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- Within- and between-mesocycle variations of well-being measures in top elite male soccer players: a longitudinal studyPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Ceylan, Halil İbrahim; Brito, João; Martins, Alexandre; Nalha, Matilde; Mendes, Bruno; Clemente, Filipe ManuelBackground: The aims of this study were to describe the variations of training monotony (TM), training strain (TS), and acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) through Hooper Index categories (fatigue, stress, DOMS, and sleep quality) and to compare those variations between player status and player positions. Methods: Seventeen male professional soccer players participated in this study. Considering player status, participants were divided in nine starters and eight non-starters. Additionally, participants were divided by playing positions: three wide defenders, four central defenders, three wide midfielders, four central midfielders, and three strikers. They were followed during 40-week in-season period. TM, TS, and ACWR were calculated for each HI category, respectively. Data were grouped in 10 mesocycles for further analysis. Results: Results showed variations across the mesocycles. In general, starters showed higher values for TM, TS, and ACWR calculations than non-starters, although there were some exceptions. Regarding player positions, significant differences were found in stress between wide defenders vs central midfielders for TM (p = 0.033, ES = 5.16), central defenders vs wide defenders for ACWR (p = 0.044, ES = 4.95), and in sleep between wide defenders and strikers for TM (p = 0.015, ES = 5.80). Conclusions: This study revealed that an analysis of players’ well-being parameters according to player status and positions can provide clear information to the coaches and their staff to complement the tasks of training monitoring.
- 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.
- Comparisons and associations among anthropometric indices of first and second division and assistant soccer refereesPublication . Samarein, Meysam Rostamzadeh; Samanipour, Mohammad Hossein; Asjodi, Foad; Shokati, Pooya; Fallahi, Zanyar; Brownlee, Thomas E.; Brito, João; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi; Oliveira, RafaelIntroduction: Body composition is an important predictor of performance and a key component of health and physical fitness. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to compare soccer referees of the first and second divisions and field assistant referees from Iran and to analyze associations of a body shape index (ABSI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (ConI), and body mass index (BMI) with body fat percentage (%BF). Methods: A total of 270 male soccer referees from the first (n = 124) and second (n = 72) divisions and assistant referees (n = 74) participated in this study. Skinfold thickness (measured at the chest, biceps, triceps, subscapular, abdominal, iliac crest, and front thigh), height, weight, hip circumference, and waist circumference were assessed to evaluate waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), %BF, and also ABSI, BRI, BAI, ConI, and AVI according to the ISAK protocol. Results: The main results indicated differences in WHR, WHtR, ABSI, BRI, AVI, ConI, and BF% with the assistant referees presenting higher values (p < 0.05). When considering the backward selection model, there were some associations with %BF in each group, specifically BMI, BAI, and ABSI in the first division; BMI, WHR, and ABSI in the second division; and BMI in the assistant referee group (all p < 0.05). Discussion: The present study did not confirm the hypothesis that the first-division referees presented better body composition-related variables than the second division or assistant referees. Instead, it showed that the assistant referees that participated in both divisions showed a tendency to higher values which suggests that the level of division is not a major factor when analyzing body composition.
- Association between 2D:4D ratios and sprinting, change of direction ability, aerobic fitness, and cumulative workloads in elite youth soccer playersPublication . Nobari, Hadi; Eken, Özgür; Prieto-González, Pablo; Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, JoãoBackground The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to determine the correlation between 2D:4D, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), body fat percentage (BF%), maximum heart rate (HRmax), change of direction (COD), and accumulated acute and chronic workload variables; (ii) to verify if the length of the second digit divided by fourth digit (2D:4D) can explain fitness variables and accumulated training load. Methods Twenty elite young football players (age: 13.26±0.19 years; height: 165.8±11.67 cm; body mass: 50.70±7.56 kg; VO2max, 48.22±2.29 ml.kg−1 .min−1 ) participated in the present study. Anthropometric and body composition variables (e.g., height, body mass, sitting height, age, BF%, body mass index, right and left finger 2D:4D ratios) were measured. The following fitness tests were also conducted: 30−15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VO2max and HRmax), COD (5-0-5 agility test), and speed (10-30msprint test. HRmax and the training load were also measured and monitored using the Rate of Perceived Exertion during the 26 weeks. Results There were associations between HRmax and VO2max, between 2D and 4D lengths and Left and Right hand ratios. Also, in AW with Right and Left 4D. The CW and de ACWR with the Right 4D. There were other associations between physical test variables and workload variables. Conclusions Under-14 soccer players with low right and left-hand 2D:4D ratios did not perform better in the selected fitness tests to assess VO2max, COD, or sprint ability. However, it cannot be ruled out that the absence of statistically significant results may be related to the small sample size and the maturational heterogeneity of the participants.
- 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.
- Do contextual factors influence running and accelerometry GPS based variables in professional women soccer players? A case study about the effect of match location and resultPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Ceylan, Halil İbrahim; Fernandes, Renato; Morgans, Ryland; Nobari, Hadi; Nalha, Matilde; Brito, JoãoThe aims of this study were to compare external match load between home and away matches as well as the result of the match (win, draw, and loss). The secondary aim was to quantify external training load that preceded the next match taking into account both match location and result. Ten elite women soccer players participated in the study (age 24.66 ± 2.3 years). Seven home and seven away matches in which four wins, three draws, and seven losses occurred. The following global positioning system (GPS) metrics were analyzed: duration, total distance, high-speed running distance (HSR, > 15 km/h), number of accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC), average speed, and player load. There were no significant differences between match results and match locations. Regarding comparisons of training data preceding different match results, only duration and player load did not differ while HSR, number of ACC and DEC showed to be higher when the next match was a loss (p < 0.05, moderate to very large effect). Regarding comparisons of training data preceding different match locations, only duration, total distance, and player load did not differ while HSR, average speed, number of ACC and DEC in all zones were higher when the next match was at home (p < 0.05, moderate to very large effect). In conclusion, this study showed that match result and location did not have a significant effect on GPS metrics exhibited during match-day. However, training data influenced the contextual factors of the next match which should be considered when planning training session.
- Effect of interval and continuous small-sided games training on the bio-motor abilities of young soccer players: a comparative studyPublication . Daryanoosh, Farhad; Alishavandi, Hossein; Nemati, Javad; Basereh, Aref; Jowhari, Alireza; Asad-manesh, Enayatollah; Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João; Prieto-González, Pablo; García-Calvo, Tomás; Khoramipour, Kayvan; Nobari, HadiObjective The present study compared the effects of two different small-sided game (SSG) training methods, interval (ISSG) and continuous (CSSG) on the bio-motor abilities of young soccer players. Methods Sixteen young soccer players (age: 19.5±0.5 years; height: 177±4.72 cm) were ranked based on the result of a running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) and randomly divided into two groups: CSSG (n=8) and ISSG (n=8). The training protocols were performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week. Participants were assessed twice (pre- and post-intervention) to estimate their anaerobic capacity with the RAST, aerobic capacity with Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, body fat percentage with a bioimpedance analysis, speed with a 30-meter run test, and agility with the Illinois agility test. During the training session, the rating of the perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (mean and maximum) were recorded to assess the training load. Results In general, aerobic and anaerobic capacities improved after ISSG (p<0.05, for all). The between-group analysis with repeated measures ANOVA revealed higher values for ISSG than CSSG groups post-intervention in anaerobic power (p=0.042, ηp2=0.264). In addition, the independent t-test results indicated that ISSG presented lower values of mean heart rate (p=0.023, effect size [ES]=0.85) and RPE (p<0.05, ES=0.88) than CSSG. Moreover, higher values for maximum heart rate were revealed for ISSG than for the CSSG group (p=0.004, ES=0.85). Conclusion In conclusion, the findings of this study suggests that ISSG can lead to better improvements in anaerobic power and aerobic capacity than CSSG. Additionally, the ISSG led to a lower mean heart rate and RPE than the CSSG. Therefore, coaches and trainers may want to consider incorporating ISSG into their training programs for young soccer players to enhance their bio-motor abilities
- Reference values for external and internal training intensity monitoring in young male soccer players: a systematic reviewPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João; Moreno-Villanueva, Adrián; Nalha, Matilde; Rico-González, Markel; Clemente, Filipe ManuelTraining intensity monitoring is a daily practice in soccer which allows soccer academies to assess the efficacy of its developmental interventions and management strategies. The current systematic review’s purpose is to: (1) identify and summarize studies that have examined external and internal training intensity monitoring, and to (2) provide references values for the main measures for young male soccer players. A systematic review of EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 2404 studies initially identified, 8 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. From them, the following range intervals were found for training: rated perceived exertion (RPE) 2.3–6.3 au; session- RPE, 156–394 au; total distance, 3964.5–6500 m and; distance >18 km/h, 11.8–250 m. Additionally, a general tendency to decrease the intensity in the day before the match was Found. This study allowed to provide reference values of professional young male players for the main internal and external measures. All together, they can be used by coaches, their staff, or practitioners in order to better adjust training intensity.
- The effects of pre-season and relationships with physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers: a case study comparing starters versus non-starters from an elite female professional soccer teamPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João; Fernandes, Renato; Morgans, Ryland; Alves, Susana; Santos, Fernando J.; Pinto, Paula; Espada, Mário C.Background and Objectives: Research on female soccer players that analyzes playing status is scarce and has previously only examined load monitoring, while other markers, such as physical (i.e., strength, power, and agility), physiological (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake), and body composition (i.e., body fat mass, fat-free mass, body water, and phase angle) markers, warrant further investigation. Thus, the study aims were to (a) compare physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers between starters and non-starters; (b) compare measurements pre- and post-training intervention (five weeks); and (c) analyze any relationships between physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers in an elite female soccer team. Materials and Methods: Fourteen first-team players participated in the study (age 23.29 ± 3.19 years, weight 59.14 ± 6.87 kg, height 1.66 ± 0.08 m). Several physical (n = 15), physiological (n = 1), body composition (n = 11), and load markers (n = 14) were collected. In addition, participants were sub-divided into starters (n = 7) and non-starters (n = 7). Results: No differences were revealed between starters and non-starters in any of the examined variables. Moreover, following the training intervention, a significantly lower value was found for total body water/fat-free mass ratio (p = 0.043; ES = 0.582). In addition, there were several correlations detected between load and physical/physiological markers (n = 28); load and body composition markers (n = 6); physical/physiological and body composition markers (n = 34); and physical and physiological markers (n = 42). Conclusions: In conclusion, only a slight tendency of higher load values for starters than non-starters was observed. In addition, no differences in physical, physiological, and body composition markers were found between starters and non-starters, possibly suggesting that five weeks were not enough to improve such variables. Finally, the present results provide novel information assessing the effects of the pre-season in elite female Portuguese soccer players and contribute to a better understanding of the associations between different types of measurements.