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 External Load of Different Length Microcycles and Relationships with Match Running Performance in Youth Football
Reference: Res Q Exerc Sport. 2024 Sep 24:1-7. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2405621. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Yiannis Michailidis, Vasileios Kanaras, Athanasios Mandroukas, Andreas Stafylidis, Charalampos Bamplekis, Andreas Fousekis, Lazaros Vardakis, Konstantinos Stamatelos, Ioannis Metaxas, Angelos E Kyranoudis, Thomas I Metaxas
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate: a) the differences in external load (EL) during microcycles with four (MIC4) and five training (MIC5) sessions, b) to explore the ratio of weekly training load to the load of the subsequent match, and c) to explore possible correlations between the EL of the MIC4 or MIC5 with the running performance of football players in the following match. The study involved 20 elite youth football players from a team that won the championship in their category that year (age, 16.4 ± 0.3 years). The EL was tracked via GPS in 8 MIC4 and 10 MIC5. Running performance in subsequent matches was also recorded. Two by two ANOVA was employed to compare parameters between MIC5 and MIC4 and Pearson correlation test was applied to examine potential correlations between the training load parameters. The results showed that MIC5 had significantly greater external load in distance parameters in zones 4 & 5, total distance, and decelerations. Differences in running performance in matches were observed only for accelerations (p = .028) and decelerations (p = .02). The ratio of training/match load was lower in all parameters in MIC4 compared to MIC5 but exceeded the match load. Large negative correlations were observed for accelerations and decelerations. In conclusion, additional training in MIC5 increases the load without affecting running performance in the match. Attention should be given to accelerations and decelerations, as their volume can easily increase with the use of small-sided games in training.
2 Perceived Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Suicidality in Former Professional Football Players
Reference: JAMA Neurol. 2024 Sep 23:e243083. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.3083. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Rachel Grashow, Douglas P Terry, Grant L Iverson, Heather DiGregorio, Inana Dairi, Cheyenne Brown, Paula S Atkeson, Alicia J Whittington, LeRoy Reese, Jonathan H Kim, Niki Konstantinides, Herman A Taylor, Frank E Speizer, Daniel H Daneshvar, Ross D Zafonte, Marc G Weisskopf, Aaron L Baggish
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11420824/?report=printable
Summary: Participation in American-style football (ASF) has been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathological change (CTE-NC), a specific neuropathologic finding that can only be established at autopsy. Despite being a postmortem diagnosis, living former ASF players may perceive themselves to have CTE-NC. At present, the proportion and clinical correlates of living former professional ASF athletes with perceived CTE who report suicidality are unknown. The aim was to determine the proportion, clinical correlates, and suicidality of living former professional ASF players with perceived CTE. A cross-sectional study within the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University was conducted from 2017 to 2020. Using electronic and paper surveys, this population-based study included former ASF players who contracted with a professional league from 1960 to 2020 and volunteered to fill out a baseline survey. Data for this study were analyzed from June 2023 through March 2024. Data included demographics, football-related exposures (eg, position, career duration), and current health problems (anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, diabetes, emotional and behavioral dyscontrol symptoms, headache, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, low testosterone level, pain, sleep apnea, and subjective cognitive function). The proportion of participants reporting perceived CTE. Univariable and multivariable models were used to determine clinical and suicidality correlates of perceived CTE. Among 4180 former professional ASF players who volunteered to fill out a baseline survey, 1980 (47.4%) provided follow-up data (mean [SD] age, 57.7 [13.9] years). A total of 681 participants (34.4%) reported perceived CTE. Subjective cognitive difficulties, low testosterone level, headache, concussion signs and symptoms accrued during playing years, depressive/emotional and behavioral dyscontrol symptoms, pain, and younger age were significantly associated with perceived CTE. Suicidality was reported by 171 of 681 participants with perceived CTE (25.4%) and 64 of 1299 without perceived CTE (5.0%). After adjusting for established suicidality predictors (eg, depression), men with perceived CTE remained twice as likely to report suicidality (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.36-3.12; P < .001). This study found that approximately one-third of living former professional ASF players reported perceived CTE. Men with perceived CTE had an increased prevalence of suicidality and were more likely to have health problems associated with cognitive impairment compared with men without perceived CTE. Perceived CTE represents a novel risk factor for suicidality and, if present, should motivate the diagnostic assessment and treatment of medical and behavioral conditions that may be misattributed to CTE-NC.
3 Potential Effects of Lifelong Team Handball and Football Training and Nutritional Habits on Bone Health and Body Composition in Elderly Women
Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2024 Sep 7;9(3):159. doi: 10.3390/jfmk9030159.
Authors: Domenico Martone, Jeppe Foged Vigh-Larsen, Daniela Vitucci, Malte Nejst Larsen, Morten Bredsgaard Randers, Jens Lykkegaard Olesen, Magni Mohr, Annamaria Mancini, Peter Krustrup, Pasqualina Buono
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11417710/pdf/jfmk-09-00159.pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lifelong team handball/football training on regional bone health and body composition in elderly women. Seventeen elderly women team handball/football players (65.9 ± 5.7 years) and twenty-one untrained age-matched women (controls) (67.7 ± 5.1 years) participated. Whole-body and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of arms, legs, and lower spine (L1-L4) were performed. We observed 8% and 9% higher bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), respectively, at the whole-body level and in the legs and 11.5% higher BMC in the legs in team handball/football players compared to untrained age-matched controls (p < 0.05). Higher total and leg lean body mass (p < 0.05), along with lower total body fat percentage (p < 0.05) and higher T- and Z-scores, markers of fragility risk fracture (0.294 ± 1.461 vs. -0.538 ± 1.031; 1.447 ± 1.278 vs. 0.724 ± 0.823, respectively), were also found in team handball/football players compared to controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences in nutritional habits were observed between groups. Our study suggest that the beneficial effects of lifetime handball/football practice on bone preservation in elderly women occur independently from nutritional intake, which emphasize the potential role of team sports in osteoporosis prevention. Future studies should focus on the cofounding factors and causative mechanisms mediated by team sport practice in osteoporosis prevention.
4 Fostering Health Behaviour Change in Overweight Male Football Fans Through the European Fans in Training (EuroFIT) Program: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Reference: Psychol Sport Exerc. 2024 Sep 20:102742. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102742. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Øystein Bue Røynesdal, Glyn Caerwyn Roberts, Hugo Vieira Pereira, Judith Gm Jelsma, Sally Wyke, Eivind Andersen, Cindy M Gray, Kate Hunt, Marlene Nunes Silva, Femke van Nassau, Marit Sørensen
Summary: The European Fans in Training (EuroFIT) program integrated need-supportive motivational strategies from Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in the design of a healthy lifestyle program delivered to overweight or obese male football fans (n=1113; mean age of 45.9 [SD=9.0] years old and BMI of 33.2 kg/m2 [SD=4.6]) in professional football club settings in the UK, Portugal, Norway and the Netherlands. With a critical realist approach, we developed a structured thematic framework analysis based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to investigate the process of change in men who participated in the EuroFIT randomized controlled trial (RCT). We examined whether men’s experiences of the social context of EuroFIT, and whether their engagement with the program’s motivational strategies supported or frustrated their basic psychological needs while attempting to change their lifestyle behaviours. We found that men in all countries perceived the social contexts of the EuroFIT program as mostly needs-supportive, and that they found engagement with most of the program components helpful in supporting their psychological needs when initiating health behaviour changes. However, some of the program elements in the EuroFIT program were perceived as needs-frustrating by some participants and need-supportive by others. Implications for the use of need-supportive motivational strategies in designing future lifestyle interventions in sport settings to promote health behaviour change among male football fans are discussed.
5 Isokinetic assessment of the female’s soccer player’s knee. A systematic review of outcomes measures
Reference: J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 Oct 5;19(1):629. doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-05124-w.
Authors: Antonio Cicchella, Cheng Zhang
Summary: Isokinetic normative data in females‘ soccer players is scarce in comparison to males. Furthermore, evaluation protocols employed to obtain those data in female’s studies, strongly differ from each other, using different ranges of speeds and movement patterns, thus producing different output data. Thus, it is difficult for the researcher and the clinician to choose a correct protocol for knee isokinetic test in female soccer players. Aim of this paper is to review the literature to provide updated information on how to interpret a knee isokinetic testing in healthy females. Google Scholar, PubMed, Sport Discus, and Psych info databases were queried, and 17 papers were selected. Following PRISMA methodology and PEDro scale, we classified the retrieved papers and assessed the quality. In this review some common features of isokinetic testing in female soccer players of various levels of qualification are highlighted. The isokinetic performance indexes widely accepted are the hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio and dominant/non-dominant (D/ND) ratio. It also emerges that, 3 reps at the speed of 60°/sec in knee flexion/extension are preferable due to the higher reliability and that the optimal H/Q ratio in healthy female soccer players of different level of qualification and age is 50%, while the interlimb differences (D/ND) should be below 10%. Normative data and methodologies reviewed can be useful for the isokinetic test of female soccer players. It emerges that simplifying test procedures limiting at few testing speed and considering selected H/Q and D/ND gives all the necessary relevant informations.
6 ‚Goalkeepers are players too‘: key attributes coaches‘ look for in talented youth soccer goalkeepers
Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2024 Oct 3;16(1):210. doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-01002-4.
Authors: Leago Lethole, Alliance Kubayi, Abel Toriola, Paul Larkin, Joseph A Stone
Download link: https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13102-024-01002-4.pdf
Summary: Currently, there is a gap in knowledge on what the key goalkeeper attributes are during talent identification and selection in soccer. Hence, the objective was to investigate South African coaches‘ perceptions regarding key attributes of talented youth soccer goalkeepers. A total of 173 soccer coaches (130 men and 43 women; Mage = 36.6 ± 10.4 years; Mcoaching experience = 8.4 ± 7.3 years) were purposively recruited to participate in the study. All of the participants completed the Talent Identification Questionnaire in Soccer – Goalkeepers (TIDQS-GK). The six-component solution identified by the principal component analysis accounted for 68.96% of the total variance. Coaches deemed psychological (e.g. concentration, bravery, self-discipline), physical (e.g. speed, flexibility), social (e.g. coachability, communication), technical (e.g. catching the ball, first touch), tactical (e.g. defensive organisation against set plays) and perceptual-cognitive skills (e.g. decision-making) as important factors in identifying talented goalkeepers. The study offers new insights into the key attributes that soccer coaches look for in talented goalkeepers such as concentration, bravery, speed, coachability and decision-making and could direct coaches towards more objective evaluation strategies for informing their decisions.
7 Improvements in executive functions by domain-specific cognitive training in youth elite soccer players
Reference: BMC Psychol. 2024 Oct 2;12(1):528. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-02017-9.
Authors: Florian Heilmann, Simon Knöbel, Franziska Lautenbach
Download link: https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s40359-024-02017-9.pdf
Summary: This study examined the impact of sport-specific cognitive training (CT) on executive functions (EFs) in youth soccer players. Thirty-one athletes (13-15 years) participated, 13 in the intervention group (IG) and 18 in the control group (CG). The IG underwent an 8-week soccer-focused CT program, while the CG maintained regular training. The assessments included working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility tasks. The results revealed no significant improvements in EFs in the IG compared to those in the CG. Both groups showed enhanced cognitive flexibility, possibly due to general cognitive development or learning effects. The study suggested that an 8-week sport-specific CT may not enhance EFs in young soccer players, potentially due to a ceiling effect in highly skilled athletes. These findings should be considered when designing cognitive training programs for athletes, and future research could explore the optimal duration of such programs.
8 Effects of resisted sprint training with ball on speed and agility performance in U-19 elite soccer players
Reference: PLoS One. 2024 Oct 2;19(10):e0311002. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311002. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Alejandro Sal-de-Rellán, Mehdi Ben Brahim, Ariadna Hernaiz-Sánchez, Raghad Tarwneh, Víctor Martín
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0311002
Summary: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects on speed and agility of including ball driving during resisted sprint training in relation to regular soccer training. Thirty male soccer players (age: 18.10 ± 0.66 years; height: 179 ± 0.06 cm; body mass: 76.22 ± 4.76 kg; systematic practice: 8.6 ± 1.73 years) participated in the study and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 18) or a control group (CG; n = 12). The research was conducted during a training camp. The intervention period lasted 6 weeks and during that period all players performed their usual soccer training. However, the EG performed two weekly sessions of a supplementary training of resisted sprints with a ball. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in 5-m (p = 0.005) and 10-m (p = 0.016) sprint performance; and New multi-change of direction agility test (NMAT; p = 0.002), Illinois (IAT; p = 0.002), T-test (p = 0.003), Arrowhead COD (Arrowhead-R, p = < 0.001; Arrowhead-L, p = < 0.001) test and Zigzag agility test (Zigzag-B; p = 0.006) from pretest to posttest in EG. However, the CG didn’t show any significant improvements. Between-groups analysis revealed differences in favor of the EG in Zigzag-B, IAT, Arrowhead-R, Arrowhead-L and NMAT. This study’s results support the efficacy of a short-term training program that includes resisted sprints exercises to improve the performance of soccer players.
9 Assessing physical fitness adaptations in collegiate male soccer players through training load parameters: a two-arm randomized study on combined small-sided games and running-based high-intensity interval training
Reference: Front Physiol. 2024 Sep 11:15:1466386. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1466386. eCollection 2024.
Authors: YanXiu Quan, YongXing Zhao, Rabiu Muazu Musa, Ryland Morgans, Rui Miguel Silva, Chin-Hwai Hung, Yung-Sheng Chen
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11440478/pdf/fphys-15-1466386.pdf
Summary: The aim was to evaluate the effects of a 4-week intervention combining small-sided games (SSGs) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical fitness in collegiate male soccer players. Twenty-one soccer players were randomly assigned to either the HIIT + SSGs group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 10). Physical fitness was assessed at baseline and 1-week post-intervention, including countermovement jump (CMJ), change of direction (COD) test, sprint test, repeated sprint ability (RSA) test, and 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT). The intervention comprised eight sessions over 4 weeks: four SSGs and four HIIT. The intervention group showed small to moderate improvements: mean RSA improved by 4.5% (p = 0.07), CMJ increased by 3.2% (p = 0.12), and 30-15IFT scores enhanced by 6.8% (p = 0.09). Key predictors of group membership included heart rate load per minute (OR 1.602) and various GPS variables. The 4-week intervention combining SSGs with HIIT did not produce statistically significant improvements in most physical fitness variables compared to the control group. Although there were positive trends in variables such as RSA and 30-15IFT, these changes were modest and not statistically significant. The results suggest that while the combined SSGs and HIIT approach shows potential, its impact on physical fitness over a 4-week period is limited, with some variables, like CMJ, even showing decreases.
10 Systematic video analysis of ACL injuries in professional Spanish male football (soccer): injury mechanisms, situational patterns, biomechanics and neurocognitive errors – a study on 115 consecutive cases
Reference: BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2024 Sep 28;10(3):e002149. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-002149. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Matthew Buckthorpe, Luca Pirli Capitani, Jesus Olivares-Jabalera, Jesus Olmo, Francesco Della Villa
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11440205/pdf/bmjsem-10-3.pdf
Summary: A few video analysis studies have been published in recent years, but none specifically on Spanish football. We aimed to describe the mechanisms, situational patterns, biomechanics and neurocognitive errors related to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in professional Spanish football matches. We identified 167 consecutive ACL injuries across 12 seasons of the top two leagues in Spanish football. 115 (69%) injury videos were analysed for mechanism and situational pattern, while biomechanical analysis was possible in 81 cases. Neurocognitive errors were investigated for all non-contact injuries. Three independent reviewers evaluated each video. ACL injury epidemiology-month, timing within the match and pitch location at the time of injury was also documented. More injuries occurred in defensive (n=68, 59%) than offensive (n=48, 41%) (p<0.01) playing situations. 16 (14%) injuries were direct contact, 49 (43%) indirect contact and 50 (43%) non-contact. Most injuries (89%) occurred during four main situational patterns: (1) pressing/tackling (n=47, 47%); (2) tackled (n=23, 23%); (3) landing from a jump (n=12, 12%) and regaining balance after kicking (n=6, 6%). Injuries generally involved a knee-dominant loading strategy in the sagittal plane with abducted hip and knee valgus. Of the non-contact injuries, 39 (78%) were deemed to involve a neurocognitive error. More (58%) injuries occurred in the first half of matches (p<0.01). ACL injuries in Spanish football occurred similarly with non-contact and indirect contact mechanisms (44%). Four in five non-contact injuries involved a neurocognitive error. Most injuries occurred during four previously identified situational patterns, with more injuries earlier in the match.
11 Knee muscle strength, body composition, and balance performance of youth soccer players
Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2024 Sep 30;16(1):206. doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-00966-7.
Authors: Cíntia França, Francisco Martins, Helder Lopes, Adilson Marques, Marcelo de Maio Nascimento, Krzysztof Przednowek, Andreas Ihle, Pedro Campos, Élvio Rúbio Gouveia
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11443753/pdf/13102_2024_Article_966.pdf
Summary: Muscle strength and balance abilities have been related to game performance injury prevention. This study aimed to (1) assess knee muscle strength performance based on intra- and inter-limb asymmetries, (2) investigate the relationships between knee muscle strength, body composition, and balance, and (3) analyze the variance in the overall stability index (OSI) explained by knee muscle strength indicators after controlling for age and body composition. The sample included 104 young male soccer players (16.0 ± 1.6 years). Body composition, knee muscle strength, and balance ability were assessed. A paired samples t-test was used to examine differences between the preferred leg (PL) and the non-preferred leg (NPL). Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple regression were conducted to explore the relationships between strength, body composition, and balance. No significant inter-limb asymmetries were detected for the knee flexors (KF) and knee extensors (KE) performance. The hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio does not suggest the existence of intra-limb asymmetries (p = 0.06). Significant and negative correlations were found between KF (r = -0.38, p ≤ 0.01) and KE (r = -0.58, p ≤ 0.01) for the PL. Concerning the NPL, KE also revealed a significant and negative relationship with balance (r = -0.30, p ≤ 0.01). Significant and positive relationships were found between bodyweight, fat-free mass, and balance. After controlling for age and body composition, knee muscle strength could explain between 13% and 30% of the variance observed in the OSI (NPL and PL, respectively). The results underline knee muscle strength as an important predictor of balance. Thus, training programs targeting knee muscle strength development should be considered during the season periodization by coaches and their staff throughout the players‘ developmental stages.
12 Analysis of match performance of elite soccer players across confederations during the Men’s and Women’s World Cup
Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2024 Sep 30:1-13. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2409679. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Wonwoo Ju, Rick Cost, José M Oliva-Lozano
Summary: This study aimed to benchmark and analyze match performance of elite soccer players from various confederations during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (Men’s WC) and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 (Women’s WC). A total of 128 matches were analyzed using an optical tracking system (n = 1,351 player observations). Players from various national teams were categorized into their respective confederations: Europe (UEFA), South America (CONMEBOL), North/Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (CAF) and Asia and Oceania (AFC/OFC). Generalized Linear Mixed Models and Linear Mixed Models were employed to assess performance differences between confederations. Data revealed that CONMEBOL players in the Men’s WC covered less total distance than UEFA players (p = 0.0396; ES = 0.6). However, no differences were found in high-intensity running and sprinting distances across confederations in both tournaments. UEFA players in both competitions typically demonstrated superior technical/tactical performances. In particular, UEFA players in the Women’s World Cup made more passes, had 7-16% higher pass completion rates and achieved 10-15% greater line break completion rates compared to those from CAF, CONCACAF and AFC/OFC (p < 0.0001 to p = 0.0199, ES = 0.5-1.3). These findings suggest that UEFA players may possess a tactical/technical edge in international competitions. However, caution should be exercised when interpreting data due to high variations within confederations. This is the first comprehensive study describing match performance between confederations during the Men’s and Women’s WC, providing valuable insights into the physical and technical/tactical aspects of elite soccer.
13 Impact of implicit vs. explicit Instructions on tactical performance in under-20 soccer players
Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2024 Sep 9:6:1441125. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1441125. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Cristóvão de Oliveira Abreu, Layla Maria Campos Aburachid, Igor Mendes Lima, Felipe A Moura, Bruno L S Bedo, Schelyne Ribas, Gibson Moreira Praça
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11438476/pdf/fspor-06-1441125.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to verify whether implicit and explicit informational constraints generate differences in tactical performance and behavior in U-20 national-level soccer players. Thirty-two under-20 male athletes from two clubs participated. Four 4-a-side small-sided games (SSG) protocols were used: R1 – explicit rule for high-press marking, R2 – implicit rule for high-press marking, R3 – game with both previous rules simultaneous and FR – free game, without additional rules. SSGs comprised 4 vs. 4+ goalkeepers games on a 42 m × 29 m field. Position data from 10 Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) devices were used to evaluate individual and collective tactical behavior (spatial occupation metrics) and performance (interpersonal coordination). MANOVA was used for normally distributed variables, and Friedman’s with Dunn or Bonferroni post hoc was used for variables without normal distribution. For SEI, an ANOVA was used with Bonferroni post hoc. The R1 protocol showed higher SEI, length, width, and LpWratio than the FR protocol (p = 0.009). There was an effect of the different protocols in SEI values (p < 0.001). Under the explicit rule, players also showed the highest in-phase interpersonal coordination values (p < 0.001). Providing players with explicit tactical instructions improves tactical performance acutely for high-pressing defensive actions.
14 Quantification in shooting precision for preferred and non-preferred foot in college soccer players using the 95% equal confidence ellipse
Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2024 Sep 13:6:1434096. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1434096. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Yusuke Shimotashiro, Masahiro Shinya
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11427314/pdf/fspor-06-1434096.pdf
Summary: Shooting precision is a fundamental characteristic in soccer, yet the probabilistic structure and magnitude of precision in soccer shooting remain quantitatively unexplored. This study aimed to quantify shooting precision using measures derived from the bivariate normal distribution for both preferred and non-preferred feet. Sixteen right-footed collegiate soccer players participated by performing instep kicks aiming at targets which are placed close to the left and right top corners of the soccer goal. We used bivariate normal distribution modeled the ball positions, revealing an ellipsoidal distribution, and the area of the 95% confidence ellipses served as an index of precision. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a significant main effect of the kicking foot. For shots aimed at the same side as the kicking foot, the area of the 95% confidence ellipse was 6.17 ± 1.93 m2 (mean ± SD) for the preferred foot and 10.22 ± 3.53 m2 for the non-preferred foot. Similar results were observed for shots aimed at the opposite side of the kicking foot. These quantitative findings hold promise for advancing soccer research and enhancing practical applications in soccer skill assessment.
15 Association between Hip/Groin Pain and Hip ROM and Strength in Elite Female Soccer Players
Reference: J Clin Med. 2024 Sep 23;13(18):5648. doi: 10.3390/jcm13185648.
Authors: Eloy Jaenada-Carrilero, Luis Baraja-Vegas, Paula Blanco-Giménez, Raul Gallego-Estevez, Iker J Bautista, Juan Vicente-Mampel
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433419/pdf/jcm-13-05648.pdf
Summary: Hip strength and range of motion have been compared in soccer players with and without hip and groin pain but only in male footballers or gender-combined samples. In female soccer players, the biomechanics contributing to this injury remain poorly understood compared to other sporting injuries. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether differences exist in adductor and abductor isometric test values and hip joint range of motion between elite female soccer players with longstanding groin pain and injury-free controls. Ten female elite soccer players with current longstanding hip and groin pain and twenty-five injury-free controls from the same teams were included in the study. Hip adductor and abductor isometric strength were evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. A bent knee fall-out test was also utilized to examine the hip joint range of motion. A significant difference in abductor isometric test values was observed between the control group (2.29 ± 0.53 N/Kg) and the hip and groin pain group (2.77 ± 0.48 N/Kg; p = 0.018). Furthermore, the injured group showed a decreased adductor/abductor ratio compared to the control group (1.00 ± 0.33 vs. 1.27 ± 0.26; p = 0.013). No differences were observed in the bent knee fall-out test (p = 0.285). Female elite soccer players with current longstanding hip and groin pain exhibited higher abductor isometric strength and lower adductor/abductor ratio compared to non-injured women players. There were no differences in the BKFO test between groups.
16 Relative Age Effect and ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D Polymorphisms in Brazilian Football Players: An Association Genetic Study
Reference: Res Q Exerc Sport. 2024 Oct 3:1-11. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2407883. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Maicon Rodrigues Albuquerque, Andressa Eliza da Silva Cunha, João Locke Ferreira de Araújo, Rodrigo Dos Santos Guimarães, Michele Rafaela Candida Ciriaco Rocha, Paulo H C Mesquita, Eduardo Mendonça Pimenta, Renan Pedra de Souza
Summary: The Relative Age Effect (RAE) suggests older athletes within an annual cohort have advantages over their younger peers. We hypothesized that younger athletes could overcome these disadvantages through favorable α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms. This study aimed to: 1) examine RAE prevalence among Brazilian football players; 2) investigate the distribution of the ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms; and 3) explore the association between polymorphisms and RAE across competitive levels and positions. The sample included 627 male players from first-division Brazilian teams in four age categories: U15 (n = 172), U17 (n = 166), U20 (n = 161), and Professionals (n = 128). A control group was established using data from the general Brazilian population documented in previous studies Results showed RAE presence across all competitive levels and positions. Players with the ACTN3 R allele, especially the RR genotype, had the strongest associations with football players, particularly among defenders. On the other hand, the distribution of ACE polymorphism was not significantly different between controls and players, except in the U17 category, where the I/I genotype was more common. Relatively older players had higher total genotype scores than younger counterparts in the overall sample and defender subgroups. In conclusion, RAE is prevalent among Brazilian football players, with older athletes benefiting from favorable ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms, contrary to our initial hypothesis.
17 Impact of mindfulness on football coaches: A mixed design
Reference: PLoS One. 2024 Oct 3;19(10):e0306824. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0306824. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Aleix Gibert, Antoni Planas, Carlota Torrents
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0306824
Summary: Mindfulness is an increasingly popular practice among elite athletes to improve performance and well-being, but its application for coaches is still very limited. Therefore, a new program (M×E; Mindfulness para Entrenadores) was designed and implemented online for 6 weeks for coaches, support staff, and technical directors. Participants were 58 (57 men), aged between 23 and 58 (M = 31.8). The between-subject analysis (RM ANOVA 2×2) included experimental (n = 26) and wait-list control group (n = 21). A total of 29 completed the within-subject analysis (RM ANOVA) completing follow-up measurements until six months. The analysis was complemented with 21 individual semi-structured interviews. The experimental group showed significant improvements in mindfulness trait (p < .001), interpersonal mindfulness (p = .010), and a significant improvement in emotional regulation (p = .010) in comparison to the wait-list control group. The experimental group’s positive trend in all variables‘ levels was maintained until six months after the program. The qualitative analysis showed a positive impact on professional, personal, and social areas with improvements related to performance and well-being. Several participants considered the program as „fundamental“ for their professional role. This study provides information on best practices in implementing mindfulness-based programs, highlighting their practical orientation, the training plan, and the safe space. These results offer initial validation of the potential of the M×E and invite sports organizations to incorporate mindfulness-based programs specially designed for coaches, support staff and technical directors.
18 The FIFA 11+ injury prevention program reduces the incidence of lower extremity injuries in football players: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Reference: J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2024 Oct 3. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.24.15910-5. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Omar W Althomali, Ahmed A Ibrahim, Amawi F Algharbi, Shahad S Alshammari, Shahad N Alajlan, Joud A Albaqawi, Asma F Alshammari, Bodor Bin Sheeha, Hisham M Hussein
Summary: The FIFA 11+ preventive program is designed to reduce the incidence of injury in sports. However, to gain a better understanding of its effect a systematic review and meta-analysis is needed. The current review aims to investigate the effect of the FIFA 11+ preventive program on injury incidence among male and female football players. This study used Scopus, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and ProQuest as data sources. The initial selection of the studies, thorough assessment of the tile, and abstract. Extraction of the necessary study data was conducted by two independent researchers. Another two independent researchers assessed the quality of each included study against 39 used criteria. These criteria were combined from several popular quality assessment scales. The incidence of injuries measured in the lower extremities in football players after addressing the FIFA11+ was the outcome of interest. This review included 12 trials of variable methodological quality from which 10 trials were selected for the meta-analysis. In general, the FIFA11+ program showed a significant reduction (P<0.1) in lower limb injury incidence for male young and adults in comparison to other programs. However, evidence of its effectiveness in females is lacking and more studies are needed. The FIFA 11+ program is recommended to be used and implemented as a preventive strategy in males. Although, the result showed a significant reduction in injury incidence in adult males, heterogeneity between studies is high which may reduce the generalizability of the results. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of the FIFA 11+ program on females.
19 Eating disorder risk assessment and sociocultural attitudes toward body image among Polish and Turkish professional female football players
Reference: Front Nutr. 2024 Sep 18:11:1456782. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1456782. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka, Samet Aktaş, Grzegorz Zydek, Marek Kardas, Martyna Kałuża, Małgorzata Magdalena Michalczyk
Download link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1456782/full
Summary: Football requires high physical fitness and often involves maintaining a specific physique, leading to harmful eating behaviors due to internal and external pressures. Cultural norms influence the prevalence and types of eating disorders (ED), with differences in eating habits, beauty standards, and socio-cultural pressures affecting ED development. This study assesses ED risk and analyzes socio-cultural attitudes toward body image among Polish and Turkish female football players. The study was conducted from April to June 2024 and included 103 professional female football players aged 18–35 from Polish (n = 49) and Turkish (n = 54) clubs. Data were collected using the CAWI method via Google Forms. Participants completed EAT-26 and SATAQ-3 questionnaires, assessing ED risk and socio-cultural attitudes toward body image. 40.8% of participants were at risk for ED. No differences in ED prevalence were found between groups of different nationalities. Polish footballers at risk of ED scored higher on the Internalization-Pressure and Information subscales and the overall SATAQ-3 score. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between SATAQ-3 and EAT-26 scores. The study finds no nationality-based differences in ED prevalence among professional female football players, but ED is widespread, affecting about 40% of players. Nutritional status impacts ED risk, with higher risk among underweight and overweight players. Polish players are more influenced by socio-cultural standards of body image promoted by mass media. The study underscores the need for regular screening and psychological support.
20 Countermovement Jump and Isometric Strength Test-Retest Reliability in English Premier League Academy Football Players
Reference: Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2024 Oct 1:1-11. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0473. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Matthew Springham, Nav Singh, Perry Stewart, Jordan Matthews, Ian Jones, Charlie Norton-Sherwood, Dominic May, Jamie Salter, Anthony J Strudwick, Joseph W Shaw
Summary: The aim was to examine the test-retest reliability of countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric strength testing measures in elite-level under-18 and under-23 academy football players. A total of 36 players performed 3 maximal CMJs and isometric abductor (IABS), adductor (IADS), and posterior chain (IPCS) strength tests on 2 separate test days using dual force plates (CMJ and IPCS) and a portable strength testing device (IABS and IADS). Relative (intraclass correlation coefficient) and absolute (coefficient of variation, standard error of the measurement, and minimal detectable change [MDC%]) reliabilities for 34 CMJ, 10 IABS, 10 IADS, and 11 IPCS measures were analyzed using between-sessions best, mean, and within-session methods. For all methods, relative reliability was good to excellent for all CMJ and all IADS measures and poor to good for all IABS and IPCS measures. Absolute reliability was good (ie, coefficient of variation < 10%) for 27 (best) and 28 (mean) CMJ variables and for 6 (IABS and IADS) and 2 (IPCS) isometric measures. Commonly used CMJ measures (jump height, eccentric duration, and flight-time:contraction-time ratio) had good to excellent relative reliability and an MDC% range of 14.6% to 23.7%. Likewise, commonly used isometric peak force measures for IABS, IADS, and IPCS had good to excellent relative reliability and an MDC% range of 22.2% to 26.4%. Commonly used CMJ and isometric strength measures had good test-retest reliability but might be limited by their MDC%. Rate-of-force-development measures (for all isometric tests) and impulse measures (IPCS) are limited by poor relative and absolute reliability and high MDC%. MDC% statistics should be considered in the context of typical responsiveness.
21 Enhancing reactive agility in soccer: The impact of stroboscopic eyewear during warm-up across fatigued and non-fatigued conditions
Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2024 Nov 22. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.12224. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Teresa Zwierko, Vicente Tapia, Jesús Vera, Beatriz Redondo, María Dolores Morenas-Aguilar, Amador García-Ramos
Summary: Although prolonged training with stroboscopic eyewear has demonstrated potential for enhancing visuomotor skills, the acute effects of stroboscopic stimulation are not well understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the short-term effects of stroboscopic exposure during the ball-specific phase of soccer warm-up on agility performance in preplanned and unpredictable (RA) tasks. Also, these effects were examined both in tasks involving ball dribbling and without the ball, as well as under fatigued and non-fatigued conditions. Twenty-two male soccer players participated in three sessions: a familiarization session and two experimental sessions, one with and one without stroboscopic exposure during the warm-up. RA was assessed before and after each session using the 10-repetition Illinois Agility Test, with and without ball control. Results showed that stroboscopic exposure significantly enhanced RA performance in tasks involving ball dribbling (p < 0.001, effect size (ES) = 0.57), and these effects were maintained under fatigued conditions (p = 0.007, ES = 0.39). However, there were no significant improvements in RA without the ball (p > 0.05). Exercise-induced fatigue reduced RA performance in both conditions (F = 28.2; p < 0.001), regardless of warm-up type (F = 0.5; p = 0.484). Additionally, stroboscopic exposure did not significantly affect the changes of direction speed performance in the Illinois Agility Test (F = 0.5; p = 0.479). These findings suggest that integrating stroboscopic eyewear into the ball-specific phase of soccer warm-ups effectively improves RA performance in tasks involving dribbling under both non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. The effectiveness of acute stroboscopic stimulation is closely related to the specificity of the tasks in which it is applied. These insights could benefit training across various sports, encouraging coaches to adopt this approach to enhance player preparation before both training and competitions.
22 Comparing Vibration Foam Rolling and Static Stretching for Enhancing Muscle Recovery in Professional Male Soccer Players: A Counterbalanced Crossover Study
Reference: J Sport Rehabil. 2024 Nov 22:1-8. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2024-0038. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Francisco J Corredoira, Miguel Lorenzo-Martínez, Samuel Carrera, Pablo B Costa, Ezequiel Rey
Summary: Professional soccer players frequently experience fatigue due to the demanding nature of the sport. In this context, effective recovery strategies are essential for maintaining performance. Static stretching (SS) is commonly used in soccer, but its efficacy is debated. Vibration foam rolling (VFR) is a novel recovery technique that has not been extensively studied in soccer. This research aimed to investigate the acute effects of VFR (3 sets of 45 s of rolling and 15 s of rest between sets) and SS (3 sets of 45 s and 15 s of rest between sets) on muscle contractile properties in professional soccer players. Eighteen players participated in this counterbalanced crossover study. Settings: After a 1-week washout period between sessions, the subjects completed the 2 condition trials (VFR or SS) in counterbalanced order following a training session, which had a duration of 77 min and a total distance of 6500 m covered. Muscle contractile properties of the rectus femoris were assessed with tensiomyography before training (pre), immediately after training (post 1), and postrecovery intervention (post 2). Tensiomyography parameters included maximal radial muscle-belly displacement and contraction time and velocity. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. There were no significant differences in the training load between groups during the training sessions (P > .05). Results showed that maximal radial muscle-belly displacement (P = .004) and contractiontime (P = .007) significantly decrease from pre (before training) to post 1 (after training). No significant main effects for group were obtained for all the variables (P > .05). However, both VFR and SS interventions effectively restored maximal radialmuscle-belly displacement (P = .011) and contraction time (P = .008) from post 1 (after) to post 2 (postrecovery intervention), suggesting reduced muscular stiffness. Contraction velocity remained unchanged after both interventions (P > .05). Therefore, these interventions could offer valuable advantages for posttraining neuromuscular acute recovery in professional soccer players.
23 Small-Sided-Game-Induced Mechanical Load in Adolescent Soccer: The Need for Care and Consideration for Athlete Preservation
Reference: Sports Health. 2024 Nov 22:19417381241296063. doi: 10.1177/19417381241296063. Online ahead of print.
Author: Jamie Salter
Download link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/19417381241296063
Summary: The logistical efficiency and flexibility of small-sided games (SSG) to develop various soccer-specific attributes simultaneously make them a staple component of contemporary training programs in youth soccer. Their high ecological validity and consequential high utilization mean that if not considerately prescribed, players may be exposed to frequent repetitive mechanical stress that may induce maladaptation in skeletally and/or load-naïve or sensitive athletes. The purpose of this clinical review is to summarize mechanical load adaptations associated with the manipulation of area per player in SSG to outline the mechanistic pathway of load-related injuries in skeletally maturing athletes and to offer practical guidelines for coaches for the preservation of athlete health. A nonsystematic search of computerized databases of peer-reviewed articles in English between 2010 and the present was used, and a critical appraisal of existing literature was subsequently conducted. The temporary relative strength deficit and inefficiency of the musculotendinous system associated with accelerated growth increase the mechanical cost of activity. As a result, the load tolerance (ie, tolerant, naïve, or sensitive) of athletes is transiently reduced as the musculoskeletal system struggles to attenuate force absorption adequately. Repeated exposure to submaximal mechanical loads that stimulate the accumulation of „microdamage“ in structural tissue may lead to aggravation and/or tissue failure at connective sites in skeletally fragile athletes. Coaches and practitioners need to individualize exposure to mechanical load for load-tolerant, naïve, and sensitive athletes during adolescence. Subtle changes to SSG prescription including modifying the area per player, inclusion of goalkeepers, constrained floaters, and management of work; rest ratios can offer practical and efficient methods to mitigate risk without derailing the development process. This, in turn, should contribute to reducing injury burden in this population and enhance developmental opportunities for young players.
24 Acute acetaminophen ingestion improves the recovery of neuromuscular fatigue following simulated soccer match-play
Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2024 Nov 7:S1440-2440(24)00557-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.11.002. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Mustapha Bouchiba, Mouna Turki, Slim Zarzissi, Firas Zghal, Omar Trabelsi, Haithem Rebai, Mohamed Amine Bouzid
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of acute acetaminophen ingestion on the responses of neuromuscular function, biomarkers of muscle damage, and physical performance during the 72-hour recovery period following simulated soccer match-play. The study followed a crossover randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design. During the two experimental sessions, thirteen semi-professional male soccer players completed a 90-minute simulated soccer match, 60 min after oral ingestion of 1 g acetaminophen or placebo. Maximal voluntary contraction and twitch responses of the knee extensor muscles, elicited through electrical femoral nerve stimulation, were utilized to evaluate both peripheral fatigue (potentiated twitch force, Qtw,pot) and central fatigue (voluntary activation). Performance was assessed through countermovement jump and 20 m sprint tests. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were also measured. Smaller reductions were observed in maximal voluntary contraction (-13.3 ± 7.5 % vs. -24.7 ± 11.1 %) and voluntary activation (-3.8 ± 4.4 % vs. -12.9 ± 5.4 %) in the acetaminophen compared to the placebo condition immediately after simulated soccer match-play (p < 0.05). Afterward, these parameters were recovered 24 h earlier in the acetaminophen session compared to the placebo session. Furthermore, the 20 m sprint performance was significantly better throughout the recovery period in the acetaminophen session compared to the placebo session. The findings of this study showed that acute ingestion of 1 g of acetaminophen (1 h before exercise) attenuated the decrease in maximal voluntary contraction and voluntary activation levels after exercise, as well as improved 20 m sprint performance.