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 Body size and three estimates of skeletal age: Relationships with strength and motor performance among male soccer players 9-12 and 13-16 years

Reference: Am J Hum Biol. 2024 Mar 5:e24044. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.24044. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Robert M Malina, Duarte Freitas, Mateusz Skrzypczak, Jan M Konarski
Summary: The aim was to estimate the associations between height, weight, and three estimates of skeletal age (SA) and the strength and motor performance of male soccer players in two chronological age (CA) groups, 9-12 (n = 60) and 13-16 (n = 52) years. Height, weight, strength (grip), speed (5 m, 20 m sprints), acceleration (time at crossing 10 m in 20 m sprint), agility (figure-of-eight run), power (vertical jump), and endurance (intermittent shuttle run) were measured. SA was assessed with the TW2 RUS, TW3 RUS, and Fels methods; each SA was expressed as the standardized residual of the regression of SA on CA (SAsr). Hierarchical multiple regression was used. Body size accounted for ≥50% of the variance in grip strength in both CA groups; the body size × SAsr for each method and SAsr alone added little to the explained variance. Body size, body size × SAsr interactions, and SAsr per se with each method accounted for small percentages of variance in motor tasks among players 9-12 years, while body size explained a larger proportion of variance in motor tasks (except the endurance run) among players 13-16 years; body size × SAsr interactions for TW2 and TW3 more so than Fels added to the explained variances. For the endurance run, only SAsr per se with each method accounted for significant portions of the variance. Body size and the three estimates of SA significantly influenced strength and motor performance, but the explained variance varied between CA groups and among SA methods and performance tasks.

2 Implementing Velocity-Based Training to Optimize Return to Sprint After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Soccer Players: A Clinical Commentary

Reference: Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2024 Mar 1;19(3):355-365. doi: 10.26603/001c.92704. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Florian Forelli, Jérôme Riera, Patrice Marine, Maxime Gaspar, Geoffrey Memain, Nicholas Miraglia, Mathias Nielsen-LE Roux, Ismail Bouzekraoui Alaoui, Georgios Kakavas, Timothy E Hewett, Enda King, Alexandre Jm Rambaud
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10909314/pdf/ijspt_2024_19_3_92704.pdf
Summary: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), return to sprint is poorly documented in the literature. In soccer, return to sprint is an essential component of return to play and performance after ACLR. The characteristics of running in soccer are specific (velocity differences, nonlinear, intensity). It is important to address these particularities, such as curvilinear running, acceleration, deceleration, changes of direction, and variations in velocity, in the patient’s rehabilitation program. Force, velocity, and acceleration capacities are key elements to sprint performance. Velocity-based training (VBT) has gained much interest in recent years and may have a role to play in optimizing return to play and return to sprint after ACLR. Force, velocity, and acceleration can be assessed using force-velocity-power and acceleration-speed profiles, which should inform rehabilitation. The purpose of this commentary is to describe a velocity-based return to sprint program which can be used during ACLR rehabilitation.

3 Effect of maturation level on normative specific-agility performance metrics and their fitness predictors in soccer players aged 11-18 years

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2024 Mar 4;16(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-00855-z.
Authors: Mohamed Sellami, Emna Makni, Wassim Moalla, Raghad Tarwneh, Mohamed Elloumi
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910778/pdf/13102_2024_Article_855.pdf
Summary: In sports sciences, normative data serve as standards for specific physical performance attributes, enhancing talent identification within a specific population. The aim of this study was to provide standard data for Agility-15 m, Ball-15 m tests, and skill index, considering maturation level, specifically age at peak height velocity (PHV). The study also investigated the relationship between relative performances in these tests and anthropometrics, jumping (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ]), and sprinting abilities (S-5 m, S-10 m, S-20 m, S-30 m) in young soccer players. The study involved 647 soccer players aged 11-18 years, categorized into three groups: pre-PHV, circum-PHV, and post-PHV. Statistical analysis was conducted using analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc testing to detect variations among maturation groups, and Pearson’s correlation test to examine the relationship between factors. Agility-15 m and ball-15 m performances among maturity groups showed significant differences (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were identified in pre-PHV group, between lower limb length and Agility-15 m (r=-0.23, p < 0.05) and between height and Ball-15 m (r=-0.23, p < 0.05). In post-PHV group, there was a correlation between body fat percentage (BF %) and Agility-15 m (r = 0.17, p < 0.05) and Ball-15 m (r = 0.21, p < 0.05). In all maturity groups, there were significant correlations between agility and sprint tests (S-5 m, S-10 m, S-20 m, and S-30 m) and muscle power (SJ and CMJ). The study revealed that both speed and lower limb power significantly influence agility in young soccer players, providing valuable insights for coaches and practitioners to create tailored training plans and interventions for different age groups and maturity levels.

4 Sleep architecture of elite soccer players surrounding match days as measured by WHOOP straps

Reference: Chronobiol Int. 2024 Mar 4:1-9. doi: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2325022. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Nicole Sanders, Rebecca K Randell, Craig Thomas, Stephen J Bailey, Tom Clifford
Download link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/07420528.2024.2325022?needAccess=true
Summary: This study aimed to quantify and compare sleep architecture before and after home and away matches in elite soccer players from the English Premier League. Across two seasons, 6 male players (age 28 ± 5 y; body mass 85.1 ± 9.5 kg; height 1.86 ± 0.09 m) wore WHOOP straps to monitor sleep across 13 matches that kicked off before 17:00 h. For each, sleep was recorded the night before (MD-1), after (MD) and following the match (MD +1). Across these 3 days total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep disturbances, wake time, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, sleep and wake onsets, alongside external load, were compared. TST was reduced after MD versus MD +1 (392.9 ± 76.4 vs 459.1 ± 66.7 min, p = 0.003) but no differences existed in any other sleep variables between days (p > 0.05). TST did not differ after home (386.9 ± 75.7 min) vs. away matches (401.0 ± 78.3 min) (p = 0.475), nor did other sleep variables (p > 0.05). GPS-derived external load peaked on MD (p < 0.05). In conclusion, despite reduced TST on MD, sleep architecture was unaffected after matches played before 17:00 h, suggesting sleep quality was not significantly compromised.

5 The Quantification of Physical Performance and Internal Training Load in Youth Male Soccer Players During Preseason

Reference: Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2024 Mar 4:1-7. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0312. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Diogo V Martinho, André Rebelo, Adam Field, Alex S Ribeiro, Filipa Pereira, Bruno Bizarro, João Ribeiro, Silvano M Len, Élvio R Gouveia, Hugo Sarmento
Summary: The monitoring of training loads and quantification of physical performance are common practices in youth soccer academies to support coaches in prescribing and programming training for individuals. The interaction between training load and physical performance is unknown during a preseason period in youth soccer players. The current study assessed changes in training load and physical assessments across a 4-week preseason period. The relationship between physical performance and match playing time in youth male soccer players was also investigated. The training loads of 25 professional youth academy male soccer players were monitored throughout a 4-week preseason period. Assessments of power, agility, speed, and aerobic capacity were undertaken in the first training session. Session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) and well-being questionnaires were collected during all training sessions and preseason matches. Playing time during subsequent competitive matches was recorded. T test and 30-m-sprint assessments, conducted on the first day of preseason, were predictors of sRPE throughout preseason (t test χ2/df = 2.895, poor adjustment; 30-m sprint χ2/df = 1.608, good adjustment). YoYo Test performance was related with changes in perceived fatigue (χ2/df = 0.534, very good adjustment). Faster players reported higher values of sRPE, and players with higher aerobic capacity reported higher levels of fatigue across preseason. Well-being, perceived fatigue and soreness, and sRPE decreased across preseason. Greater match durations were related to higher levels of fatigue during preseason (P < .05). The current study highlights the relationship between training load, physical assessments, and playing time. Coaches and practitioners can use physical test data at the start of preseason as an indication of players that report higher sRPE, perceived fatigue, and reduced well-being across preseason, supporting decisions around individualized training prescriptions.

6 Impact of curcumin supplementation on exercise performance and muscle damage after a soccer match: a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study

Reference: Eur J Appl Physiol. 2024 Mar 4. doi: 10.1007/s00421-024-05429-y. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Yoko Tanabe, Emi Kondo, Hiroyuki Sagayama, Kazuhiro Shimizu, Mikinobu Yasumatsu, Daisuke Nakamura, Naoto Fujii, Hideyuki Takahashi
Summary: Curcumin ingestion can mitigate muscle damage, soreness, and inflammation following a laboratory-based eccentric exercise. Similar effects were observed in recent field-based studies wherein responses were evaluated after a soccer match. However, various potential confounding factors, such as matching opponent skill levels and daily training conditions, may have influenced the outcomes. In the present study, we investigated whether curcumin intake ameliorates changes in muscle damage markers following a soccer match while controlling for the potential confounding factors. Fifteen collegiate athletes were tested in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over manner. They were recruited from the same college soccer team and thus followed the same daily training regimen and competition levels. Furthermore, athletes positioning during matches were counterbalanced. They consumed either 180 mg/day of curcumin or a placebo starting 1 h before the match and continuing for 2 days after a match (two 45-min plays and a 15-min half-time). Muscle soreness, jump performance (including countermovement jump and rebound jump index), and inflammatory and muscle damage markers (high-sensitive C-reactive protein, serum creatine kinase activity, and urinary N-terminal fragment of titin concentration) were evaluated before and after the match. The washout period between matches was set at 1 week. After the match, all markers showed similarity between the placebo and curcumin conditions (all P > 0.208). These findings indicate that ingesting 180 mg/day of curcumin may not expedite recovery from muscle damage elicited by soccer matches in collegiate soccer players.

7 The effects of proprioceptive exercise training on physical fitness and performance of soccer skills in young soccer players

Reference: J Exerc Rehabil. 2024 Feb 21;20(1):34-41. doi: 10.12965/jer.2346628.314. eCollection 2024 Feb.
Authors: U-Yeong Lee, Chang-Hwa Joo
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10902691/pdf/jer-20-1-34.pdf
Summary: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of proprioceptive exercise training on soccer skills and physical fitness in young soccer players. Nineteen young soccer players participated in the study. Participants were divided into proprioceptive exercises training (PT) and control (Cont) groups. The physical fitness and soccer skill performance test assessed at pre- and posttraining. Balance ability and power significantly improved in both groups after 8 weeks of training (P<0.05). Dribble in the PT group was similar between pre- and posttraining, with a statistically significant difference in the Cont group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences within and between groups according to training in the left and right feet for juggling. The PT and Cont groups did not differ significantly regarding short passes posttraining. However, a significant improvement in long passes was observed in the PT group after training period (P<0.05). Shooting was no different between and within the groups. In conclusion, these inconsistent findings are thought to be due to the applied exercise method, training duration, and the specificity of the physical growth period of the young players. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the frequency and time of proprioceptive exercise training and apply factors for cognitive ability improvement to training programs for young soccer players in future studies. These studies could suggest appropriate training methods necessary to improve the performance of young soccer players.

8 A rare soccer-related injury: Traumatic posterior hip fracture-dislocation – Case series and overview of the literature

Reference: J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Jan:37:344-349. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.11.037. Epub 2023 Dec 9.
Authors: Stefan F van Wonderen, Bouke W Hepkema, Leo M G Geeraedts Jr
Download link: https://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1360-8592%2823%2900245-0
Summary: Soccer is one of the most popular sports with millions of active professional and non-professional players worldwide. Traumatic hip dislocations are rare in soccer but can lead to major sequelae both physically and psychologically. The aim of this review was to obtain insight into the outcomes after surgerically repaired hip fracture-dislocation in soccer players as well as rehabilitation and prevention. Two cases of a posterior hip fracture-dislocation that occurred during an amateur soccer match are presented and mechanism of injury, complications and rehabilitation were analysed. Follow-up of both patients was at least one year after surgery. Questionnaires and physical examinations were obtained to quantify and qualify outcome. In both cases the hip-dislocations were reduced within 3 h after injury. Semi-elective open reduction and internal fixation was performed within seven days. In one case, there was a concomitant Pipkin fracture and sciatic nerve neuropathy. There were no postoperative complications. Follow-up showed full of range of motion and normal hip functionality in both cases. However, both patients indicated a reduced quality of life and anxiety related to the accident. Traumatic hip fracture-dislocations during soccer practice are extremely rare. Despite uncomplicated fracture healing after surgery and return of hip function, both patients still suffer from psychological problems resulting in a decreased quality of life. Further research is required to enhance psychological outcomes, as well as to facilitate return to pre-injury levels of participation and engagement in sports following traumatic hip fracture-dislocations related to soccer.

9 On-field rehabilitation in football: current practice and perceptions. A survey of the English Premier League and Football League

Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2024 Mar 8:1-10. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2313529. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Mark Armitage, Stuart A McErlain-Naylor, Gavin Devereux, Marco Beato, John Iga, Allistair McRobert, Simon Roberts, Matt Buckthorpe
Summary: Return to play related research is increasing rapidly, with two recent competency-based frameworks offering conceptualised support for on-field rehabilitation (OFR) decision-making. It is still unknown, however, who is responsible for OFR and how they typically select, monitor, and progress OFR processes. The purpose of this study was to investigate current OFR practice within English professional football to support practitioners with decision-making and highlight opportunities for future research related to the design, monitoring, and progression of OFR. Sixty-nine practitioners responsible for the design and implementation of OFR at 69 clubs (75% of the English Premier League and Football League) responded to a survey containing 30 questions (14 open and 16 closed). The main findings were that therapists (physiotherapists/sports therapists) have the largest influence on OFR, followed by physical performance coaches (sports scientists/strength and conditioning coaches), technical coaches and medical doctors. There was more agreement for the ordering of specific OFR drills earlier in the process when activities are easier to control. The most frequently reported objective monitoring tool was global positioning systems (GPS), with functional/clinical experience/expertise remaining subjectively vital. GPS outputs (e.g., sprint metrics and accelerations/decelerations) were most used for between session decision-making, with verbal communication being key for within session decision-making. Future research should use evidence of current practice, such as drill design and monitoring techniques, to explore drill-level analysis and give practitioners greater insights into which stage of current OFR frameworks specific drills fall, and how they might be more objectively progressed/regressed.

10 Effect of a Ten-week Sensorimotor Exercise Program on the Side-to-Side LAM Asymmetry of Adolescent Football Players: A Randomized Control Trial

Reference: Percept Mot Skills. 2024 Mar 7:315125241238317. doi: 10.1177/00315125241238317. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Damian Sikora, Paweł Linek
Summary: In this study we, evaluated the effects of a 10-week sensorimotor exercise program on the thickness and side-to-side asymmetry of the lateral abdominal muscles in adolescent soccer players. From among 120 initially recruited participants, we included 90 athletes (aged 10-17 years old) in our final analysis. Healthy athletes who met our inclusion criteria were randomly divided into comparative experimental and control groups. Sensorimotor exercises were conducted twice weekly for 10-weeks in the experimental group, and the control group received no intervention. We took ultrasound measurements when participants were in supine and standing rest positions. In the supine position, the experimental group (a) reduced the asymmetry of the internal oblique (IO) muscle by 0.4 mm (MD: 0.7; 95% CI 0.6-1.1); (b) increased the thickness of the external oblique (EO) muscle on the right by 0.7 mm (MD: 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.6) and on the left by 0.9 mm (MD: 0.2, 95% CI 0.2-0.7); and (c) increased the muscle on the IO right by 0.8 mm (MD: 0.3; 95% CI 0.2-0.9) and on the, left by 1.2 mm (MD: 0.4 95% CI 0.3-1.1). In a standing position the experimental group increased the thickness of the EO on the right by 1.5 mm (MD: 0.6; 95% CI 0.03-1.2) and on the left by 2.1 mm (MD: 0.6; 95% CI 0.1-1.3) and increased the IO on the right by 1.2 mm (MD: 0.7; 95% CI 0.2-1.7) and on the left by 1.1 mm (MD: 0.9; 95%CI 0.1-2.0). Thus, this 10-week program of additional sensorimotor exercises reduced the (side-to-side) asymmetry of the internal oblique muscle and increased the thickness of the EO and IO muscles in young football players.

11 No evidence that visual exploratory activity distinguishes the super elite from elite football players

Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2024 Mar 7:1-9. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2325139. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Simone Caso, Thomas B McGuckian, John van der Kamp
Summary: Visual exploratory activities (VEA) refer to head and body movements that football players make prior to receiving the ball to search possibilities for action. VEA is considered a key performance indicator that differentiates the skill level of players. This study revisited whether VEA also distinguishes super elite, award winning players from their elite teammates without awards. To this end, video footage from the men’s UEFA Champions League season 2018-2019 featuring the super elite players (n = 18) and the elite players (n = 18) was analyzed. To reduce the potential differences in match dynamics as much as possible, the selected players in the two groups were of the same team, playing the same match, in the same positioning line. VEA (i.e. frequency per unit time) during the penultimate and final pass prior to ball reception and performance (i.e. percentages of adequate ball contacts and subsequent actions) were compared between the two groups of players using ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests, respectively. In addition, hierarchical stepwise regression analyses were conducted to explore the degree to which VEA was predicted by group and subsequent performance. The results showed that the players had higher VEA during the final pass (M = 0.45) than the penultimate pass (M = 0.41). There were no significant differences in VEA or performance between the two groups. Also, the regression analyses did not deliver significant models. We conclude that with partial control for match dynamics, no evidence emerged to support that VEA distinguishes super elite players from elite football players.

12 Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh After Contusion in a Football Player

Reference: Cureus. 2024 Feb 5;16(2):e53617. doi: 10.7759/cureus.53617. eCollection 2024 Feb.
Authors: Guilherme Correia, Pedro Mendes Santos, João Pedro Campos, Nuno Camelo Barbosa, Luís Carvalho
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10916738/pdf/cureus-0016-00000053617.pdf
Summary: Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh is an exceptionally uncommon condition that can have severe consequences if not promptly and effectively treated. A 19-year-old man presented to our emergency department with severe and progressive pain in his left thigh after sustaining a direct trauma during a football game 24 hours prior. Compartment pressure was assessed, confirming the diagnosis of compartment syndrome arising from a sizable intramuscular hematoma without detection of any other contributing factors. Fasciotomy incisions were closed using the shoelace technique with excellent functional results. This case highlights the importance of high suspicion and intra-compartmental pressure measurement to diagnose this condition accurately.

13 Association Between Total Genotype Score and Muscle Injuries in Top-Level Football Players: a Pilot Study

Reference: Sports Med Open. 2024 Mar 7;10(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s40798-024-00682-z.
Authors: Myosotis Massidda, Laura Flore, Paolo Cugia, Francesco Piras, Marco Scorcu, Naoki Kikuchi, Pawel Cięszczyk, Agnieszka Maciejewska-Skrendo, Filippo Tocco, Carla Maria Calò
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10917720/pdf/40798_2024_Article_682.pdf
Summary: Recently, genetic predisposition to injury has become a popular area of research and the association between a few single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the susceptibility to develop musculoskeletal injuries has been shown. This pilot study aimed to investigate the combined effect of common gene polymorphisms previously associated with muscle injuries in Italian soccer players. A total of 64 Italian male top football players (age 23.1 ± 5.5 years; stature 180.2 ± 7.4 cm; weight 73.0 ± 7.9 kg) were genotyped for four gene polymorphisms [ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739), COL5A1 C > T (rs2722) and MCT1 c.1470A > T (rs1049434)]. Muscle injuries were gathered for 10 years (2009-2019). Buccal swabs were used to obtain genomic DNA, and the PCR method was used to genotype the samples. The combined influence of the four polymorphisms studied was calculated using a total genotype score (TGS: from 0 to 100 arbitrary units; a.u.). A genotype score (GS) of 2 was assigned to the „protective“ genotype for injuries, a GS of 1 was assigned to the heterozygous genotype while a GS of 0 was assigned to the „worst“ genotype. The distribution of genotype frequencies in the ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739) and MCT1 c.1470A > T (rs1049434) polymorphisms was different between non-injured and injured football players (p = 0.001; p = 0.016 and p = 0.005, respectively). The incidence of muscle injuries was significantly different among the ACE I/D (rs4341), ACTN3 c.1729C > T (rs1815739) and COL5A1 C > T (rs2722) genotype groups, showing a lower incidence of injuries in the „protective“ genotype than „worse“ genotype (ACE, p < 0.001; ACTN3, p = 0.005) or intermediate genotype (COL5A1, p = 0.029). The mean TGS in non-injured football players (63.7 ± 13.0 a.u.) was different from that of injured football players (42.5 ± 12.5 a.u., p < 0.001). There was a TGS cut-off point (56.2 a.u.) to discriminate non-injured from injured football players. Players with a TGS beyond this cut-off had an odds ratio of 3.5 (95%CI 1.8-6.8; p < 0.001) to suffer an injury when compared with players with lower TGS. These preliminary data suggest that carrying a high number of „protective“ gene variants could influence an individual’s susceptibility to developing muscle injuries in football. Adapting the training load parameters to the athletes‘ genetic profile represents today the new frontier of the methodology of training.

14 Environmental risks of breakdown nanoplastics from synthetic football fields

Reference: Environ Pollut. 2024 Mar 5:347:123652. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123652. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Jing Hua, Martin Lundqvist, Shanti Naidu, Mikael T Ekvall, Tommy Cedervall
Download link: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/271833/1-s2.0-S0269749124X00056/1-s2.0-S026974912400366X/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEB4aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCICHFk46gZMYgdVoXel3TkTvXFETnbZ%2B66l6NPmtOc1EHAiEA5Fam3VUxLEzRvq42OuunVKD%2FUQfjYMwGetpPyvCG5%2B4qswUIJxAFGgwwNTkwMDM1NDY4NjUiDAFvU%2F2RVReufiOKPyqQBYeyxPkCaQKsE52DL%2F5yJsbTNwLBc1073cV6StcDWlC6imzBmfoAzcnf1kUi4ENVAVOlOQewWbH3YeB3h1sZgfnwyqL8NZ1abG7ub%2FG7jF6%2FBepsFNwURxOLRZVhCeVwYhuDsY7FjIHTcqLrMVFjiA8Se9UQf3qURZDJ9%2F0rReIeJlRw0xmqyBcVi%2BR3C54l%2BqiNDfK6alNTlQ3ZMaZT3V12liJQr1O5D1mQt7LXlXfXBRL7FdmLdAXT8CF6VXOUX3ScrNUd6TtsGIazOBbEsK8%2FJFmhP7NEQuPQw2mp3iCGXKsaFiCmlFGDyCkTR0ubwNlCK%2Fiu%2Fdho64mjZ7oWhjKJe10GlHG%2FCucBebDxwlo4F4ebriXyywT5JQ8giz8Ftg8vH8feEsyDOeDjeMDvdMJ0%2Fk7pzo9tUMCLy9e7BD6bn2YFm3oU%2B1tzMjSfg5qXwG2hWU6QPteG08hHHOh8aVZ1pv5wPGZovF68MN8RZyATXvQjySUQYfuQOzuJmNgruOtdr0wBjx0XS32tLg358X6Rs1WeLBz7J16svgOY4zwkJbCGfch3jkf%2B4aGkXsZKL0mcUqTKrbkVQujqRJ7b0wVqB8uJ%2BMb%2FyKtf3aQYoEW3hgIWNO5gg83YhtqkyqTYcf4I2UbxU%2Bhgb1eSxT%2FY02fS67427GAmt9Wae6d%2BV24coWf41fvhPw23BvE8btlz8WhyM5Ag94HzoXebFPzQgPByqM6G8D6ZuoAcpwS2AUEoUSrzpmQZefJlRMc6j5r4I%2FZCpnSPNjzi3sOTIgJSmkXilgCJBYNVbB5Eet851hHN%2FW%2B96e2TFPw5ZRWiR6bZ8NMPeY8JMP77XGJ8rFHaqx6Zz80iD%2FFS6iPCElO0a66TMNWzuq8GOrEBwNlLdyLaYoW5%2FSYZKU%2BTOU7pFRcCU6YvSne4yHP3Wghq%2F%2Bq2%2BsV%2BTNIy5%2Fb2TO7OGGgtKD3JmSsCMGWcGVhK3i4U0zTpnSt%2FPf9z%2Bu0TmupIMpmRP6I37myoDG237WHKx4pLZ6EM4OK0k7l9ef61CtqfleRpaCvw5c0u8rOYsLoHbky9UkeTlmGfsduv86xw2iP%2BWyuPOZybfKiMK%2FT5g06pOwz6b7rlRSKv12x8K28D&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20240311T070700Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTY5OJYYCHX%2F20240311%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=6ddcb162f5218181190743525806f92dac7aac68363d1483e5fa96af562f5cfc&hash=68f08c8c9c95b0848476486e2f793a88bec5f800c7dd89e3de7295ca5382844a&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S026974912400366X&tid=spdf-31ac37f0-b221-444f-93fd-f129f0a70847&sid=a89925da6440304cb228fd98571d7ff91d18gxrqb&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&ua=0a045a525456055150&rr=8629b47ecb318fee&cc=de
Summary: The widespread use of synthetic turf in sports has raised health concerns due to potential risks from nanoplastic inhalation or ingestion. Our research focused on detecting nanoplastics in drainage water from a synthetic football field and evaluating the toxicity of these materials after mechanical fragmentation. We collected and analysed drainage water samples for polymer content and subjected high-density polyethylene (HDPE) straws and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) granules used on synthetic football fields, to mechanical breakdown to create nanoplastics. The results indicated the presence of trace amounts of EPDM in the water samples. Furthermore, the toxicological assessment revealed that the broken-down nanoplastics and leachate from the surface of EPDM rubber granules exhibited high toxicity to Daphnia magna, while nanoplastics from the inner material exhibited no significant toxicity. The findings highlight the urgent need for future research to identify these specific toxic agents from the surface of EPDM granules.

15 The acute:chronic workload ratio and injury risk in semiprofessional football players

Reference: Int J Sports Med. 2024 Mar 5. doi: 10.1055/a-2282-0024. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Roberto Seco-Serna, Carlos Lago-Fuentes, Martín Barcala-Furelos
Summary: The purpose of this study was to analyse the association and predictive capacity between the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) and non-contact injuries in a semiprofessional football team. 17 football players from a Spanish Third Division football team participated voluntarily in this study. A prospective longitudinal study was developed during 2020/2021 season. 24 weeks were analysed from October to March, including a regenerative microcycle due to the absence of competition during Christmas. Ratio perceived exertion (RPE) and session- ratio perceived exertion (sRPE) were registered for every training and game session. After that, acute and chronic workloads were calculated, as well as ACWR was derived from them. Furthermore, non-contact injuries were registered during the mentioned period. The main findings were: there is no significant association between the ACWR and non-contact injuries (0.069 (p<0.05)) and, the use of the ACWR by itself is insufficient to predict the occurrence of non-contact injuries in a semiprofessional football team. Consequently, the ACWR is not an useful predictive tool for injuries in semiprofessional football teams.

16 Evaluation of a medical after-care intervention among deselected elite male Academy football players: a pilot study

Reference: BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2024 Feb 29;10(1):e001891. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001891. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Sean Carmody, Joe Ranson, Zafar Iqbal, Andrew Massey, Gino Kerkhoffs, Vincent Gouttebarge
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10910530/pdf/bmjsem-2024-001891.pdf
Summary: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the perception and satisfaction of deselected male Academy professional footballers towards a medical after-care intervention. A quasiexperimental study design, with deselected players (aged≥18 years) at a single Premier League Academy during the 2022/2023 season, were invited to participate. The intervention included individualised health recommendations, key medical information and signposting to key support resources. Participants‘ perceptions and satisfaction were assessed through an electronic survey. Descriptive analyses (mean, SD, frequency and/or range) were performed for all variables. Twelve out of 15 eligible participants (80% response rate) provided informed consent and completed the survey (mean age: 19.5 years). All (100%) of the participants were satisfied with receiving the medical information. Ten out of 12 (83.3%) participants agreed that all Academy players should receive this medical intervention on deselection. Nine (75%) players felt more prepared for the next steps in their careers due to the medical information shared with them. Deselected male Academy footballers expressed high satisfaction with an individualised medical intervention which shared key health information and signposted them to important resources (eg, mental health). Future studies across multiple clubs should explore the broader impact of this intervention among deselected male and female Academy footballers. Football clubs should consider integrating a medical after-care process for deselected players as part of routine care.

17 An analysis of transition-resulted goal scoring patterns in football leagues: a comparison of the first 5 rounds and the last 5 rounds prior midway of the season

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2024 Mar 2;16(1):60. doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-00854-0.
Authors: Pedro Eusebio, Pablo Prieto-González, Rui Marcelino
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10908095/pdf/13102_2024_Article_854.pdf
Summary: This study investigated the concept of ‚game style‘ in football, focusing on a team’s distinctive approach characterized by tactics, formations, and strategies. The objective is to compare goal-scoring patterns related to „non-offensive transition,“ „set pieces,“ „offensive transition,“ and „positive outcomes“ across different league groups. The sample comprises 702 football games, categorized into three league groups: Top Leagues, Marginal Leagues, and Emerging Leagues. A total of 2140 goals were analyzed, classifying them into four types: „No Transitions“, „Set Pieces“, „Offensive Transitions (direct), and „Positive Outcomes“ of offensive transitions. The study aims to identify relevant differences between two distinct competitive periods, namely „Rounds 1 to 5“ and „Rounds Last 5.“ The analysis reveals no significant differences in scoring methods between „Rounds 1 to 5“ and „Rounds Last 5“ across all variables in the analyzed league groups, except for goals conceded by „No Transition“ in the Emerging Leagues. Additionally, results indicate that goals resulting from direct offensive transitions and positive outcomes substantially impact the Top Leagues, constituting 54% of the total scoring. The study emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining consolidated game patterns, as demonstrated by the consistent scoring patterns across different league groups. While most leagues show no variations in scoring methods between early and late rounds, attention to goals conceded by „No Transition“ in Emerging Leagues is warranted. The prominence of direct offensive transitions and positive outcomes in Top Leagues highlights the relevance of these strategies in the scoring process, emphasizing the need for teams to focus on developing and implementing effective game patterns.