single-source CHO solution increasing performance in intermittent and 'stop and start' sports and an ~6% CHO solution appearing beneficial for 45-60 min exercises, but there were no significant differences between subjects' gender and age groups, varied CHO concentrations, doses, or types in the effect measurement. The evidence found was sound enough to support the hypothesis that CHO solutions, when ingested during endurance exercise, have ergogenic action and a possible crossover interaction with the subject's CRF.

Impact of lockdown on smoking and sleeping in the early COVID-19 presence: Datasets of Greek Adults sample

The impact of lockdown on life style and behaviour have piqued the interest of people and scientific community, all over the world. It has been demonstrated that in some countries, mandatory stay-at-home limitations and self-isolation measures are linked to an increase in sleeping hours and smoking cigarettes per day. However, these results derive from countries that lockdown had different features and length, and it is possible that society, culture, customs, ecological or other factors may independently or in combination affect life style habits (such sleeping and smoking) in different populations. So, we focus on sleeping and smoking changes in Greek adults during the lockdown of early COVID-19 presence in Greece. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether lockdown alters smoking and sleeping habits and whether physical activity (PA), gender, age or body mass index (BMI) play a role. The modified online-based Active-Q (Greek version) questionnaire (see Supplementary file 1_Active-Q_modyfied) was used to collect data prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (PRE condition) and during physical distancing and lockdown measures (POST condition). The data period collection was from April 4 to April 19, 2020 (15 days in total) and respondents classified into four PA categories based on their sporting activities (PRE condition), five age categories and four BMI categories, which corresponding to different subgroup. Overall, sleeping hours change (from PRE to POST condition) was 11.80% and smoking cigarettes per day change was 9.35%. However, it appears that between the different subgroups significant differences were also identified.

Return to Basketball Play Following COVID-19 Lockdown

Due to concerns regarding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), major sporting events and activities have been temporarily suspended or postponed, and a new radical sports protocol has emerged. For most sports there are few recommendations based on scientific evidence for returning to team-game activities following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the extended duration of lockdown, and self-training or detraining in the COVID-19 environment, and this is especially true for basketball. A post-lockdown return to the basketball court ultimately depends on the teams-coaches, trainers, players, and medical staff. Nevertheless, our current scientific knowledge is evidently insufficient as far as safety and return-to-play timing are concerned. This situation presents a major challenge to basketball competition in terms of organization, prioritization, maintaining physical fitness, and decision-making. While preparing an adequate basketball return program, the players' health is the major priority. In this article we briefly discuss the topic and propose multiple strategies.

Time Course of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Muscle Damage Markers for 5 Days After a Soccer Match: Effects of Sex and Playing Position

Souglis, A, Bogdanis, GC, Chryssanthopoulos, C, Apostolidis, N, and Geladas, ND. Time course of oxidative stress, inflammation and muscle damage markers for 5 days after a soccer match: Effects of sex and playing position. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2045-2054, 2018-This study examined the influence of sex and playing position on the time course of selected oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage markers after an official soccer match. Sixty professional soccer players (30 men and 30 women) were divided into 3 groups, according to their playing position: defenders, midfielders, and attackers. Each group consisted of 10 male and 10 female players. Sixty healthy volunteers (30 men and 30 women) served as control. Blood samples were taken before and after the match and daily for 5 days after the match. Analysis of variance revealed different responses over time between sex and playing positions, as shown by the 3-way interaction, for creatine kinase (CK), protein carbonyls (PCs), catalase, fibrinogen, uric acid (UA), lactate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 (p < 0.01). Male players had higher values compared with women of the same playing position, for all oxidative, inflammatory, and muscle damage indices (p < 0.01). Also, in both sexes, midfielders had higher peaks in all indices compared with defenders (p < 0.05). Five days after the game CK and UA concentrations had not returned to pregame levels in any exercise group, whereas PCs were still elevated in male midfielders and attackers (p < 0.05). These results show that sex and playing position influence the time course of selected oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage markers after an official soccer game. This information should be taken into account by practitioners for the design of training programs after match play.

Multiarticular isokinetic high-load eccentric training induces large increases in eccentric and concentric strength and jumping performance

This study investigated the effects of short-term eccentric exercise training using a custom-made isokinetic leg press device, on concentric and eccentric strength and explosiveness as well as jumping performance. Nineteen healthy males were divided into an eccentric (ECC, n = 10) and a control group (CG, n = 9). The ECC group trained twice per week for 8 weeks using an isokinetic hydraulic leg press machine against progressively increasing resistance ranging from 70 to 90% of maximal eccentric force. Jumping performance and maximal force generating capacity were measured before and after eccentric training. In the ECC group, drop jump (DJ) height and maximal power were increased by 13.6 ± 3.2% (p < 0.01) and 25.8 ± 1.2% (p < 0.01), whereas ground contact time was decreased by 17.6 ± 2.6% (p < 0.01). Changes in ankle, knee, and hip joint angles were also reduced by 33.9 ± 1.1%, 31.1 ± 1.0%, and 32.4 ± 1.6% (all p < 0.01), respectively, indicating an increase in muscle stiffness during the DJ. Maximal eccentric and concentric leg press force was increased by 64.9 ± 5.5% (p < 0.01) and 32.2 ± 8.8% (p < 0.01), respectively, and explosiveness, measured as force attained in the first 300 milliseconds, was increased by 49.1 ± 4.8% (p < 0.01) and 77.1 ± 7.7% (p < 0.01), respectively. The CG did not show any statistically significant changes in all parameters measured. The main findings of this study were that maximal concentric and eccentric force, explosiveness, and DJ performance were markedly increased after only 16 training sessions, possibly because of the high eccentric load attained during the bilateral eccentric leg press exercise performed on this custom-made device.

Changes in the lipid profile of elite basketball and soccer players after a match

The lipid profile of elite basketball and soccer athletes was evaluated and compared with that of inactive individuals. Total cholesterol (T-C), low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) concentration were measured in the morning and after a soccer or a basketball match. All parameters of lipid profile measured at a fasted and resting state, except HDL-C, were lower in the athletes compared with the controls (p < 0.01). The soccer match resulted in a greater decrease in TG (78.3 ± 6.7 to 70.7 ± 6.3, p < 0.01), T-C (179.3 ± 10.7 to 171.6 ± 9.6, p < 0.01), LDL-C (110.9 ± 8.9 to 103.5 ± 7.5, p < 0.01) compared with the basketball match that resulted only in a decrease in LDL-C (126.8 ± 9.5 to 117.3 ± 9.1, p < 0.01) and an increase in HDL-C that was similar to that observed after the soccer match (9-12%). These findings support the beneficial effects of basketball and soccer on cardiovascular health.

Relationship between the 20-m multistage shuttle run test and 2 soccer-specific field tests for the assessment of aerobic fitness in adult semi-professional soccer players

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of 2 different field tests for the assessment of aerobic fitness in soccer players with the multistage 20-m test used for the evaluation of maximum oxygen uptake. Nineteen semi-professional male soccer players (age: 22.8 ± 2.5 mean ± SD) performed, under similar conditions, 3 field tests in a counterbalanced order 7 days apart. These tests were the multistage 20-m shuttle run test (MSRT), the Bangsbo test, and the Hoff test. Heart rate was recorded in all tests with telemetry, and the Borg scale was introduced at the end of exercise. Finally, 3-minute post-test lactate concentration was determined. Performance was 11.2 ± 0.9 levels in the MSRT, 1,658.9 ± 119.9 m in the Bangsbo test, and 1,798.2 ± 125.9 m in the Hoff test. There was a significant correlation between the Hoff test and performance in the MSRT (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). The Bangsbo test was not associated with the MSRT score (r = 0.26, p > 0.05). The maximum heart rate achieved in the Bangsbo test was significantly lower compared with that in the MSRT and Hoff test (Bangsbo: 186.6 ± 9.6, Hoff: 192 ± 7.6, MSRT: 190.4 ± 9.3 beats/min, p < 0.05). No difference was found in post-test lactate concentration among the 3 tests. In conclusion, the Hoff test can be used for the assessment of endurance in adult semi-professional soccer players. Coaches and teams could benefit from using the Hoff test that resembles soccer actions for the assessment of players' aerobic fitness.