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- Does the distribution of the weekly training load account for the match results of elite professional soccer players?Publication . Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João; Loureiro, Nuno; Padinha, Vítor; Ferreira, Bruno; Mendes, BrunoThe aim of the study was to compare training load (TL) of the days preceding a win, draw or defeat in asample of elite professional soccer players across the in-season 2015/16.Methods.:Twenty elite soccer players participated in this study. Total distance covered, high-speed running distance(HSRD), average speed, session rate of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and Hooper index scores (HI) were collected. Datafrom 24 weeks with one match were analysed through the match-day (MD-5, 4, 3, 2, 1) and MD+1.Results.:The main finding emerges in MD-1, where a longer training duration preceding draws(95.1 ± 1.5 min) > defeats (91.5 ± 1.6 min) > wins (84.7 ± 0.5 min) was found, while total distance andaverage speed were higher in wins (3628.6 ± 57.2 m) > draws (3391.3 ± 153.3 m) > defeats(3236.1 ± 113.7 m) and draws (130.7 ± 17.6 m/min) > wins (86.0 ± 6.9 m/min) > defeats(54.8 ± 7.1 m/min), respectively. HSRD was higher in draws (42.8 ± 0.6 m) > wins (36.1 ± 1.7 m) >defeats (35.8 ± 1.7 m). In MD+1, there were differences in HI between wins vs draws (p<0.01).Conclusions.:The results are drawn from one team that participated in UEFA Champions League. It was observedthat different TL applied in training sessions can influence match result. Our findings can be considered in futuresoccer planning and periodization to win matches. This study emphasizes the use of HI especially in the dayfollowing the match
- Are physiological, physical, wellness and load decisive markers of starting players? A case study from a professional male soccer teamPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Canário-Lemos, Rui; Morgans, Ryland; Rafael-Moreira, Tiago; Vilaça-Alves, José; Brito, JoãoThe study aim was to compare physiological, physical, accumulated wellness and load markers within a European professional soccer team between starters and non-starters. Ten starters (age: 25.1 ± 2.2 years; experience: 7.3 ± 2.3 years) and eight non starters (age: 26.1 ± 4.6; years’ experience: 8.3 ± 4.1 years) participated in the study. The study was conducted across 20 weeks where 75 training sessions and 15 matches occurred. Wellness (fatigue, quality of sleep, muscle soreness, stress and mood) and load (rating of perceived exertion (RPE), accelerations, decelerations, high-speed running and sprinting) measures were observed. Physiological evaluation consisted of a 1200 m maximum effort shuttle test while physical capacity assessment included isokinetic strength, jump ability and balance tests. Isokinetic tests were used to assess peak torque of both legs (extension and flexion at 60◦ /s and 180◦ /s), single squat jump and single hop jump were utilized to assess jump ability and Y-balance tests were employed to examine balance. Starters presented significantly higher values for peak torque extension of the non-dominant leg compared to non-starters (p = 0.038, effect size (ES) = 0.996), while non-starters showed higher values for both Y-balance postero-medial and postero lateral (p = 0.009, ES = −1.309 and p = 0.021, ES = −1.133, respectively). Accumulated duration and RPE were lower for non-starters than starters (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 1.268, and p = 0.022, ES = 1.123, respectively). The physiological and physical tests conducted in this study do not seem to determine the starting status of players, considering that only one test revealed significantly higher values for starters. Despite the lower training and match duration for non-starters, this showed that it is possible to accumulate identical load while managing wellness regardless of starting status.
- External match load in amateur soccer: the influence of match location and championship phasePublication . Miguel, Mauro; Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João; Loureiro, Nuno; García-Rubio, Javier; Ibáñez, Sergio JoseAssessment of the physical dimension implicit in the soccer match is crucial for the improvement and individualization of training load management. This study aims to: (a) describe the external match load at the amateur level, (b) analyze the differences between playing positions, (c) verify whether the home/away matches and if (d) the phase (first or second) of the championship influence the external load. Twenty amateur soccer players (21.5 ± 1.9 years) were monitored using the global positioning system. The external load was assessed in 23 matches, where 13 were part of the first phase of the competition (seven home and six away matches) and the other 10 matches belonged to the second (and final) phase of the championship (five home and five away matches). A total of 173 individual match observations were analyzed. The results showed significant differences between playing positions for all the external load measures (p < 0.001). There were higher values observed in the total distance covered for central defenders (p = 0.037; ES = 0.70) and in high-intensity decelerations for forwards (p = 0.022; ES = 1.77) in home matches than in away matches. There were higher values observed in the total distance (p = 0.026; ES = 0.76), relative distance (p = 0.016; ES = 0.85), and moderate-intensity accelerations (p = 0.008; ES = 0.93) for central defenders, in very high-speed running distance for forwards (p = 0.011; ES = 1.97), and in high-intensity accelerations (p = 0.036; ES = 0.89) and moderate-intensity decelerations (p = 0.006; ES = 1.11) for wide midfielders in the first phase than in the second phase of the championship. Match location and championship phase do not appear to be major contributing factors to influence the external load while the playing position should be used as the major reference for planning the external training load.
- Are non-starters accumulating enough load compared with starters? Examining load, wellness, and training/match ratios of a European professional soccer teamPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Canário-Lemos, Rui; Morgans, Ryland; Rafael-Moreira, Tiago; Vilaça-Alves, José; Brito, JoãoBackground The aims of the study were to: (i) compare accumulated load and wellness between starters and non starters of a European professional soccer team; (ii) analyze the relationships between wellness and load measures and; (iii) compare training/match ratio (TMr) of external and internal load between starters and non-starters. Methods Ten players were considered starters while seven were classifed as non-starters over a 16-week period in which six training sessions and match day (MD) were considered in each weekly micro-cycle. The following meas‑ ures were used: wellness (fatigue, quality of sleep, muscle soreness, stress, and mood); load (rated of perceived exertion (RPE), session-RPE (s-RPE), high-speed running (HSR), sprinting, accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC)). Accumulated wellness/load were calculated by summing all training and match sessions, while TMr was calculated by dividing accumulated training load by match data for all load measures and each player. Mann–Whitney U test was used for wellness variables, while independent T-test was used for the remaining variables to compare groups. Moreover, relationships among variables were explored using the Spearman’s Rho correlation coefcient. Results The main results showed that non-starters presented higher signifcant values for fatigue (p<0.019; g=0.24) and lower signifcant values for duration (p<0.006; ES=1.81) and s-RPE (p<0.001; ES=2.69) when compared to start‑ ers. Moreover, positive and very large correlation was found between quality of sleep and RPE, while negative and very large correlation were found between stress and deceleration, and mood and deceleration (all, p<0.05). Finally, non-starters presented higher values in all TMr than starters, namely, RPE (p=0.001; g=1.96), s-RPE (p=0.002; g=1.77), HSR (p=0.001; g=2.02), sprinting (p=0.002; g=4.23), accelerations (p=0.001; g=2.72), decelerations (p<0.001; g=3.44), and duration (p=0.003; g=2.27). Conclusions In conclusion, this study showed that non-starters produced higher TMr in all examined variables despite the lower match and training durations when compared with starters, suggesting that physical load was adjusted appropriately. Additionally, higher RPE was associated with improved sleep while higher number of decelerations were associated with decreased wellness, namely, stress and mood for non-starters.
- In-season microcycle quantification of professional women soccer players—external, internal and wellness measuresPublication . Fernandes, Renato; Ceylan, Halil İbrahim; Clemente, Filipe Manuel; Brito, João; Martins, Alexandre Duarte; Nobari, Hadi; Reis, Victor Machado; Oliveira, RafaelAlthough data currently exists pertaining to the intensity in the women’s football match, the knowledge about training is still scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify external (locomotor activity) and internal (psychophysiological) intensities, as well as the wellness profile of the typical microcycle from professional female soccer players during the 2019/20 in-season. Ten players (24.6 ± 2.3 years) from an elite Portuguese women soccer team participated in this study. All variables were collected in 87 training session and 15 matches for analysis from the 2019–2020 in-season. Global positioning variables such total distance, high-speed running, acceleration, deceleration and player load were recorded as intensity while Rated Perceived Exertion (RPE) and session-RPE were recorded as internal measures. The Hooper Index (HI) was collected as a wellness parameter. The results showed that internal and external intensity measures were greater in matches compared to trainings during the week (match day minus [MD-], MD-5, MD-4, MD-2), p < 0.05 with very large effect size (ES). In the same line, higher internal and external intensity values were found in the beginning of the week while the lowest values were found in MD-2 (p < 0.05, with very large ES). Regarding wellness, there was no significant differences in the HI parameters between the training days and match days (p > 0.05). This study confirmed the highest intensity values during MD and the lowest on the training session before the MD (MD-2). Moreover, higher training intensities were found in the beginning of the training week sessions which were then reduced when the MD came close. Wellness parameters showed no variation when compared to intensity measures. This study confirmed the hypothesis regarding internal and external intensity but not regarding wellness.
- The physical demands in elite women's soccer training in PortugalPublication . Fernandes, Renato; Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, JoãoCurrently, elite women’s soccer players are exposed to greater training volume and competition demands than ever before. Consequently, these increased physical requirements may have implications for both physical performance levels and injury patterns. This study, which is a small part of a bigger project, aims to study the physical demands on the elite women soccer training using the External Load.
- Effects of match location, match result and the quality of opposition in training load on a two-matches week in a top-class elite European soccer teamPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João; Loureiro, Nuno; Padinha, Vitor; Ferreira, Bruno; Mendes, BrunoThe aim of this study is to analyse effects of match location, match result and level of opponents in training load on the two following days of the match (MD+1; MD+2) in a top-class elite soccer European team. Nine players participated in this study. Total distance covered, distances of different exercise training zones (1–5) and average speed (AvS) were analysed. The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and Hooper Index scores (fatigue, stress, sleep quality, delayed onset muscle soreness-DOMS) were also analysed. Data was analysedregarding the two following days of a match. All weeks analysed included two matches. The results showed lower values of DOMS, effect size (ES)= 1.69, and fatigue ES=1.25, on the day following an away-win match than a home-defeat match against a bottom level opponent (all, p<0.05). It was also observed higher values of sleep quality ES=1.44, zone 1, ES=-4.35, and AvS, ES=-12.65, but lower values of s-RPE, ES=3.52, on the day following away-win match against a national top-level opponent (TLO). Finally, higher values for zone 3, ES=1.71, and lower value for AvS, ES=-6.06 were observed on the day following away-win match than a home-defeat match against champions league opponent number 1 (all, p<0.05). Total distance, AvS and zone 4 were higher after playing national opponents and/or champions league opponents in MD+1 than MD+2. The pattern of training load seems to be affected by situational variables. In general, the higher the quality of the opponents, the higher Hooper index in MD+1. S-RPE seems to be higher after playing a bottom level opponent when compared with the other opponents. Also, after playing national opponents, total distance, zones 1 and 4 were higher than against international opponents.
- Effects of match location, match result and the quality of opposition in training load on a two-matches week in a top-class elite European soccer teamPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João; Loureiro, Nuno; Padinha, Vítor; Ferreira, Bruno; Mendes, Bruno: It is well known that soccer and performance can be affected by situational variables. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyse effects of match location, match result and level of opponents in training load on the two following days of the match (match-day [MD] plus [+], MD+1; MD+2) in a top-class elite soccer European team that played in UEFA Champions League during in-season 2015/16. Nine players participated in this study. A global positioning system (GPS) was used to measure total distance covered, distances of different exercise training zones (1–5) and average speed (AvS). The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and Hooper Index scores (fatigue, stress, sleep quality, delayed onset muscle soreness-DOMS) were also collected. Data was analysed regarding the two following days of a match. All weeks analysed included two matches. The main results showed higher values of DOMS, ES= 1.69, and fatigue ES=1.25, on the day following an away-win match. It was also observed higher values of sleep quality ES=1.44, zone 1, ES=-4.35, and AvS, ES=-12.65, but lower values of s RPE, ES=3.52, on the day following away-win match against a national top-level opponent (TLO). Finally, higher values for zone 3, ES=1.71, and lower value for AvS, ES=-6.06 were observed on the day following away-win match. Total distance, AvS and zone 4 were higher after playing national opponents in MD+1 than MD+2 and/or champions league opponents. The pattern of training load seems to be affected by situational variables. In general, the higher the quality of the opponents, the higher Hooper index in MD+1. S-RPE seems to be higher after playing a bottom level opponent when compared with the other opponents. Also, after playing national opponents, total distance, zone 1 and zone 4 were higher than against international opponents.
- In-season internal and external training load quantification of an elite European soccer teamPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João; Martins, Alexandre; Mendes, Bruno; Marinho, Daniel A.; Ferraz, Ricardo; Marques, Mário C.Elite soccer teams that participate in European competitions need to have players in the best physical and psychological status possible to play matches. As a consequence of congestive schedule, controlling the training load (TL) and thus the level of effort and fatigue of players to reach higher performances during the matches is therefore critical. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to provide the first report of seasonal internal and external training load that included Hooper Index (HI) scores in elite soccer players during an in-season period. Nineteen elite soccer players were sampled, using global position system to collect total distance, high-speed distance (HSD) and average speed (AvS). It was also collected session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and HI scores during the daily training sessions throughout the 2015-2016 in-season period. Data were analysed across ten mesocycles (M: 1 to 10) and collected according to the number of days prior to a one-match week. Total daily distance covered was higher at the start (M1 and M3) compared to the final mesocycle (M10) of the season. M1 (5589m) reached a greater distance than M5 (4473m) (ES = 9.33 [12.70, 5.95]) and M10 (4545m) (ES = 9.84 [13.39, 6.29]). M3 (5691m) reached a greater distance than M5 (ES = 9.07 [12.36, 5.78]), M7 (ES = 6.13 [8.48, 3.79]) and M10 (ES = 9.37 [12.76, 5.98]). High-speed running distance was greater in M1 (227m), than M5 (92m) (ES = 27.95 [37.68, 18.22]) and M10 (138m) (ES = 8.46 [11.55, 5.37]). Interestingly, the s-RPE response was higher in M1 (331au) in comparison to the last mesocycle (M10, 239au). HI showed minor variations across mesocycles and in days prior to the match. Every day prior to a match, all internal and external TL variables expressed significant lower values to other days prior to a match (p<0.01). In general, there were no differences between player positions. Conclusions: Our results reveal that despite the existence of some significant differences between mesocycles, there were minor changes across the in-season period for the internal and external TL variables used. Furthermore, it was observed that MD-1 presented a reduction of external TL (regardless of mesocycle) while internal TL variables did not have the same record during in-season match-day-minus.
- Variations of distance and accelerometry-based GPS measures and their influence on body composition in professional women soccer playersPublication . Fernandes, Renato; Martins, Alexandre Duarte; Clemente, Filipe Manuel; Brito, João; Nobari, Hadi; Reis, Victor; Oliveira, RafaelExternal intensity quantification and body composition assessments across the season allow soccer coaches to adjust the intensity during training sessions, thereby avoiding excessive fatigue and helping players maximize their physical fitness status during matches. Thus, the aims of this study were (1) to describe variations in external intensity periods of distance and accelerometry-based measures across the early and mid-competitive phases and (2) to analyze whether the intensity variations influenced body composition across the 2019/20 competitive season. Ten players from a Portuguese BPI Ligue team (professional league) participated in this study. The participants completed ≥80% of 57 training sessions and 13 matches. The athletes were assessed in three phases (before the start of the season, after 2 months, and after 4 months) for the following variables: body fat mass, soft lean mass, fat-free mass, intracellular water, extracellular water, total body water, and phase angle (50 kHz) through bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody S10). A 10-Hz GPS device (PlayerTek) was used to collect distance and accelerometry-based measures, which included total distance, high-speed running distance, sprint distance, acceleration, deceleration, and player load. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with GPS-derived measures as covariates or repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the three moments of assessment. Although the patterns of variables’ responses were not the same as the season progressed, the values of body fat mass, fat-free mass, intracellular water, extracellular water, total body water, ratios of ECW/TBW, ECW/ICW, and phase angle improved. Variations in external intensity measures seem to influence the body composition variables across the season. These results may indicate good adaptations to the training and conditioning strategies managed by the coach and technical staff.