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 Sports-Related Concussions and Closed Head Injuries in Pediatric Female Soccer Athletes: A 10-year Analysis of National Injury Data
Reference: Sports Health. 2025 Aug 20:19417381251360017. doi: 10.1177/19417381251360017. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Jennifer Yu, Avanish Yendluri, Julian V Javier, Kareem S Mohamed, Dennis M Bienstock, Christon Darden, Salvatore Capotosto, Arianna L Gianakos, Rachel M Frank, Robert L Parisien
Summary: Female athletes are underrepresented in sports injury research, particularly regarding sports-related concussions (SRCs) and closed head injuries (CHIs). This study analyzes injury mechanisms in pediatric female soccer players to better address risks in this population. It was hypothesized that soccer-related SRCs/CHIs in pediatric female players are most commonly caused by ball contact and direct player collisions, with a decrease in incidence over time due to improved safety measuresStudy Design:Descriptive epidemiological. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for soccer-related SRCs/CHIs in girls aged 2 to 18 years from 2014 to 2023. Injury narratives were reviewed to identify mechanisms. National estimates (NEs) were calculated using NEISS statistical weights, and linear regression evaluated trends over time. SRCs/CHIs comprised 16.1% of soccer-related injuries in females aged 2 to 18 years, with 84,519 nationally estimated injuries (2946 NEISS cases). Players aged 14 to 18 years accounted for 63.8% of cases. The most common mechanism was being hit by a soccer ball kicked by another player (35.0%). Player contact, including head-to-head collisions and rough play, caused 25.2% of injuries. For goalies, being kicked or kneed in the head was the leading mechanism (34.6%). A significant decrease in injuries was observed over time (P < 0.05). Female pediatric soccer head injuries decreased significantly from 2014 to 2023, with most injuries caused by ball contact or player collisions. These findings support implementing safety initiatives, such as headgear, concussion education, and gameplay modifications, to reduce injury risks based on the mechanisms identified. This study highlights the need for safety measures that can be applied broadly across age groups to mitigate soccer-related head injuries in pediatric female athletes.
2 The Multigroup Model of Identity Leadership (Multi-IL) in Professional Team Sports: Navigating Group Dynamics from the Perspective of Professional Soccer Head Coaches
Reference: Psychol Sport Exerc. 2025 Aug 16:102972. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102972. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Verena C Pearce, Martin P Fladerer, Thorsten Leber, Dieter Frey, Hans-Dieter Hermann
Summary: This study examines how subgroups and multigroup dynamics within professional soccer clubs influence the head coach’s leadership effectiveness from a social identity perspective. In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 professional head coaches from the top four German men’s leagues and the top two women’s leagues. Data were analyzed using qualitative structuring content analysis and iterative abductive coding, integrating both deductive and inductive approaches, grounded in critical realism. The findings reveal that head coaches in professional soccer clubs operate within three key subgroups: the player group, the staff group, and the management group. Head coaches play a bridging role, unifying these subgroups because their interactions can have both positive and negative effects on their leadership effectiveness. Positive leadership experiences were characterized by functional and effective relationships (alliances) with at least two and often all three subgroups. In contrast, functional alliances with just one subgroup, even if it was the player group, proved insufficient and led to negative leadership experiences over time. Positive leadership experiences depended on the head coach’s ability to manage the social identity dynamics within and across subgroups, because negative dynamics in any subgroup could undermine overall leadership effectiveness. These findings have been synthesized into the Multigroup Model of Identity Leadership (Multi-IL) in Professional Team Sports. The findings highlight the importance of considering key subgroups and their interplay for effective identity leadership. Coaches and researchers should adopt a multigroup perspective to enhance leadership effectiveness and advance leadership research.
3 Mental health support within professional soccer academies: clarifying the roles of psychologists, player care staff and clinicians
Reference: Front Psychol. 2025 Aug 1:16:1633397. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1633397. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Ian A James, Martin James Turner
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12355608/pdf/fpsyg-16-1633397.pdf
Summary: Surveys of professional soccer players mental health (MH) difficulties reveal a prevalence either equal or higher compared to the general population. It is suggested that under reporting of problems occurs because of the stigma associated with disclosing difficulties, poor MH literacy, and concerns about deselection. This paper presents a stepped-care pathway of MH support, together with a discussion about the optimal manner by which this support can be provided. While suggesting that enhancing the MH of players is ‚everyone’s business‘, particular focus is given to the work of sports psychologists (SP), members of the player care team, and specialist MH clinicians. The use of such a pathway is discussed within a professional soccer club, and issues about communication, confidentiality and competition are debated. The pros and cons of employing a qualified MH clinician within a club are also discussed, as well as the conditions required for such an appointment to work effectively.
4 Ultrasonographic evaluation of intrinsic foot muscle thickness in soccer and basketball players: an observational study
Reference: PeerJ. 2025 Aug 13:13:e19773. doi: 10.7717/peerj.19773. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Lorena Canosa-Carro, Jorge Hugo Villafañe, Unai Torres-Berra, Jaime Almazán-Polo, Helios Pareja-Galeano, Sergio Vázquez-González, Carlos Romero-Morales
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12357543/pdf/peerj-13-19773.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to assess and compare the thickness of specific intrinsic foot muscles (IFM)-abductor hallucis brevis (ABH), flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), quadratus plantaris (QP)-and the plantar fascia (PF) in amateur soccer and basketball players using ultrasonography. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 35 male amateur athletes, including 17 soccer players and 18 basketball players. Ultrasonographic imaging was performed to measure the thickness of the IFM and PF in a relaxed position for all participants. Basketball players demonstrated significantly greater thickness in the ABH and FHB compared to soccer players. However, no substantial differences were observed in the thickness of the FDB, QP, or PF between the two groups. The study identified sport-specific differences in the thickness of certain intrinsic foot muscles between soccer and basketball players. These variations may be attributed to the unique movement patterns and biomechanical demands of each sport, highlighting the importance of targeted training and injury prevention programs tailored to the needs of these athletes.
5 Biomechanical determinants of high ball speed during instep soccer kick by prepubescent male athletes: the importance of muscle elasticity
Reference: PeerJ. 2025 Aug 13:13:e19923. doi: 10.7717/peerj.19923. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Volkan Deniz, Abdullah Kılcı
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12357547/pdf/peerj-13-19923.pdf
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle viscoelastic properties, muscle activation and thigh rotational velocity and rotational acceleration are significantly associated with high ball speed during instep soccer kick by prepubescent male athletes. This study included 31 prepubescent male soccer players. Maximal ball speed during the instep kick was measured using a radar gun. Viscoelastic properties such as tone, elasticity, and stiffness of the superficial abdominal and leg muscles were measured at rest using myotonometry. The activation of the rectus abdominis (RA) and rectus femoris (RF), as well as the thigh’s three-dimensional rotational velocity and acceleration, were evaluated using surface electromyography and an inertial measurement unit. Significant negative correlations were found between the maximum ball speed and the hamstring medialis (HM) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) elasticity (r = -0.656 and -0.680; power > 0.95; p < 0.05 for all). Significant positive correlations existed between maximum ball speed and RA-RF activation (r = 0.494 and 0.579), maximum thigh rotational velocity in the sagittal plane (r = 0.619), and maximum thigh rotational acceleration in the sagittal (r = 0.435) and horizontal (r = 0.380) planes (power > 0.95; p < 0.05 for all). The multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that significant parameters for maximum ball speed were HM (B = -36.84) and GM (B = -26.83) elasticity along with thigh rotational velocity in sagittal plane (B = 0.01) (adjusted R2 = 0.56, delta R2 = 0.17). The elasticity of the GM and HM muscles, the activation levels of the RA and RF muscles, and the rotational velocity-acceleration of the thigh in the sagittal and horizontal planes were significant factors associated with high ball speed during the instep kick. To enhance ball speed during the instep kick, training methods that focus on improving the elasticity of the GM and HM muscles, as well as increasing activation of the core and rectus femoris, should be prioritized for prepubescent male soccer players.
6 What Are the Consequences of Hamstring Injuries on Soccer Players‘ Match Running Performance? A Systematic Review
Reference: Sports Health. 2025 Aug 18:19417381251350919. doi: 10.1177/19417381251350919. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Javier Raya-González, Jose Carlos Ponce-Bordón, Tomás García-Calvo, Jorge Polo-Tejada, Borja Sanabria-Pino, David Lobo-Triviño
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12361187/pdf/10.1177_19417381251350919.pdf
Summary: When soccer players reach high speeds, the hamstring complex is exposed to injury, with sprinting being the mechanism for 70% of injuries suffered in this muscle group. The aim was to examine and summarize the impact of hamstring injuries on match running performance in elite male soccer players. An electronic database search (Web of Science, Scopus, SportDiscus, and PubMed) was conducted (until December 12, 2023). Potential studies were searched by using the following keywords: „monitoring,“ „quantification,“ „hamstring injuries,“ „injuries,“ „recovery,“ „rehab,“ and „return to play.“ The next criteria were also added: professional male soccer, studies reported pre- to postinjury values, included data from matches. A total of 4082 papers were reviewed and after 2 screening phases, only 5 papers were selected. A total of 169 hamstring injuries were analyzed (from 18 to 72 in each included study), and a total of 136 matches were included (from 10 to 81 in each included study). This review showed that high-speed running (HSR) distance was the variable reported most frequently. Overall, a decrease in match running performance was found after hamstring injuries compared with baseline values. Hamstring injuries impact negatively on soccer players‘ physical performance, particularly in variables related to HSR. These findings have implications for practitioners regarding the management of player participation after returning to play in terms of volume (ie, minutes), but should be taken with caution due to the limited number of studies included in the present systematic review.
7 Comparison of Interlimb Coordination During Soccer Instep Kicking Between Elite and Amateur Players
Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2025 Sep;25(9):e70041. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.70041.
Authors: Zhanyi Zhou, Zixiang Gao, Fengping Li, Dongxu Wang, Yucheng Wang, Gusztáv Fekete, Yaodong Gu
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12358685/pdf/EJSC-25-e70041.pdf
Summary: This study investigates how interlimb joint coordination influences foot speed during soccer instep kicking, using continuous relative phase (CRP) as a quantitative method. The sample includes 15 elite and 15 amateur players to examine potential differences in coordination patterns and their impact on performance. Specifically, we focused on the coordination between hip, knee, and ankle joints in the forefoot-back kicking motion. Results indicated that elite players exhibited significantly higher hip-knee CRP in the coronal plane during 62%-81% of movement duration (p = 0.015) and higher knee-ankle CRP in the vertical plane during 78%-100% (p = 0.013). Moreover, elite players had significantly greater hip-knee mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) in the coronal plane (p < 0.001), as well as increased knee-ankle DP (p = 0.04). In the horizontal plane, hip-knee MARP was also greater in the elite players compared to amateurs (p < 0.001). Further analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between hip-knee CRP and foot velocity in the sagittal plane (R = -0.66, p < 0.001), whereas a significant positive correlation was observed between knee-ankle CRP and foot velocity in the horizontal plane (R = 0.56, p = 0.002). These findings suggest that elite players have superior joint coordination, which contributes to a faster foot velocity at the moment of ball impact. Understanding these coordination patterns provides valuable insights into optimizing kicking techniques. The findings of this study suggest that joint coordination may play an important role in enhancing kicking foot speed, which could inform future training approaches aimed at improving soccer performance.
8 The Impact of the FIFA 11+ Neuromuscular Training Programme on Ankle Injury Reduction in Football Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Reference: Muscles. 2025 Aug 12;4(3):30. doi: 10.3390/muscles4030030.
Authors: Can Eser, Türker Bıyıklı, Paul J Byrne, John D Duggan
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ injury prevention programme, a neuromuscular training intervention involving muscular strength, proprioception, balance, and plyometric exercises, in reducing ankle injury incidence among football players. Included are randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving players of any age, sex, or competition level, comparing the FIFA 11+ programme with standard warm-up routines. Studies were eligible if they had a minimum follow-up of five months and reported at least two of the following: number of ankle injuries, incidence rate, and exposure hours. Searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE (via OVID), Scopus, and SPORTDiscus up to October 2024. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2), and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Three RCTs, involving 3833 participants and 286,827 exposure hours, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis showed that the FIFA 11+ programme significantly reduced ankle injury rates compared to control groups (rate ratio (RR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.96, p = 0.03, I2 = 52%), reflecting a 33% lower risk. The certainty of the evidence was rated as moderate due to bias in two studies. In conclusion, the FIFA 11+ programme significantly reduces ankle injury incidence and supports implementation at all levels. However, further research is needed to examine long-term effects, optimal doses, and applicability across diverse football populations.
9 Influence of selected cognitive performances on musculoskeletal injury occurrence in adult male professional Slovenian PrvaLiga football players in a prospective cohort study
Reference: Sci Rep. 2025 Aug 22;15(1):30828. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-16643-9.
Authors: Florian Giesche, Manca Peskar, Luka Šlosar, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Uros Marusic
Download link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-16643-9.pdf
Summary: Evidence suggests athletes with lower baseline cognitive performance are at higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This prospective cohort study investigates basic and executive cognitive functions in predicting injuries in 78 professional male football (soccer) players from four Slovenian first league teams. Data were collected during the 2018/2019 winter break, and injuries recorded in the second half of that and the 2019/2020 season. Cognitive functions assessed by computerized tests (PsyToolkit) included psychomotor vigilance (simple, choice reaction time) and visuospatial memory (Corsi-block-tapping-test), while pen-and-paper tests assessed motor speed, visual scanning, and executive functions (TMT; Delis-Kaplan-Executive-Function-System). Forty-two players sustained at least one musculoskeletal injury (9 contact injuries), 36 remained injury-free. Logistic regression analyses indicated that none of the cognitive measures significantly influenced injury occurrence (p > 0.05). However, non-significant trends were observed for the TMT ratio score (p = 0.065, OR = 1.64), reflecting cognitive flexibility, and for TMT-A (p = 0.05, OR = 0.60), reflecting visual scanning. Specifically, players with lower cognitive flexibility showed a 64% increase in the odds of sustaining an injury, while better visual scanning performance was associated with a 40% reduction in injury odds. No significant association was found between basic or executive cognitive functions and musculoskeletal injuries in professional male football players. However, a non-significant trend suggested that lower cognitive flexibility may be associated with increased injury risk. These findings underscore the need for larger studies to better clarify the role of executive functions in assessing injury risk in football.
10 Injuries sustained by male football players in a South African academy league: epidemiology and methodological appraisal of two surveillance approaches in a lower-resourced club environment
Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2025 Aug 5:S1440-2440(25)00222-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2025.07.012. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Eirik H Wik, Laurent Koglin, Rangana Hettige, Fanie De Klerk, Wayne Derman
Download link: https://www.jsams.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1440-2440%2825%2900222-1
Summary: The aim was to describe injuries sustained by South African male academy players and explore self-reporting for capturing health problems in a lower-resourced environment. Male players (n = 109) between 10 and 18 years were recruited from two clubs competing in a high-performance academy league in the Western Cape, South Africa. Medical attention injuries were documented by volunteer physicians through weekly field-side clinics, following IOC (International Olympic Committee) consensus guidelines. Additional data were collected by player self-reporting in a subset of teams (n = 38 players; U16 and U18) using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H2) to describe the prevalence of health problems (injuries and illnesses) and compare injuries captured by the two methods. The overall incidence was 0.88 injuries per 365 player-days (95 % CI: 0.65 to 1.15), with a higher incidence in older age groups. The knee (21 %), head (14 %) and groin (14 %) were the most injured body parts, whilst bone contusions (19 %), physis injuries (15 %) and muscle injuries (14 %) were the most common pathology types. In the subset of teams using player-surveys, the average weekly prevalence of health problems was 10.8 % (95 % CI: 8.0 to 13.5). When comparing the two methods, 37 % of injuries were only captured by the field-side clinic, 29 % only by player surveys, and 34 % by both. We provide novel data on injuries sustained by South African male academy players, with bone and muscle injuries being the main concerns. We further highlight the complementary nature of player self-reporting in a lower-resourced football setting.
11 Pre-season and in-season body composition assessment by bioimpedance in professional football athletes: implications for sports nutrition, physical performance, and hormonal health
Reference: Front Nutr. 2025 Aug 1:12:1657855. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1657855. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Rand Iblasi, Mahmoud Abualsaud, Adam Tawfiq Amawi, Hadeel Ghazzawi
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12353746/pdf/fnut-12-1657855.pdf
Summary: Seasonal transitions in professional football specifically between the pre-season and in-season phases are accompanied by distinct physiological, hormonal, and nutritional demands. Understanding these fluctuations is essential to optimizing dietary periodization, improving performance outcomes, and supporting player recovery. This study aimed to assess and compare the dietary intake, hormonal biomarkers, and body composition of professional football players during the pre-season and in-season phases. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 15 professional male football players (mean age: 25.15 ± 3.78 years). Dietary intake was recorded over 7 consecutive days during each phase and analyzed using ESHA Food Processor software. Nutrient adequacy was evaluated against established sports nutrition guidelines. Physical performance (30-meter sprint, vertical jump, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1), body composition (body weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass via bioimpedance), and hormonal biomarkers (GH, IGF-1, testosterone, insulin, cortisol) were also measured. Average daily energy and carbohydrate intake were higher during the in-season phase (3,240 kcal and 392.0 g, respectively) compared to pre-season (2,890 kcal and 349.6 g), though the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Protein intake was significantly higher during pre-season (168.79 ± 42.03 g vs. 140.86 ± 34.86 g, p = 0.02), whereas fat intake was significantly lower (98.26 ± 23.32 g vs. 131.04 ± 42.74 g, p = 0.01). Micronutrient analysis revealed significant phase-dependent differences in intake of vitamins B1, B2, B5, choline, calcium, sodium, and zinc (p < 0.05). Only GH levels showed a significant increase in-season (0.49 ng/mL vs. 0.19 ng/mL, p = 0.03); no other hormonal markers differed significantly. Despite increased physical demands, players failed to meet recommended energy and carbohydrate targets in both pre-season and in-season phases, while protein intake exceeded recommendations. Several micronutrient imbalances were also observed. These findings highlight the need for tailored, phase-specific nutritional strategies to support the health, hormonal balance, and performance of professional football players throughout the competitive season.
12 Competitive Anxiety, Sports Injury, and Playing Category in Youth Soccer Players
Reference: Children (Basel). 2025 Aug 20;12(8):1094. doi: 10.3390/children12081094.
Authors: Rafael Sánchez-Ruiz, Laura Gil-Caselles, Alejo García-Naveira, Félix Arbinaga, Roberto Ruiz-Barquín, Aurelio Olmedilla-Zafra
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12384764/pdf/children-12-01094.pdf
Summary: Adolescence is a critical period of physical, psychological, and social development, during which athletes are particularly vulnerable to stress and injuries. Competitive anxiety has been identified as a psychological factor that may increase injury risk; however, its role among young soccer players remains underexplored. This study aimed to analyse the association between competitive anxiety and injury vulnerability in young male soccer players aged 10 to 15 years. A total of 322 male soccer players from youth categories (Alevin, Infantil, and Cadete) participated. Competitive anxiety was assessed using the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2), and injury data were collected via a self-reported questionnaire covering the 2024-2025 season. Descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests. A high incidence of injuries was observed, increasing progressively with age category. In the overall sample, injuries were associated with higher levels of Somatic Anxiety, as well as with age and sporting experience, variables also linked to increased Worry and reduced Distraction. When analysed by category, no significant associations between anxiety and injury were found in Alevin players. In the Infantil group, injury incidence showed a slight increase with age and experience, but no association with anxiety was detected. Among Cadete players, injuries were positively related to Somatic Anxiety and Distraction, highlighting the influence of psychological factors at this developmental stage. These findings underscore the relevance of competitive anxiety, particularly Worry and Distraction, as risk factors for injury in youth soccer. The implementation of preventive psychological interventions and ongoing monitoring is recommended to reduce anxiety levels and injury vulnerability, thereby promoting safer and healthier athletic development among young soccer players.
13 A qualitative study of talent identification and selection in youth soccer: talent scouts‘ perceptions
Reference: J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2025 Aug 29. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.25.16996-X. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Walter Steenbok, Heather Morris-Eyton, Alliance Kubayi
Summary: This study explored the perceptions of talent scouts regarding the attributes they consider essential when identifying talented youth soccer players. This qualitative study used a pragmatic research paradigm. The sample comprised nine scouts (mean age: 50.12±9.33 years) who were interviewed. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes and 11 sub-themes emerged from the interview transcripts: 1) technical attributes (i.e., first touch, dribbling, passing and finishing); 2) physical attributes (i.e., height, speed and endurance); 3) psychosocial attributes (i.e., discipline and coachability); and 4) tactical attributes (decision-making and game sense and awareness). These results could help soccer coaches determine what qualities prospective talented players should have to improve their chances of getting selected for future opportunities, and thereby direct training for talent development initiatives.
14 Superiority of Dynamic Stretching over Static and Combined Stretching Protocols for Repeated Sprint Performance in Elite Male Soccer Players
Reference: Sports (Basel). 2025 Aug 18;13(8):275. doi: 10.3390/sports13080275.
Authors: Ridha Aouadi, Mohamed Amine Ltifi, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Mohamed Chedly Jlid, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12389893/pdf/sports-13-00275.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to examine the effects of different stretching techniques on repeated sprint performance and to assess the influence of the sequence in which static and dynamic stretching are performed. Ten male Division II soccer players (age: 22.80 ± 1.13 years; height: 180.60 ± 3.59 cm; body mass: 70.60 ± 6.04 kg) completed a repeated sprint test consisting of 6 × 30 m sprints after five different warm-up protocols in a randomized, counterbalanced design: (1) general warm-up without stretching (NS), (2) static stretching (SS), (3) dynamic stretching (DS), (4) SS followed by DS (SS-DS), and (5) DS followed by SS (DS-SS). Stretching was performed during the recovery periods between sprints: ~6 min for SS and DS, and ~12 min for combined protocols. Sessions were spaced 72 h apart. Performance metrics included mean sprint time, best sprint time, and total sprint time. ANOVA and Cohen’s d were used for statistical analysis. Repeated sprint test performance was significantly enhanced after DS compared to SS, DS-SS, and SS-DS (p = 0.042-0.002; ES = 0.31-2.26), but not significantly different from NS (p > 0.05). SS had a detrimental effect when compared to DS and NS (p < 0.05; ES = 1.86-2.26). Improvements were observed in mean sprint time and total sprint time across all six sprints (p = 0.042-0.006; ES = 0.31-2.26) and in best sprint time (p = 0.006-0.002; ES = 0.89-1.86). In conclusion, DS prior to repeated sprint test improves performance compared to SS and combined methods. NS also supports strong performance but shows a slight advantage over SS and combinations. Incorporating DS into warm-up routines is recommended to optimize sprint performance, reduce injury risk, and support athlete preparation.
15 The Impact of Mental Fatigue on the Accuracy of Penalty Kicks in College Soccer Players
Reference: Sports (Basel). 2025 Aug 7;13(8):259. doi: 10.3390/sports13080259.
Authors: Qingguang Liu, Ruitian Huang, Zhibo Liu, Caiyu Sun, Linyu Qi, Antonio Cicchella
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12390445/pdf/sports-13-00259.pdf
Summary: The aim was to investigate the impact of mental fatigue on the shooting accuracy and movement timing in the instep kick of Asian high-level soccer players. Eight male collegiate soccer players (age 22.00 ± 0.93 years) were tested before and after mental fatigue induction. Mental fatigue was induced via a 30 min Stroop task. The effectiveness of fatigue induction was assessed using heart rate variability (HRV), a visual analog scale (VAS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). Shooting performance was evaluated before and after mental fatigue using the Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST) and by evaluating timing by means of high-speed imaging. Following mental fatigue induction, HRV decreased. Subjects‘ motivation (VAS) to exercise significantly decreased (p < 0.001), while VAS mental fatigue level (p < 0.001) and mental effort level (p < 0.002) significantly increased. Significant differences were observed after completing the Stroop task for ABQ Emotional/Physical Exhaustion (p < 0.007), Reduced Sense of Accomplishment (p < 0.007), Sport Devaluation (p < 0.006), and overall burnout level (p < 0.002). LSST showed that the subjects‘ left foot test scores (-4.13, p < 0.013), right foot test scores (-3, p < 0.001), and total scores (-3.16, p < 0.001) significantly decreased. Although movement times increased slightly after fatigue, they did not reach statistical significance. Mental fatigue significantly impairs the shooting accuracy of collegiate soccer players, as evidenced by decreased LSST scores. However, it has no significant effect on event duration during shooting execution. Mental fatigue affected decision-making but not shooting movement timing. More cognitively challenging tasks are more affected by mental fatigue.
16 Relationship Between GPS-Derived Variables and Subjective Questionnaires Among Elite Youth Soccer Players
Reference: Sports (Basel). 2025 Jul 25;13(8):246. doi: 10.3390/sports13080246.
Authors: Krisztián Havanecz, Péter János Tóth, Bence Kopper, Csaba Bartha, Sándor Sáfár, Marcell Fridvalszki, Gábor Géczi
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12390498/pdf/sports-13-00246.pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the external load (EL) and internal load among U15, U17, and U19 youth soccer players and to identify the factors best influencing the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session-RPE (s-RPE) from Global Positioning System-derived variables. Data were collected from 50 male youth soccer players over an 11-week in-season period, encompassing a total of 1386 observations (145 training sessions and 33 matches). The findings indicate that during training sessions, the relationship between EL-derived volume variables and s-RPE exhibited moderate-to-very-strong correlations (U15-r ranging from 0.23 to 0.52; U17-r ranging from 0.51 to 0.78; U19-r ranging from 0.34 to 0.61, p < 0.001). The strongest relationships were observed with the total distance, acceleration, deceleration, and player load variables (p < 0.001). However, perceived wellness measures showed weak correlations with almost every EL parameter. Considering matches for all age groups, total distance showed moderate-to-large correlation with s-RPE (ranging from 0.41 to 0.59, p < 0.001). Additionally, RPE and s-RPE were significantly influenced by the variables of total distance, acceleration, deceleration, medium-speed running per minute, sprint distance per minute, and deceleration per minute.
17 Recovery Characteristics of Maintenance Training in Soccer Players
Reference: Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2025 Aug 26:1-14. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2025-0084. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Athanasios Poulios, Nikolaos Avgoustatos, Dimitrios Draganidis, Chariklia K Deli, Athanasios Gatsas, Niki Syrou, Panagiotis Tsimeas, Konstantinos Papanikolaou, Vasiliki Laschou, Theodoros Stamboulis, Aggelos Pappas, Ilias Tsaousidis, Athanasios Chatzinikolaou, Magni Mohr, Ioannis G Fatouros, Athanasios Z Jamurtas
Summary: The aim was to determine the recovery kinetics of performance, muscle damage, and neuromuscular fatigue following 2 speed-endurance maintenance training (SEMT) protocols in soccer. Ten well-trained male soccer athletes randomly completed 3 trials: work-to-rest ratio SEMT/1:3, SEMT/1:1, and a control trial. Training load during SEMT was monitored using a global positioning system and heart-rate monitors. Isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors; repeated-sprint ability (RSA); speed 10-, 30-m, countermovement jump (CMJ); and muscle damage (delayed-onset muscle soreness [DOMS] and creatine kinase) markers were evaluated at baseline and at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours posttraining. Maximal voluntary contraction of knee extensors and flexors was additionally assessed at 1, 2, and 3 hours posttraining. Strength (eccentric torque) and speed performance (RSA, 10-m and 30-m sprint times) were reduced (P < .05) following the SEMT/1:3 for up to 72 and 48 hours, respectively, and following SEMT/1:1 for up to 48 and ≤24 hours, respectively. Eccentric torque and RSA deterioration was greater in SEMT/1:3 compared to SEMT/1:1 at 72 hours and immediately postexercise, respectively (P < .05). Indicators of neuromuscular fatigue (CMJ and maximal voluntary contraction) declined in SEMT/1:3 at 24 and 2 hours postexercise (P < .05) and in SEMT/1:1 immediately and at 2 hours postexercise (P < .05). Muscle damage (DOMS) in the knee flexors was elevated in both SEMT protocols for up to 48 hours (P < .05). SEMT/1:3 induces short-term neuromuscular fatigue; provokes a decrease of strength (48-72 h), speed and RSA (48 h), and jump height (24 h); and is related with an elevation of knee flexors‘ DOMS (48 h). Increased work-to-rest ratio causes higher levels of exercise-induced muscle damage.
18 External Load Between Floater Types and Regular Players in Different Inferiority Game Formats in Professional Men’s Soccer
Reference: Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2025 Aug 26:1-9. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2025-0161. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Michael Rumpf, Johannes Jäger, Matthias Lochmann
Summary: This study examined the external load of different floater types and regular players (RPs) in small-sided games, as well as the effects of low and high inferiority on RPs in professional men’s soccer. Twenty-four male soccer players from the Greek top-tier league participated in small-sided games over an 8-week in-season period. The games were played without goalkeepers on 4 minigoals, with a 2-touch restriction for inside floaters and a 1-touch restriction for outside floaters. GPS units measured external-load metrics including total distance, high-intensity running distances across speed zones, number and distance covered in sprints, and acceleration/deceleration metrics. Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify differences in external load between floater types and RPs and between games played under low- and high-inferiority conditions for RPs. RPs showed significant differences in most variables (P < .05) compared with both types of floaters, except for the number of high accelerations and running in the highest velocity band. Inside floaters exhibited higher external load in half of the variables, although these effects diminished in zones of high locomotor and mechanical intensity. External load was higher in low-inferiority games compared with high-inferiority games across all variables (P < .05), except for the number of high decelerations (P = .241). The results of this study indicate that external load differs between playing roles and inferiority configurations. This information can be utilized by practitioners to optimize training strategies and enhance player performance.
19 Experimental Induction of State Rumination in Youth Soccer Players on the Pitch: How Can We Evaluate an Effect of Rumination on Soccer-Specific Performance?
Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2025 Sep;25(9):e70021. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.70021.
Authors: Alena Michel-Kröhler, Stefan Berti
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12380194/pdf/EJSC-25-e70021.pdf
Summary: Based on the goal progress theory, we examined whether cueing an unresolved goal triggers state rumination in athletes and consequently leads to performance deterioration. However, experimental approaches are usually conducted in the laboratory and only rarely in the field. Therefore, the aim of this proof-of-concept study was to verify whether the findings obtained in previous experimental studies could be transferred and confirmed in the field. For this purpose, the study was applied during regular training sessions. Fifty soccer players (f = 17, m = 33, age range: 14-18 years; Mage = 16.38) were divided into three different conditions-one experimental condition in which a goal-related rumination was induced and two control conditions in which a comparable goal-related induction or a neutral task was performed. Before and after the inductions during athletic practice, soccer players performed a sport-specific test to examine potential changes in athletes‘ performance as a function of condition and answered questions related to their state rumination. Different mixed ANOVAs were performed to examine (1) whether we could significantly elicit rumination in soccer players and (2) whether the application of the experimental procedure had an impact on performance in the subsequent sport-specific test. Two main findings were identified: First, the experimental procedure generally transfers well to the field. Second, however, the expected effects of state rumination on performance in the sport-specific test were not obtained. Reasons for the lack of clear effects and approaches for future research are discussed.