Browsing by Author "Ryan, Ben"
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- Can different scores in first and second halves influence running and explosive-based measures?Publication . Morgans, Ryland; Radnor, John; Oliver, Jon; Scholten, Jule; Zmijewski, Piotr; Kavanagh, Ronan; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to examine the influence of different scores in the first and second half on running and explosive-based performance of elite male soccer players. Thirty-three professional players from one English Premier League team participated in the study across two consecutive seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23. Matches were divided into half (first versus second) and nine phases; WIN-WIN; WIN-DRAW; WIN-LOSS; DRAW-WIN; DRAW-DRAW; DRAW-LOSS; LOSS-WIN; LOSS-DRAW; and LOSS-LOSS. Match physical data were monitored using an 18 Hz Global Positioning System. There was a main effect for half for all variables (p < 0.001–0.008; η2 = 0.004–0.028), with distances covered per minute and number of explosive actions per minute greater in the first-half than second-half (d = 0.144–0.374). There was an interaction effect between half and phase for m/min, high-speed running per min, high metabolic load distance (HMLD) per min, HML efforts/min, and accelerations/min (p < 0.001–0.012; η2 = 0.010–0.015). There was a reduction between first-half and second-half performance during WIN-WIN, WIN-DRAW, DRAW-WIN, DRAW-DRAW, LOSE-WIN, and LOSE-LOSE for m/min (p < 0.001; d = 0.435–0.714), HMLD/min (p < 0.001–0.004; d = 0.334–0.605), and HML efforts/min (p < 0.001; d = 0.408–0.611). In conclusion, our findings emphasise the importance of considering both match half and phase when analysing players’ physical performance to support the prescription of tailored training programs and tactical strategies to optimise performance across different match situations.
- Comparison of running and accelerometry variables based onmatch outcome, match location and quality of opponent in eliteprofessional soccer players. A five-season studyPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Radnor, John; Fonseca, Jose; Rhodes, Dave; Ryan, Ben; King, Matthew; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, RafaelThe aim of this study was to compare external match load, according to match outcome, match location, and opponent quality across five competitive seasons. Forty-six professional outfield soccer players from the same English Premier League club across the complete 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons were involved in the study. For each match, the outcome (win, draw, loss), match location (home, away) and quality of opponent (top or bottom six teams, remaining mid-table teams) were recorded. Players covered significantly more m/min and performed more decelerations when playing against the top six compared to mid-table or bottom six teams (p < 0.001; d = 0.213–0.322). There were no differences in external match load depending on match outcome. There were significant opponent×outcome×match location interactions for each position across most of the external match load measures, but these differed in magnitude forspecific metrics and positions(p = 0.001–0.048; d = 0.300–1.741). The present study provided novel information on external match load and the influence of match outcome, match location and opponent quality. This may support and contribute to understanding how to improve training methods to physically prepare players to cope with varying contexts.
- A comprehensive review of the effects of cherry juice and chocolate milk supplementation on football performance and recoveryPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Lee, DONGYOON; DI VIRGILIO, Thomas; Ryan, Ben; Oliveira, RafaelBackground: Football matches and training sessions can induce metabolic and mechanical stress, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage, all of which may negatively impact subsequent performance. Montmorency tart cherry, rich in phytochemicals and anthocyanins, is believed to aid in recovery and alleviate muscle soreness. Similarly, chocolate milk may promote glycogen synthesis, protein synthesis, and rehydration. The aim of this study is to review the effects of cherry juice and chocolate milk on athletes and summarize results to inform future research on football recovery. Methods: This comprehensive review identified relevant literature through an extensive search of the PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscus databases, using combinations of keywords related to cherry juice, chocolate milk, and exercise. Studies were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A total of 372 studies were identified through the search [Cherry juice: n = 137; Chocolate milk: n = 235]. After assessing eligibility, 27 studies were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria [Cherry juice: n = 14; Chocolate milk: n = 13]. These studies investigated the effects of cherry juice and chocolate milk on various aspects of post-training or post-competition recovery, including muscle damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and physical performance in athletes from different sports. Conclusion: Based on the reviewed literature, the ingestion of cherry juice and chocolate milk has the potential to reduce muscle damage and soreness and enhance recovery after exercise and physical activities in athletes from various sports. These positive results suggest that cherry juice and chocolate milk may also benefit football players as recovery strategies. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage, timing, and duration of supplementation, as well as the long-term effects on recovery and performance in football-specific contexts.
- Contextualized acceleration and deceleration profiles of elite soccer players during English Premier League match-play. The effect of possession, positional demands and opponent rankingPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Mandorino, Mauro; Ryan, Ben; Zmijewski, Piotr; Moreira, Alexandre; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to compare accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC) when in- (IP) and out of-possession (OP) during official English Premier League (EPL) match-play over three consecutive seasons considering playing position, match location and opponent ranking. Match data from 31 male professional soccer players was obtained via an optical tracking system. Playing position significantly influenced ACCIP, DECIP, and DECOP. Ranking difference and match location were significant predictors for DECIP, ACCOP, and DECOP. An increase in ranking difference was associated with higher DECIP. Conversely, in the out-of-possession phase (ACCOP and DECOP), a decrease in these parameters with increasing ranking difference was observed. Regarding match location, positive β coefficients suggested that DECIP, ACCOP, and DECOP values were significantly higher during away matches compared to home matches. A significant interaction (playing position × ranking difference) was reported for DECOP (𝛽 = 0.035, p = 0.013). Interestingly, DECOP actions decreased with increasing ranking difference across all playing positions except for wingers. In conclusion, these findings highlight that distinct contextual factors influence ACC and DEC performance during in- and out-of-possession phases of EPL match-play.
- Contextualized high-speed running and sprinting during English Premier League match-play with reference to possession, positional demands and opponent rankingPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Mandurino, Mauro; Beato, Marco; Ryan, Ben; Zmijewski, Piotr; Moreira, Alexandre; Ibrahim Ceylan, Halil; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to compare high-speed running (HSR) and sprint distances (SD) when in- (IP) and out-of-possession (OP) during official English Premier League (EPL) match-play over three consecutive seasons considering playing position, match location and opponent ranking. Match data from 31 male professional soccer players was obtained via an optical tracking system. Results showed that during the IP phase, playing position emerged as the only significant predictor for both HSRIP and SDIP. Wingers showed the highest HSRIP compared to centre-backs who exhibited the lowest values (p < 0.001, ES = 4.19). Similar data were found for SDIP (p < 0.001, ES = 3.30). HSROP was significantly affected by both ranking difference (β = -0.039, p = 0.001) and match location (β = 0.369, p = 0.001). HSROP decreases as the ranking difference increases and tends to be higher during away matches (p = 0.001, ES = 0.24). SDOP was affected by both ranking difference (β = -0.023, p = 0.001) and match location (β = 0.166, p = 0.001) and decreased as the ranking difference increased. SDOP was also higher during away matches (p = 0.001, ES = 0.23). Additionally, a significant interaction was found between playing position and ranking difference (β = 0.005, p = 0.010). Lower ranking differences correspond to higher SDOP values. In conclusion, these findings highlight that by applying these IP and OP insights into practical coaching strategies, teams can potentially enhance individual physical performance and adaptability across different match situations and seasons.
- High-intensity running and sprint distance prior to hamstring injury in elite male soccer players. Is there a common theme in over- or under- loading in the weeks preceding hamstring injury?Publication . Morgans, Ryland; Oliveira, Rafael; Ceylan, Halil I.; Teixeira, José; Ryan, Ben; Modric, Toni; Moreira, AlexandreThe analysis of the period prior to injury is still scarce in soccer. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the loading patterns of high-intensity running and sprint distances during the weekly cycle durations across a five year period in an elite soccer club. Specifically, to investigate any over- or under-loading in the weeks preceding hamstring injury. Thirty professional outfield soccer players from an English Premier League club were involved (age 24.2 ± 6.1 years, weight 74.7 ± 7.8 kg, height 1.81 ± 0.09 m). Injury surveillance, training and match data from the complete 2020/21 season was considered for analysis. Physical data were consistently monitored across the study seasons during all training sessions and matches using an 18Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) technology tracking system. The relative and absolute measures of total distance, high-intensity distance (m; total distance covered 5.5 - 7m/s) and sprint distance (m; total distance covered > 7m/s) were collected. These measures were analyzed considering the four weeks preceding injury (-4, -3, -2, -1) between injured and uninjured players. The main findings revealed that sprint distance per minute was higher in injured than uninjured players in the week preceding the injury (week -1, p = 0.038; ES = -0.89). No other meaningful differences were found. This study highlighted the influence of sprint distance per minute performed in the week preceding injury in elite English Premier League soccer players. Such findings highlight the importance of longitudinal measurements specifically related to sprint distance, while the analysis of two-, three- and four weeks prior to injury does not seem to add any significant value. Finally, the data from the present study highlights the importance of analyzing relativized data (per minute) compared to absolute data.
- Physical match performance of elite soccer players from the English Championship League and the English Premier League:The effects of opponent ranking and positional differencesPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Michele, Rocco Di; Ceylan, Ibrahim H.; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to examine physical match performance and the effects of opponent ranking and positional differences in both the English Championship League (ECL) and the English Premier League (EPL) over five consecutive seasons. Fifty-four professional outfield soccer players (average age 24.6±5.4 years, weight 76.6±6.9 kg, height 1.79±0.09 m) from an English club were involved. Physical data obtained with the 18 Hz GPS technology tracking system from 213 regular-season matchesspanning the complete 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons were examined. The results showed that, considering the level of the opponent, total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HSR), and the number of decelerations (DEC) significantly varied in both EPL and ECL(p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 respectively). Additionally, opponent level influenced sprint distances (Spr) and accelerations (ACC) in the EPL (p < 0.05, p < 0.05) but not in the ECL. The highest running metrics were noted when the team played against a high-ranked opponent. Concerning positional roles, more physical metrics were influenced by opponent level in the ECL (centre-backs (TD, ACC), full-backs (TD, DEC), centre midfielders (TD, HSR, Spr, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, Spr, DEC), centre forwards (TD)) than in the EPL (centre midfielders (TD, HSR, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, DEC), centre forwards (TD)). These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how players from different positions perform in elite soccer match-play against varying opposition rankings. Coaches may then tailor tactical approaches, positional, and individualized training regimens to address the specific physical demands associated with matches against different-ranked opponents.
- Playing position and match location affect the number of highintensity efforts more than the quality of the opposition in elitefootball playersPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Kweon, Daeeun; Ryan, Ben; Ju, Wonwoo; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, Rafael; Olthof, SigridThis study aimed to examine the impact of playing position (PP), match location (ML), and opposition standard (OS) on team and individual acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) efforts. Fifty professional football players were monitored across 24 English Premier DevelopmentLeague matches during the 2020/21 season. High-intensity ACC and DEC thresholds were set at > +3 m·s −2 and < -3 m·s −2, respectively. Players were divided into five PPs: centre backs (CB; n = 68), full-backs (FB; n = 24), centre midfielders (CM; n = 54), wide midfielders (WM; n = 15), centre forwards (CF; n = 27). Opposition standard was categorised as Top (1st–4th), Middle (5th–9th), and Bottom (9th–13th) based on final league ranking of the study season. Each match location was classified as Home or Away. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multivariate ANOVA analysed the independent effect of PP, ML and OS on ACC and DEC efforts, and the interaction of all contextual factors, respectively. Acceleration efforts were affected by PP and ML. FB performed 22% more ACC than WM. All players performed 6% more ACC actions during home matches compared to away fixtures. DEC efforts were only affected by PP, with FB and CM executing 26% and 32% greater DEC efforts than CB, respectively. When playing against top or middle teams at home, CB, CM, and CF tended to perform more high-intensity actions than when playing away. In contrast, when playing against top teams at home, FB and WM performed fewer high-intensity actions than when playing away. Playing position and ML affected ACC and DEC actions but not OS.
- Positional training demands in the English Premier League and EnglishChampionship. A longitudinal study across consecutive seasonsPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Ceylan, Ibrahim H.; Radnor, John; Ryan, Ben; King, Matthew; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, RafaelThe aims of this study were to: compare training loads between the English Premier League (EPL) and English Championship League (ECL) and examine differences between playing positions. Forty-six 1st team players from the same club participated in the study. GPS metrics were obtained during all EPL and ECL training sessions across four consecutive seasons, 2019–20 to 2022–23. The study team was promoted from the ECL at the end of season 2020–21. There was a significant interaction effect between position and league for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.003), except for relative high-speed running (HSR) distance, sprint distance, and sprint efforts (p > 0.05). A significant main effect for league for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.009) was found, with EPL training sessions resulting in greater total distance per minute, HSR distance per minute, high metabolic load distance (HMLD) per minute, number of HML efforts, accelerations, and decelerations per minute compared to training in the ECL (p < 0.001; d = 0.061–0.224). For position, a significant main effect for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.005) was observed. Centre midfielders covered more distance per minute than all other positions (p < 0.001, d = 0.040–0.167). In conclusion, higher training values in the EPL were evident, except for centre forwards, providing some guidance on the differing positional physical demands that may support coaches and practitioners to design position-specific drills incorporating physical and technical/tactical strategies
- The effect of Panax ginseng supplementation on markers of resistance exercise-induced muscle damage: a systematic reviewPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Scholten, Jule S.; Rhodes, Dave; Ceylan, Halil İ.; Ryan, Ben; Oliveira, Rafael; Clifford, TomINTRODUCTION: According to the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review of randomized controlled trials examined whether Panax gin seng supplementation reduces resistance to exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and Medline databases were searched from the 16th of December 2021 to the 18th of February 2022. Inclusion criteria were studies in humans consuming Panax ginseng that employed resistance training as the damaging muscle protocol and measured markers implicated in the etiology of EIMD (muscle damage, muscle function and muscle soreness). The PEDro risk of bias assessment tool was used to appraise the studies critically. RESULTS: Conflicting evidence was evident in markers of muscle damage, muscle function and muscle soreness. The quality assessment sug gested that all studies had some level of bias. CONCLUSIONS: From 180, six studies were included in the systematic review. The main findings suggest that Panax ginseng does not attenu ate markers of EIMD following resistance training. However, research is still preliminary. Adequately powered sample sizes and well-controlled studies are warranted to clarify Panax ginseng’s efficacy.