As previous literature updates, I have performed a PubCrawler search looking for football articles in NCBI Medline (PubMed) and GenBank databases.

Following studies were retrieved for this week:

1 To train or not to train (on match day)? Influence of a priming session on match performance in competitive elite-level soccer

Reference: J Sports Sci. 2023 Dec 19:1-8. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2296741. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Toni Modric, Christopher Carling, Carlos Lago-Peñas, Šime Versic, Ryland Morgans, Damir Sekulic
Summary: This study examined the effect of a morning priming session consisted of stretching, mobility, core and lower-body resistance, and reactive agility exercises on match performance in elite-level soccer players. Information on physical and technical performance was collected during competitive matches (n = 32) and subsequently classified as those preceded or not preceded by a priming session. Results showed significantly increased (i) distance covered overall (Cohen’s d (d) = 0.34, p = 0.011), in moderate-intensity (d = 0.52, p = 0.001) and high-intensity running (d = 0.30, p = 0.024), and (ii) frequency of duels (d = 0.26, p = 0.050) in matches preceded by a priming session compared to those not preceded by a priming session. These findings show that players‘ physical performance was notably enhanced due to the pre-match routines that the team implemented on match day, while technical performance was in general similar irrespective of whether a priming session was implemented or not before the match. Therefore, morning priming session implemented on match day can be recommended as an effective pre-match strategy to increase players‘ physical performance in soccer without negative consequences on technical performance.

2 Low back pain estimates in professional soccer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Reference: Acta Ortop Bras. 2023 Dec 18;31(6):e266012. doi: 10.1590/1413-785220233105e266012. eCollection 2023.
Authors: Juliano Bergamaschine Mata Diz, Maria Theresa Pereira Dutra, Isabella Cheremetta Feijó, Ana Luíza Morais Sogno, Fernanda Rezende Silva, Giovanna DE Faria Carnevale, Bruno DE Souza Moreira, Carlos Fernando Moreira Silva
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10726716/pdf/1809-4406-aob-31-06-e266012.pdf
Summary: The aim was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in adult professional soccer players. The review included 44 studies. The pooled prevalence of LBP during ≤ 1 season was 1% (95%CI = 0-4%) in men. The pooled point prevalence of LBP was 25% (95%CI = 16-36%) in men and 28% (95%CI = 20-37%) in women. The pooled past-year prevalence of LBP was 34% (95%CI = 24-44%) in men. The pooled lifetime prevalence of LBP was 32% (95%CI = 25-39%) in men and 50% (95%CI = 32-69%) in women. The pooled frequency of LBP/total number of injuries was 2% (95%CI = 1-3%) in men and 4% (95%CI = 2-5%) in women. The pooled incidence rate of LBP/1,000 player-hours of exposure was 0.30 (95%CI = 0.17- 0.53) in men and 0.32 (95%CI = 0.06 -1.87) in women. The recurrence of LBP ranged from 3% to 63% in men. The intensity of LBP ranged from 1.68 (2.39) to 4.87 (2.14) points on a 0-10 scale (minimum = 0 and maximum = 8 points). The severity of LBP (days absent from professional activities due to pain) ranged from 2 (0) to 10 (19) days (minimum = 1 and maximum = 28 days). Adult elite soccer players have a substantial prevalence of LBP. The frequency and incidence of LBP (compared with other conditions and sports) seems to be low. Estimates of the recurrence, intensity, and severity of LBP are uncertain.

3 Perfection behind the whistle: Perfectionism and perceived performance in soccer referees

Reference: Heliyon. 2023 Nov 25;9(12):e22856. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22856. eCollection 2023 Dec.
Authors: Claudio Robazza, Pietro Sivilli, Laura Bortoli, Montse C Ruiz
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10730740/pdf/main.pdf
Summary: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between self-oriented perfectionism, socially prescribed perfectionism, cognitive appraisals, psychobiosocial experiences, and self-evaluated performance in soccer referees, using the multi-states (MuSt) theory as the theoretical framework. Participants were 67 soccer referees (57 men and 10 women, Mage = 23.03 years, SD = 2.71) with 3-15 years (M = 7.36, SD = 2.44) of refereeing experience in first-class, promotion, or excellence matches. They completed questionnaires assessing perfectionism, competitive appraisals, and psychobiosocial experiences two days before a game, and self-evaluated their performance one day after the event. Results revealed significant positive correlations (r > 0.20) between self-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism with challenge appraisals, functional psychobiosocial experiences, and self-evaluated performance. Serial multiple mediation analyses showed positive indirect effects of both self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism on self-evaluated performance via challenge appraisals and psychobiosocial experiences (β = 0.023, 95 % CI = 0.000, 0.097, and β = 0.097, 95 % CI = 0.003, 0.253, respectively). The findings suggest that both dimensions of perfectionism may positively influence perceived performance when viewed as a positive challenge and associated with functional experiences. The study advances our understanding of the effects of perfectionism on perceived performance in the context of soccer refereeing. Practical implications for referee training programs are provided.

4 Physiological mechanisms associated with the use of a passive heat intervention: positive implications for soccer substitutes

Reference: Eur J Appl Physiol. 2023 Dec 22. doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05381-3. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Gavin Cowper, Stuart Goodall, Kirsty M Hicks, Louise Burnie, Kai T Fox, Ashleigh Keenan, Enrico De Martino, Marc A Briggs
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00421-023-05381-3.pdf
Summary: Soccer substitutes are exposed to periods of limited activity before entering match-play, likely negating benefits of active warm-ups. This study aimed to determine the effects of using a passive heat intervention following a pre-match, and half-time warm-up, on muscle and core temperature in soccer players during ambient (18 °C) and cold (2 °C) conditions. On four occasions, 8 male players, completed a pre-match warm-up, followed by 45 min of rest. Following this, participants completed a half-time re-warm-up followed by an additional 45 min of rest, simulating a full match for an unplaying substitute. During periods of rest, participants wore either standardised tracksuit bottoms (CON), or heated trousers (HEAT), over typical soccer attire. Vastus lateralis temperature declined less in HEAT compared to CON following the 1st half in 2 °C (Δ – 4.39 ± 0.81 vs. – 6.21 ± 1.32 °C, P = 0.002) and 18 °C (Δ – 2.48 ± 0.71 vs. – 3.54 ± 0.88 °C, P = 0.003). These findings were also observed in the 2nd half for the 2 °C (Δ – 4.36 ± 1.03 vs. – 6.26 ± 1.04 °C, P = 0.002) and 18 °C (Δ – 2.85 ± 0.57 vs. – 4.06 ± 1 °C, P = 0.018) conditions. In addition, core temperature declined less in HEAT compared to CON following the 1st (Δ – 0.41 ± 0.25 vs. – 0.84 ± 0.41 °C, P = 0.037) and 2nd (Δ – 0.25 ± 0.33 vs. – 0.64 ± 0.34 °C, P = 0.028) halves of passive rest in 2 °C, with no differences in the 18 °C condition. Perceptual data confirmed that participants were more comfortable in HEAT vs. CON in 2 °C (P < 0.01). Following active warm-ups, heated trousers attenuate the decline in muscle temperature in ambient and cold environments.

5 Influence of conflicting prior information on action anticipation in soccer players: an ERP study

Reference: Front Behav Neurosci. 2023 Dec 7:17:1320900. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1320900. eCollection 2023.
Authors: Qingchun Ji, Chenglin Zhou, Yingying Wang
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10733450/pdf/fnbeh-17-1320900.pdf
Summary: Prior probability information and visual kinematic information are essential for action anticipation in athletes. The aims of this study were to examine how conflicting prior information influences anticipatory judgment in athletes vs. non-athletes and to explore the underlying cognitive mechanisms. The aim of Experiment 1 was to determine the moment when prior information influenced action anticipation in athletes vs. non-athletes. To that end, 17 semi-elite soccer goalkeepers and 18 non-athletes received prior information about the probability of the direction that a player on a video would kick a ball into the goal. Participants then anticipated the trajectory of the ball when the action of the player’s kick on the video was truncated at the moment the foot contacted the ball (time T) or one frame (T-1; 50 ms) or two frames (T-2; 100 ms) before the foot-ball contact. The aim of Experiment 2 was to elucidate the adaptive cognitive-motor behavior exhibited by highly trained soccer players at the moment when their anticipatory performance was most influenced by prior information. Experiment 2 included 27 different semi-elite soccer players with many years of experience as a goalkeeper and 27 different non-athletes. Participants anticipated the direction of the kick when the kinematic action of the kicker at the moment the anticipatory performance of the participants was most influenced by prior information (as determined in Experiment 1) was congruent, incongruent, or neutral. Action anticipation accuracy and response time were evaluated for both experiments, whereas event-related potential components N1, N2, and P3 were assessed only in Experiment 2. The results of Experiment 1 showed that anticipatory accuracy was significantly higher among athletes than non-athletes and that anticipatory accuracy with directional information given was significantly higher than that when no prior information was given or when prior information without directional information was given (p < 0.001) for both T-1 (p’s ≤ 0.034) and T-2 (p’s < 0.001) occlusion points. In Experiment 2 using those two video occlusion times, the amplitude of the N1 component, which reflects selective attention to stimulus properties, was significantly higher in athletes than in non-athletes (p < 0.001). The amplitude of the N2 component, which has been associated with conflict monitoring, for the incongruent condition was significantly higher than that for both neutral (p < 0.001) and congruent (p < 0.001) conditions in athletes. Non-athletes exhibited no significant N2 amplitude differences for any prior information condition. Integrating prior information enhanced action anticipation in semi-elite soccer players, particularly 50 and 100 ms before the foot-ball contact. Semi-elite soccer players prioritized early selective attention and conflict monitoring of kinematic information, facilitating action anticipation using the prior information.

6 Is a Maximal Strength-Training Program Effective on Physical Fitness, Injury Incidence, and Injury Burden in Semi-Professional Soccer Players? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Reference: Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Dec 18;11(24):3195. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11243195.
Authors: Roberto Durán-Custodio, Daniel Castillo, Javier Raya-González, Javier Yanci
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10742471/pdf/healthcare-11-03195.pdf
Summary: The aims of the study were to analyze the effects of a 12-week maximal strength- training program on injury incidence, injury burden, and physical fitness in semi-professional soccer players and to compare the perceived exertion load and well-being state between injured and non-injured soccer players. Twenty semi-professional male soccer players participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG, n = 10 players), who performed a maximal strength-training program, or to a control group (CG, n = 10 players), who only performed their regular soccer training. Physical fitness was measured at baseline and after the training program. In addition, the injury incidence, burden, training/match load, and the state of well-being of the players were recorded. The EG showed significant improvements in vertical jumps, change in direction ability, linear sprints, repeated sprint ability, isometric strength (p < 0.003; effect size = 1.78-11.86), and quadriceps-hamstring imbalance in both legs (p < 0.001; effect size = 2.37-3.71) in comparison to the CG. In addition, the EG players showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower injury burden (p < 0.001, relative risk = 5.05, 95% confidence interval = 3.27-7.79). This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of a 12-week maximal strength-training program on physical fitness attributes and injury burden in semi-professional soccer players.

7 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 Team

Reference: Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Dec 13;59(12):2156. doi: 10.3390/medicina59122156.
Authors: Rafael Oliveira, João Paulo Brito, Renato Fernandes, Ryland Morgans, Susana Alves, Fernando J Santos, Paula Pinto, Mário C Espada
Summary: 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. 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). 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). 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.

8 Elevated IL-1β and Comparable IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Levels Are Characteristic Features of L-PRP in Female College Athletes Compared to Male Professional Soccer Players

Reference: Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Dec 14;24(24):17487. doi: 10.3390/ijms242417487.
Authors: Tomoharu Mochizuki, Takashi Ushiki, Katsuya Suzuki, Misato Sato, Hajime Ishiguro, Tatsuya Suwabe, Satoshi Watanabe, Mutsuaki Edama, Go Omori, Noriaki Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Kawase
Summary: Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been becoming popular for the treatment of musculotendinous injuries among athletes. However, for individual and practical variations, clinical success is hardly predictable. To overcome this difficulty, we have been exploring possible criterion candidates for monitoring its clinical effectiveness. In this study, we focused on sex-based differences in young elite athletes and compared the biochemical compositions of their PRP. Leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) was manually prepared from blood samples collected from male professional soccer players (mPSPs) (n = 25) and female college athletes (fCAs) (n = 36). Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), transforming-growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), platelet factor-4 (PF4), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of PDGF-BB, TGFβ1, and PF4 in L-PRP were significantly higher in mPSPs than in fCAs. Conversely, IL-1β and IL-1RA were detected at significantly and slightly higher levels, respectively, in fCAs than in mPSPs. Our findings suggest that, even though L-PRP from fCAs may have lower potential to induce cell growth and differentiation than that of mPSPs, due to the latter’s higher capacity to control inflammation, it does not necessarily imply that PRP treatment in fCAs is less effective. Thus, these cytokine levels should be checked before PRP therapy.

9 Nitric Oxide in the Field: Prevalence and Use of Nitrates by Dietitians and Nutritionists in Spanish Elite Soccer

Reference: Nutrients. 2023 Dec 16;15(24):5128. doi: 10.3390/nu15245128.
Authors: Jaime Sebastiá-Rico, Daniel Cabeza-Melendre, Liam Anderson, José Miguel Martínez-Sanz
Summary: Soccer players make frequent use of dietary supplements to improve performance. One of the most widely used strategies to optimize performance is to increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide through nitrates, as it could delay fatigue during physical exertion, among other benefits. This may be positive for performance in soccer, although there is almost no research in professional soccer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of nitrates and behaviours related to their consumption in Spanish elite soccer clubs. Dietitian-nutritionist representatives from 45 teams from the most important Spanish soccer leagues completed an online survey to determine if, when, how and why nitrates are prescribed to soccer players. Of the total sample, 55.6% indicated providing nitrates, always before matches, but only 36% in training. There was a wide variation and lack of consistency in the timing, dosage and form of administration of nitrates. The use of mouthwashes or the protocol of chronic nitrate intake was not taken into account in most cases. The present study indicates a lack of interpretation between scientific knowledge and its application in practice, highlighting the need for future research to better understand how to optimize the use of nitrates in professional soccer.

10 Effects of Hardaliye, a Fermented Grape Drink, on Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile, and Blood Pressure in Young Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Reference: J Am Nutr Assoc. 2023 Dec 19:1-9. doi: 10.1080/27697061.2023.2291789. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Ramazan Mert Atan, Gülgün Ersoy, Çağrı Çakıcı
Summary: Hardaliye, a traditional fermented grape juice, can prevent imbalances in the antioxidant defense systems of soccer players. Hardaliye is mainly produced through the fermentation of grapes, sour cherry leaves, and mustard seeds and is consumed as a drink. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of hardaliye consumption on oxidative stress parameters, lipid profile, and blood pressure in young elite soccer players. In this single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-design study, while the participants in one of the groups consumed 250 mL/d of hardaliye drink (Hardaliye Group), the participants in the other group consumed placebo drink (Placebo Group) for 28 days. Three-day food record and blood samples were taken from the soccer players and their blood pressure was measured. Nutrient intakes in both groups were similar at the beginning and end of the study (p > 0.05). Dietary carbohydrates and vitamin A, E, and C intakes were below the recommended levels in both groups. Hardaliye consumption significantly increased the serum total antioxidant capacity level but significantly decreased serum total oxidation status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels compared to the Placebo Group (p < 0.05). Lipid parameters and diastolic blood pressure levels were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Hardaliye consumption significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared to that in the Placebo Group (p < 0.05). Hardaliye consumption in young elite soccer players showed antioxidative effects and decreased systolic blood pressure but did not affect their lipid profiles.

11 Lower limbs micro-loading acutely attenuates repeated change-of-direction performance in male youth during small-sided soccer games

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2023 Dec 18;15(1):172. doi: 10.1186/s13102-023-00778-1.
Authors: Mohamed Amine Ltifi, Hassane Zouhal, Ismail Laher, Ayoub Saeidi, Karuppasamy Govindasamy, Urs Granacher, Ridha Aouadi, Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10726642/pdf/13102_2023_Article_778.pdf
Summary: Soccer players often wear light-weighted wearable resistance (WR) attached to different body parts during the warm-up period with the aim to improve measures of physical fitness. However, the effect of WR on physical performance is unknown. This study evaluated the effects of WR with different micro-loadings on repeated change-of-direction (RCoD) performance while executing small-sided soccer games (SSG). Twenty male soccer players aged 16.0 ± 1.5 years (body mass 74.0 ± 7.4 kg, body-height 175.0 ± 10.0 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Following a within-subject study design, players performed four specific warm-up protocols in randomized order with a rest of 72 h between protocols: (1) WR micro-loadings with 0.1% of body mass (WR0.1); (2) WR micro-loadings with 0.2% of body mass (WR0.2); (3) WR micro-loadings with 0.3% of body mass (WR0.3); (4) no WR (control = CONT). After the warm-up protocols, players performed 2 sets of 20-min SSG. The RCoD was collected at the 8th min of SSG (SSG 1-8 min), the 15th min of SSG1 (SSG1-15 min), and at the 15th min of SSG2 (SSG2-15 min). Outcomes included mean and total RCoD indices (i.e., mean time and total time for each condition). Based on the outcomes of a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), WR0.1 and WR0.2 were more effective than control in dampening the decrease of RCoD’s total time during SSG1-8 min, and SSG2-15 min (small ES: 0.24-0.35; p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between WR0.3 and control. In addition, WR0.1 and WR0.2 significantly affected the decreases in RCoD’s mean best time during SSG1 and SSG2 which was observed in the unloaded condition (CONT) and consequently displayed a lower rate of RCoD performance decrease. This study reports that wearing lower extremity WRs with micro-loads of 0.1% or 0.2% of body mass attenuates physical fatigue indicated in attenuated RCoD performance while executing SSG.

12 Differences and relationship in functional movement screen (FMS™) scores and physical fitness in males and female semi-professional soccer players

Reference: PeerJ. 2023 Dec 13:11:e16649. doi: 10.7717/peerj.16649. eCollection 2023.
Authors: Ricardo Martín-Moya, Lorena Rodríguez-García, Beatriz Moreno-Vecino, Filipe Manuel Clemente, Antonio Liñán González, Francisco Tomás González-Fernández
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10725178/pdf/peerj-11-16649.pdf
Summary: Soccer is the world’s most popular sport for both men and women. Tests of athletic and functional performance are commonly used to assess physical ability and set performance goals. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a widely used seven-test battery developed by practitioners to provide interpretable measure of movement quality. The main objective of the present study was twofold, to analyze the relationship between FMS™ results from male and female soccer players and to compare their physical performance in different tests. A total of twenty-eight semi-professional soccer players: fourteen male (age: 21.29 ± 1.64 years; weight: 70.66 ± 5.29 kg; height: 171.86 ± 5.35 cm; BMI: 20.90 ± 2.22 kg/m2) and fourteen females (age: 20.64 ± 1.98 years; weight: 63.44 ± 5.83 kg; height: 166.21 ± 12.18 cm; BMI: 23.02 ± 2.50 kg/m2) were recruited for this study. A paired sample t-test was used for determining differences as a repeated measures analysis. All the participants conducted the following tests: The Functional Movement Test (FMS™), 10-m linear sprint, 5-0-5 COD Test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test-Level 1 (YYIRT Level 1). A t-test with data from 505 COD (change of direction) test showed significant differences between groups, p = 0.001, d = 1.11, revealing faster times in male soccer players (2.50 ± 0.19) in respect with female soccer players (2.70 ± 0.17). Crucially, a t-test with data from FMS did not reveal significant differences between groups. Multiple regression for V02max revealed significant effects (r = 0.55, r2 = 0.30, adjusted r2 = 0.24, F = 5.21, p = 0.04 and standard error = 2.20). On the other hand, multiple regression for 10-m sprint showed significant effects (r = 0.58, r2 = 0.33, adjusted r2 = 0.28, F = 5.98, p = 0.03). The impact of these factors on the correlation between FMS™ scores and physical performance measures can vary among individuals. This study demonstrates the necessity of utilizing and applying multiple field-based tests to evaluate the movement and capabilities of physical performance in sports. Crucially, consider individual variations and factors such as training background, fitness level, and sport-specific demands when interpreting the relationship between the FMS™ and physical performance in both sexes.

13 Cuboid Cobbles Hinder Elite Youth Football Player

Reference: J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2023 Dec 21:1-22. doi: 10.7547/23-080. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Jari Dahmen, Sjoerd A S Stufkens, Miki Dalmau-Pastor, Mario Maas, Gino M M J Kerkhoffs
Download link: https://japmaonline.org/view/journals/apms/aop/23-080/23-080.xml
Summary: We describe an elite youth football player who developed lateral foot pain of previously unknown origin. A thorough patient history and physical examination as well as an in-depth presentation of radiographic findings on Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan were described. Through this combination, the puzzle was resolved and a rare peroneus longus tendinopathy due to bony spurs in the cuboid groove was diagnosed. A peroneus longus exploration, release and reduction of the cuboidal bone spurs was performed and intensive rehabilitation phase followed. The patient successfully returned to performance and set a career in professional football.

14 Acute Responses of Youth Elite Players to a Football Match in Terms of Blood Markers

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2023 Dec 11;11(12):242. doi: 10.3390/sports11120242.
Authors: André Montanholi Fornaziero, Luiz Fernando Novack, Vitor Bertoli Nascimento, Raul Osiecki
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10747386/pdf/sports-11-00242.pdf
Summary: The current study verified the acute responses of participants to a football match in terms of blood markers. Sixteen elite U-18 male football players were divided into two groups: experimental (EG, n = 10), who played a friendly football match; and control (CG), who were not exposed to any physical exertion. Intravenous blood samples were collected from both groups at baseline, pre-match, half-time, and post-match. The blood analysis consisted of four groups: immunological (leukocytes, platelets, and cortisol), muscle damage (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase), metabolic (lactate, glucose, erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and urea), and electrolytic (sodium, calcium, and potassium). Edwards‘ training impulse demonstrated that the first half was more demanding than the second half (p = 0.020). Significant changes between time points and groups were observed for leukocytes (pre-match: 6920 ± 1949; post-match: 13,890 ± 3292; p ≤ 0.05) and cortisol (pre-match: 10.78 ± 3.63; post-match: 19.15 ± 7.40; p ≤ 0.05). CK (pre-match: 516.50 ± 248.38; post-match: 713.70 ± 308.20; p ≤ 0.05) and LDH (pre-match: 348.80 ± 36.49; post-match: 414.80 ± 26.55; p ≤ 0.05) increased significantly across the time points for the EG, with no difference between the groups, however. Raised lactate (pre-match: 1.05 ± 0.32; post-match: 3.24 ± 1.60; p ≤ 0.05) and glucose (pre-match: 72.54 ± 9.76; post-match: 101.42 ± 19.87; p ≤ 0.05) differences between the groups at half-time were also observed. These current findings provide helpful information to better understand football match demands regarding physiological effects.