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 Thermal imaging responses of lower-limb muscles following anaerobic testing in male soccer players: A time-series approach

Reference: PLoS One. 2025 Oct 13;20(10):e0331102. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331102. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Sezgin Korkmaz, Rohit K Thapa, Nicola Relph, İsmail Çalık, Hüseyin Şahin Uysal
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12517531/pdf/pone.0331102.pdf
Summary: Exercise-induced thermoregulatory responses may vary by sport, yet limited evidence exists on how soccer players respond to high-intensity anaerobic testing. This study aimed to evaluate the acute changes in lower extremity muscle thermal skin temperature(Tsk) in amateur male soccer players following the Wingate anaerobic test and to determine the potential effects of moderators (dominant leg, smoking status, body height, and body fat percentage) on these responses. A total of 26 amateur male soccer players participated in this study, which employed a repeated-measures cross-sectional design. Infrared thermography(IRT) was used to record Tsk data from six anatomical locations(bilateral quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemii) at five different time points(baseline, 15 seconds, 4, 8, and 12 minutes) following a Wingate anaerobic test. Data were analyzed using the Frequentist and Bayesian repeated-measures ANOVA. The results showed a statistically significant effect of time in the right quadriceps region(p = 0.01,ηp² = 0.15,BFincl = 19.51). Post-hoc analysis indicated a significant increase in the Tsk of the right quadriceps at 12 minutes following the test, compared to baseline measurements(p = 0.02; BF10 = 17.931). Moderator analyses revealed that body fat percentage influenced Tsk responses, particularly in the quadriceps and hamstring regions(p = 0.01-0.03,ηp² = 0.25,BFincl = 3.100-3.958). Players with lower body fat showed significantly greater increases in quadriceps and hamstring muscle TSK than players with higher body fat (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study highlights a notable rise in dominant quadriceps skin temperature following high-intensity anaerobic exercise in amateur male soccer players. Body fat percentage appears to modulate these thermal responses, underlining its importance when interpreting IRT results in sports settings. These findings may have practical implications for performance monitoring and thermal recovery strategies in soccer players.

2 Proximal-dominant knee-ankle coordination compensations in football players with chronic ankle instability under high load

Reference: J Exp Orthop. 2025 Oct 15;12(4):e70443. doi: 10.1002/jeo2.70443. eCollection 2025 Oct.
Authors: Minghua Xian, Jinpeng Lin, Mingfeng Lu, Yongle Lin, Zeyu Li, Guoli Huang, Dongyu Zeng, Yuan Yan, Kele Xie, Kaijun Cai, Wenhan Huang, Liping Li, Yu Zhang
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12527221/pdf/JEO2-12-e70443.pdf
Summary: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with alterations in lower limb biomechanics. However, little is known about the knee-ankle joint coordination characteristics in individuals with CAI. This study aimed to investigate sagittal plane kinematic differences and knee-ankle coordination strategies in football players with CAI under different locomotor load conditions. Forty male football players (CAI: n = 20; control: n = 20) completed low-load (walking: mean 3.76 km/h, 3.2-4.8 km/h) and high-load (running: mean 14.33 km/h, 12.2-16.8 km/h) treadmill tasks. A 3D motion capture system was used to record knee and ankle kinematics. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) was used to analyse group and speed effects. Vector coding (VC) was applied to quantify knee-ankle coordination patterns, categorised into four coupling modes. Compared with healthy controls, participants with CAI showed significantly reduced ankle dorsiflexion during running at 22%-42% (p < 0.001, -4.9° to -11.3°) and 75%-100% (p < 0.001, -5.2° to -7.0%) of the gait cycle. Knee flexion was significantly reduced across the entire running cycle (0%-100%, p < 0.001, -12.3° to -33.4°). VC analysis revealed particularly transitions toward proximal-dominant strategies, such as at 43%-46% (p < 0.001, Δ = 154.46°) and 62%-63% (p = 0.008, Δ = 9.39°), indicating increased reliance on knee control. Moreover, at 47%-49%, a rigid coupling state was maintained (p = 0.003, Δ = 170.19°), while 69%-75% of the gait cycle saw a reemergence of distal-dominant control during swing (p = 0.025- < 0.001, Δ = 24.06°-48.45°). Note: Δ refers to the mean difference between groups. This study revealed significant differences in knee-ankle joint coordination between CAI patients and healthy controls. The findings suggest that CAI-related motor control adaptations are load-dependent and follow a distal-to-proximal compensatory strategy. These results highlight the importance of incorporating inter-joint coordination retraining into rehabilitation, particularly under high-load locomotor scenarios.

3 Tibial Plateau Fractures: Not an Elegy to Football Practice

Reference: Cureus. 2025 Sep 14;17(9):e92295. doi: 10.7759/cureus.92295. eCollection 2025 Sep.
Authors: Tiago B Cunha, António Neto, Nuno Pereira, Cristina M Baptista, Maria Inês V Cabral, Diogo Portugal
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12522494/pdf/cureus-0017-00000092295.pdf
Summary: Tibial plate fractures are rare in sports and often associated with high-impact trauma. The most usual classification used in tibial plate fractures is the Schatzker Classification, graded from I to VI, according to the level of comminution of the lesion. There is a scarcity of reports of athletes who have suffered this kind of fracture while playing football or futsal. We present a report of a 37-year-old athlete who suffered a Schatzker V fracture while playing futsal. The athlete had surgical intervention by means of open reduction internal fixation with a plate and screws and was enrolled in a rehabilitation program focusing on quadriceps strengthening and gait training. Nine months after the fracture, our patient resumed playing, an outcome that is quite rare in these complex lesions.

4 Muscle Injuries in 90 Professional Football Players Over 10 Consecutive Seasons: A Comparison of Two Classification Systems and Their Association With Return-to-Play Time

Reference: Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2025 Oct;35(10):e70147. doi: 10.1111/sms.70147.
Authors: Pauline J Huber, Björn Schönnagel, Dimitris Dalos, Karl-Heinz Frosch, Gerhard Adam, Götz H Welsch
Download link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/sms.70147
Summary: The British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC) and the Munich consensus statement (MCS) are both commonly used classification systems and have been established in recent years to categorize muscle injuries and estimate return-to-play time (RTP). While the MCS classifies injuries based on clinical and radiological assessment, the BAMIC primarily relies on radiological imaging but also takes tendon involvement into account. However, there is no consensus on which classification is better suited for the assessment of acute muscle injury and its association with RTP. The aim of this study was to compare BAMIC and MCS in acute muscle injury of professional football players regarding RTP and to identify other player characteristics that influence the layoff time, given the fact that background approaches differ. In 90 professional football players, 169 MRI scans (3 Tesla) of acute muscle injuries were performed on average within 2.3 days of injury and assessed using the BAMIC and MCS. Grading of both classification systems was compared and correlated with RTP. Further player information, like recurrence of injury, dominant leg, affected side, age, or seasonal distribution, was evaluated. The grading of both classification systems correlated with RTP (BAMIC: r = 0.533, p < 0.001; MCS: r = 0.583, p < 0.001). Intratendinous injuries showed significantly longer layoff times (mean = 38.61 days, median = 26.5; range = 3-181; IQR = 25.3; CI = 20.2-38.5) compared to myofascial (mean = 14.17, median = 26.5; range = 3-181; IQR = 25.3; CI = 20.2-38.5) (p < 0.001) and myotendinous lesions (mean = 17.99, median = 26.5; range = 3-181; IQR = 25.3; CI = 20.2-38.5) (p = 0.002). The months of September (n = 22, 13.0%) and April (n = 20, 11.8%) showed significantly higher numbers of muscular injuries (p < 0.001). No association between the dominant side and affected side could be found (p = 0.476). Both classification systems provided a similar association with estimated RTP. The consideration of tendon injuries as classified in the BAMIC proves to be particularly important, as extended RTP can be expected. Still, usage might remain an individual choice. More emphasis should be placed on regeneration and prevention at the beginning and the end of the season to reduce the high incidences.

5 Reduction in reaction time and improved oculomotor function following football-specific vision training in young players

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Oct 16;17(1):298. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01368-z.
Authors: Tommaso Piva, Valentina Zerbini, Anna Barducco, Silvia Mancioppi, Andrea Raisi, Matteo Vassali, Gianluca Bianchini, Matteo Laporta, Erica Menegatti, Giovanni Grazzi, Gianni Mazzoni, Simona Mandini
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12532858/pdf/13102_2025_Article_1368.pdf
Summary: Visuomotor skills play a critical role in football performance, supporting players‘ ability to perceive, decide, and act effectively in dynamic environments. Although Sport Vision Training (SVT) has shown potential to improve visual and perceptual-motor abilities, the evidence remains mixed and limited by methodological variability. Cost and accessibility also represent practical challenges. This study evaluates the impact of an 8-week field-based SVT protocol on visuomotor reaction time (VMRT) and oculomotor function in young recreational football players. A total of 35 football players (Under-12 and Under-13) participated in this quasi-experimental study. Participants underwent baseline orthoptic evaluations to ensure normal visual function. VMRT was assessed using BlazePod® devices, and oculomotor function was evaluated using the Northeastern State University College of Optometry (NSUCO) test. The SVT intervention was conducted twice weekly for8 weeks, integrated into football training. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and cumulative link models (CLMMs) were used for statistical analysis. Significant improvements were observed in VMRT for upper-limb tasks (p < 0.001), while lower-limb reaction times showed no significant change. Oculomotor performance improved, particularly in saccadic precision (p = 0.02) and reduction of body and head movement during saccadic tasks (p < 0.001). No significant improvements were found in pursuit movement accuracy (p = 0.37). The field-based SVT protocol was associated with improvements in upper-limb VMRT and specific oculomotor functions in young footballers. While these findings suggest that sport-specific SVT may enhance key visual-motor skills relevant to football performance, the quasi-experimental design limits causal interpretations.

6 Lower limb clinical osteoarthritis and its association with joint pain and function, and severe injuries and surgeries, in women professional football players: a cross-sectional observational study

Reference: S Afr J Sports Med. 2025 Sep 15;37(1):v37i1a21272. doi: 10.17159/2078-516X/2025/v37i1a21272. eCollection 2025.
Authors: D A Ramagole, Dc Janse van Rensburg, P Bennett, C Cowie, M Maas, R Mehta, G Ramkilawon, J Rantanen, J Salo, B M Pluim, G Kerkhoffs, V Gouttebarge
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12520736/pdf/2078-516x-37-v37i1a21272.pdf
Summary: Athletes may sustain severe injuries and need to undergo surgery, potentially leading to osteoarthritis (OA). Early diagnosis and rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes and extend an athlete’s career. The aim was to determine: 1) prevalence of clinical hip, knee, and ankle OA; 2) association with pain and function; 3) association with severe injuries and surgeries in female professional footballers. This cross-sectional study involved female professional footballers who completed online questionnaires on joint pain and function, severe injuries, and surgeries. Their physicians evaluated them for clinical OA (cOA) of the hips, knees, and ankles. Among 74 participants, cOA prevalence of the hips, knees, and ankles was 2.7% (95% CI: 0-6.4), 5.0% (95% CI: 2.5-10.6), and 8.0% (95% CI: 1.9-14.3), respectively. Pain was present in the hips (p=0.615; Cramer’s V=0.132), knees (p=0.556; Cramer’s V=0.171), and ankles (p=0.028; Cramer’s V=0.391). Joint function was impaired in the hips (p=0.379; Cramer’s V=0.214), knees (p=0.738; Cramer’s V=0.103), and worse in the ankles (p=0.0778; Cramer’s V=0.255). A weak association existed between hip cOA and injuries (p=0.230; Cramer’s V=0.193), with moderate associations in the knees (p=0.024; Cramer’s V=0.290) and ankles (p=0.168; Cramer’s V=0.206). Surgeries were associated with knee cOA (p=0.0578; Cramer’s V=0.258) and not ankles (p=1.00; Cramer’s V=0.027). The prevalence of clinical OA was low among female footballers. Pain was the primary symptom, accompanied by impaired joint function. Severe knee injuries and surgeries were linked to cOA. Further research is recommended in this population.

7 Mental health of professional football referees in Cameroon: exploring challenges and developing support interventions

Reference: BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2025 Oct 13;11(4):e002678. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2025-002678. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Leonard Tanko Tankeng, Christian Eyoum, Gilbert Mua Akwa, Randol Tsowa Vouomene, Veronique Ange Ngo Bilong, Livingstone Dziany, Narcisse Tinkeu, Maurice Douryang
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12519685/pdf/bmjsem-11-4.pdf
Summary: The aim was to assess the mental health status of referees in Cameroonian professional football and identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among referees from the Cameroon Elite One, Elite Two and Female Super League during the 2024-2025 season. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was used to assess mental health status after officiating a match, classifying scores as normal, mild, moderate, severe or extremely severe for depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Data were analysed using R Studio (V.4.2.2). Logistic regression identified associations with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Out of 179 professional referees in Cameroon, 150 (83.8%) participated. Ages ranged from 18 to 45 years (mean=30±5.86 years). Depression symptoms were observed in 28%, with higher rates in assistant referees (32.4%) than in central referees (23.7%). Anxiety symptoms were present in 42.7% of participants, while 12% exhibited stress symptoms. Lower level referees had higher levels of all symptoms. Notably, 90.5% of referees with symptoms of depression had at least one additional mental health symptom. Severe symptoms of depression co-occurred with severe anxiety and stress symptoms. Having another profession significantly increased risks of depression symptoms (p=0.007, OR 7.7) and anxiety (p=0.003, OR 4.2). Performance concerns were the main psychological stressor (74.0%). Cameroonian referees experience high levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, with assistant referees more affected. Holding another profession increases mental health risks. Targeted interventions are needed to address psychological stressors and improve referees‘ well-being.

8 Submaximal intensity periods in game-based drills vs. match demands in professional football

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2025 Sep 29:7:1666652. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1666652. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Edu Caro, Manuel Lapuente-Sagarra, Toni Caparrós, Miguel Ángel Campos-Vázquez, David Pajón
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12515903/pdf/fspor-07-1666652.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to examine the occurrence of submaximal intensity periods (SubMIPs) across several game-based drills according to area per player (ApP) and drill objective, and to compare them with values recorded in competitive matches. Fourteen professional football players participated. Data from 1,558 game-based drills events and 247 competitive match records were analyzed using GPS technology. SubMIP events defined as efforts exceeding 85% of each player’s 1 min maximal intensity period (MIP) per variable, were calculated for distance, acceleration density (AccDens), high-speed running (HSR), sprints, high metabolic load distance (HMLD), and mean metabolic power (MetPow). Game-based drills were categorized by ApP (<75 m2, 75-150 m2, >150 m2) and objective (possession, four small goals, regular goals). SubMIP AccDens events were more frequent in game-based drills than in matches, especially in possession drills with smaller ApP. Distance and MetPow events increased with ApP, but none of the game-based drills fully replicated match-level frequencies. HSR, HMLD, and sprint events occurred significantly more often in matches than in any drill. ApP and drill objective strongly influence physical demands. Although game-based drills do not replicate all match demands, they can be tailored to target specific SubMIP variables. The SubMIP approach provides valuable insights into near-maximal efforts and supports the design of training sessions that optimise player conditioning through repeated high-intensity exposures.

9 A study on corporate social responsibility of professional football clubs on fans‘ consumption intentions in China

Reference: Front Physiol. 2025 Sep 29:16:1651356. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1651356. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Chengfeng Zhang, Keke Song, Linhua Chen 
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12515946/pdf/fphys-16-1651356.pdf
Summary: The aim was to examine how Chinese fans‘ perception of club CSR affects consumption intentions via fan identification and motivational attribution, and to test the moderating role of involvement. A total of 1,327 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling and cluster analysis. CSR perception had a significant positive effect on consumption intentions; this effect was fully mediated by fan identification and motivational attribution, with the model explaining 40.3% of the variance. Highly involved fans relied primarily on the fan identification path, whereas low-involvement fans relied on the motivational attribution path. Clubs should implement differentiated CSR strategies tailored to fans‘ levels of involvement to effectively enhance consumption intentions.

10 Total genotype score and playing time and starter status in football: a pilot study

Reference: Int J Sports Med. 2025 Oct 13. doi: 10.1055/a-2722-7414. Online ahead of print.
Authors: David Varillas-Delgado, Arturo Franco-Andrés, Jaime González-García
Summary: The aims of this research were to identify the relationships between the Total Genotype Score (TGS) and total competition time, as well as the total and relative distances covered during competition at different speed thresholds and to examine the probability of being a starter or non-starter based on TGS. A prospective pilot study was conducted with 34 professional male football players competing in the Spanish second division across three consecutive seasons. DNA samples were genotyped for six muscle performance-related polymorphisms, and TGS values were calculated. The total competition time and competition distances at different speed thresholds were evaluated. A TGS threshold of 75.0 a.u. discriminated starters with an AUC of 0.689. Players with higher TGS scores (TGS>75.0) accumulated more matches played (p=0.002), more matches as starters (p=0.009), greater playing time (p=0.009), and higher total distances covered (p=0.009). Players above this threshold were five times more likely to be starters (OR=5.00; 95% CI: 1.31-19.07; p=0.030). TGS was related with the number of matches played (β=1.088, p=0.006) matches as starter (β=1.087, p=0.004), playing time (β=28.1, p=0.018), and distance covered during season (β=3116, p=0.01). Genetic profiling is associated with starter status. Integrating genetic and GPS data provides a novel approach to player development and talent identification in elite sports.

11 The take-off of the Saudi professional football league in the context of the 2030 vision: effect on the competitive balance

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2025 Sep 26:7:1649310. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1649310. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Mohammed Jamal Bataineh, Juan Carlos Guevara-Pérez, Emilio Martín-Vallespín, Rudemarlyn Urdaneta-Camacho
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12512241/pdf/fspor-07-1649310.pdf
Summary: This study examines the impact of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 on the competitive balance of the Saudi Professional League (SPL), focusing on how the entry of public investment funds (PIF) into club ownership has transformed the league’s structure. Competitive balance is measured using the Herfindahl Index of Competitive Balance (HICB), which captures the degree of concentration in the distribution of league points across ten seasons (2014/15-2023/24). Results indicate that the SPL’s growth has been accompanied by greater imbalance between clubs, reducing competitive uncertainty and, potentially, spectator appeal. The main issue is not the inflow of capital or foreign players per se, but their concentration in a small number of teams. Despite the deterioration in competitive balance, driven by widening financial disparities between a small group of clubs and the rest, the SPL has significantly increased its international visibility. This pattern appears consistent with the priorities of Vision 2030 to enhance the national brand image and soft power, although it may delay progress towards financial sustainability at the league level. At the same time, football can amplify the visibility and agency of local communities by creating spaces for participation and inclusion, suggesting that targeted grassroots initiatives could help translate international profile into durable domestic support. While debates about „sportswashing“ persist, the broader policy intent of Vision 2030 aligns with the UN’s 2030 Agenda emphasis on diversification. Ultimately, any durable impact should be assessed against measurable future social and economic outcomes.

12 „Turning around an oil tanker“: Recommendations for a safeguarding program in football

Reference: Psychol Sport Exerc. 2025 Oct 11:82:103004. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.103004. Online ahead of print.
Authors: James A Newman, James L Rumbold
Summary: Despite increasing awareness and reports of wrongdoing in sports such as professional football there remains a lack of safeguarding education targeted at adults to address this behavior. Thus, there is a need to develop safeguarding education programs based on the experiential knowledge of adults in football. The present study explored knowledge users‘ recommendations, as a means to co-produce a safeguarding education program to address maltreatment in football. Guided by a social constructivist approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 safeguarding and welfare personnel (nine who identified as females and ten as males) who work within British clubs and organizations ranging from English Premier League (EPL) through to the English Northern Premier League Division One. The participants‘ roles ranged from Chief Executive Officer; Vice Chairman; General Counsel; Club Development Officer; Head of Safeguarding; Designated Safeguarding Officer; Safeguarding Case Officer; Academy Safeguarding Manager; Head of Education and Welfare; Player Care and Welfare Officer; Head of Education and Player Care, and Coach. Through a reflexive thematic analysis, knowledge users discussed shaping safeguarding education in professional football, and the best way to deliver safeguarding education. Knowledge users highlighted the need for safeguarding programs to be designed and delivered at individual, club, and systemic levels to be effective. Furthermore, these programs need to be underpinned by a cultural intervention to safeguarding education in professional football. From a research perspective, the present findings emphasize the value of collaborating with underrepresented groups to create meaningful change in safeguarding in sport. Lastly, the present study provides the foundation for future research to evaluate the effectiveness of a safeguarding education program in football in practice.

13 The physical demands of Major League Soccer match-play with specific reference to high-intensity activity by position, venue and opposition quality

Reference: PLoS One. 2025 Oct 24;20(10):e0334460. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0334460. eCollection 2025.
Authors: James J Collins, Javier Fernandez Navarro, Allistair P McRobert, Holly Silvers-Granelli, Shane Malone, Kieran D Collins
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0334460
Summary: This study examined the running loads of Major League Soccer matches across three seasons. Data was obtained from 1243 individual matches which included 800 players (26 ± 1.1 years) from 28 teams. Data was collected via optical tracking system. All data from players who completed at least 85-minutes of match play were included. Physical performance measures included total distance (m) (TD), high-speed running (19.8-25.2 km ⋅ hr1) (HSR), sprint distance (>25.2 km ⋅ hr1) (SpD), sprint efforts (n) and high-intensity running (>19.8 km ⋅ hr1) (HID). Data was analysed to observe the average match running loads of the measures of physical performance as a whole and within the respective positions, temporal and seasonal. The data was processed using R statistical software. Linear mixed models were used to analyse statistical significance. The average total distance covered was 9950 ± 990m. The average high-speed running 519 ± 171m, whereas the average sprint distance was 166 ± 98. The average sprints (n) were 10 ± 5. CM cover the most total distance (10510 ± 1000m) while full backs and wide midfielders cover the most high-speed running and sprint distance (599 ± 147; 225 ± 98m). Contextual factors such as quality of opposition and venue have an impact on the movement demands of match-play with players covering less TD against higher ranked teams and higher SpD and HID with teams of weaker opposition. However, players performed less TD and SpD when playing away. Furthermore, signifying the importance of understanding a teams‘ principles of play and their affect on match running loads.

14 Evaluation of brain response to head impact in youth girls‘ soccer using an atlas-based finite element model

Reference: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin. 2025 Oct 24:1-11. doi: 10.1080/10255842.2025.2577269. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Logan E Miller, Elizabeth K Pinkerton, Katie F Zhou, Lyndia C Wu, David B Camarillo, Jillian E Urban, Joel D Stitzel
Summary: The current study examines head impact exposure in youth soccer and quantifies the relationship between impact location, impact magnitude and brain deformation using data previously collected with an instrumented mouthpiece in combination with a high-resolution brain finite element (FE) model. This study demonstrates that maximum principal strain (MPS) varies by impact source. The largest strains were observed when the ball was kicked prior to the header and the smallest strains were observed resulting from impacts when the headed ball was received from another header.

15 From Science to Dressing Room: Dietary Supplements for Elite Soccer Performance

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Oct 21;10(4):408. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040408.
Authors: Tindaro Bongiovanni, Federico Genovesi, Christopher Carling, Gianpiero Greco, Ralf Jäger
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/4/408
Summary: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of commonly used dietary supplements on soccer performance and to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and their practical application by practitioners working with elite soccer players. Relevant literature involving dietary supplement use in soccer players was identified through searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Additionally, insights were gathered from a cross-sectional online questionnaire completed by practitioners (nutritionists, physicians, sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and heads of performance) working with first-division men’s teams across five European leagues. Eligible respondents were over 18 years old with >2 years of experience in elite sport. The 20-question survey, designed on Qualtrics and pilot-tested for content validity, covered practitioner background, beliefs about supplementation, and real-world practices. The study was approved by the Ethical Independent Committee in Genoa, Italy (Ref. 2020/12). Among performance-enhancing supplements, caffeine has been shown to improve endurance, sprint performance, power, and cognitive function, while creatine consistently enhances short-duration, high-intensity efforts. Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate help reduce the buildup of acidity in muscles during repeated high-intensity exercise, supporting repeated sprint performance. For hydration and endurance support, dietary nitrates improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, and glycerol enhances fluid retention in hot environments and during compressed match schedules, where players compete in multiple matches within a short recovery window. Regarding recovery aids, protein and tart cherry supplementation have been shown to accelerate recovery, reduce muscle damage, and support training adaptations. Field insights revealed that creatine and caffeine were widely adopted by practitioners (>90%), with protein powders also commonly recommended (>80%). In contrast, beta-alanine, tart cherry, and dietary nitrates were only partially integrated into daily practice (30%, 32%, and 48.5%, respectively), while sodium bicarbonate (24%) and glycerol (10.5%) were used by a minority. Although scientific evidence provides a strong foundation for the efficacy of dietary supplements, their translation into elite soccer practice is shaped by a range of practical factors, including cultural resistance, taste preferences, gastrointestinal side effects, established team routines, and individual player preferences. These findings highlight the importance of targeted education for players and staff, individualized supplementation plans, and close collaboration between nutritionists, coaches, and medical teams. However, our survey did not directly assess reasons for non-implementation. In addition to practical barriers reported by practitioners, unfamiliarity with current evidence likely contributes to this evidence-practice gap.

16 Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Stable Versus Unstable Surfaces on Unilateral Force Production and Stability in Elite Male Soccer Players

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Oct 1;10(4):379. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040379.
Authors: Sergio Jiménez-Rubio, David García-Albín, José Luis Estévez Rodríguez, Sergio L Jiménez-Sáiz
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/4/379
Summary: Neuromuscular training is widely implemented in professional football to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Although unstable surfaces are commonly used for proprioceptive and rehabilitation purposes, limited evidence supports their effectiveness in improving sport-specific force production and stability in elite athletes. This study aimed to compare the effects of multicomponent neuromuscular training performed on stable versus unstable surfaces on unilateral force production, mobility, and agility in elite male soccer players. Twenty-seven professional male soccer players from the Spanish first division were randomly assigned to either a stable surface group (SSG; n = 14) or an unstable surface group (USG; n = 13). Both groups completed a 10-week intervention in addition to their regular training routines. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included dorsiflexion range of motion (DFt), Y-Balance Test (YBT), single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ), single-leg hop for distance (SLH), side-hop (SH), Speedy Jump (SpJ), Agility T-test (TT), and the Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT). A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Hedges‘ g effect sizes were used for statistical analysis. The SSG showed significant improvements in most performance variables, including DFt, YBT, SLH, SH, SpJ, TT, and LEFT (percent change range: 1.6% to 9.8%; Hedges‘ g ranging from 0.52 to 2.57). The USG showed limited improvements, with significant changes only in LEFT (percent change = 1.18%; Hedges‘ g = 0.53). Notably, the stable surface group demonstrated enhanced force production and agility, particularly in the non-dominant limb. Multicomponent neuromuscular training on stable surfaces appears more effective than training on unstable surfaces for improving unilateral strength, mobility, and agility in elite soccer players. These findings suggest that stable surface training may provide superior performance benefits and should be considered a priority in high-performance environments.

17 The Mental Fatigue Induced by Physical, Cognitive and Combined Effort in Amateur Soccer Players: A Comparative Study Using EEG

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Sep 27;10(4):373. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040373.
Authors: Ana Rubio-Morales, Jesús Díaz-García, Marika Berchicci, Jesús Morenas-Martín, Vicente Luis Del Campo, Tomás García-Calvo
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/4/373
Summary: Mental fatigue (MF) worsens soccer performance. Further knowledge is needed to understand MF’s effects on soccer players and its underlying mechanisms. Our aim was to analyze the subjective, objective, and neural MF-related outcomes induced by different type of tasks. A randomized crossover experimental design with repeated measures was used. Thirteen amateur soccer players (Mage = 23 ± 5.43) completed three conditions: cognitive (30 min. Stroop.), physical (30 min. cycling), or combined (30 min. Stroop while cycling). Ratings of mental fatigue (measured via the Visual Analogue Scale), electroencephalographical signals (electroencephalography), and psychomotor performance (Brief-Psychomotor Vigilance Test) were measured pre- and post-condition. Soccer-related decision-making (TacticUP® test) was assessed post-condition. Linear Mixed Models analysis revealed increments in perceived mental fatigue in all conditions, especially cognitive (p = 0.004) and combined (p < 0.0001) conditions. Psychomotor performance worsened, especially for cognitive (p = 0.039) and combined (p = 0.009) conditions. The Individual Alpha Peak Frequency was lower after the cognitive task (p = 0.040) and compared with the physical task (p = 0.021). The Alpha midline power increased after the cognitive task in the central-frontal (p = 0.047) and central-posterior brain regions (p = 0.043). Cognitive and combined conditions were found to be more mentally demanding and fatiguing than single physical tasks. This was also reflected by an impaired reaction time. Based on the neural activity recorded, the performance impairments caused by mental fatigue were caused by reduced brain readiness (i.e., a lower Alpha Peak Frequency). However, non-significant changes were found in soccer-related decision-making. Coaches should consider the type of training tasks they recommend in light of their different effects on mental fatigue and performance.

18 The Effect of Bio-Banded Game Formats on Physiological, Physical, Technical, and Tactical Parameters in Youth Soccer-A Systematic Review

Reference: Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2025 Oct 22:1-12. doi: 10.1123/pes.2024-0152. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Johannes Jäger, Michael Rumpf, Matthias Lochmann
Summary: Given the growing interest in Bio-Banding (BB) game formats, this review aimed to investigate its effects on physiological, physical, technical, and tactical parameters in youth soccer players. A systematic search was conducted across 5 databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Studies with experimental or observational designs assessing the effects of BB formats on these parameters were included. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tools for quantitative studies and the Critical Appraisal Tool by the Johanna Briggs Institute for qualitative studies. Ten studies (n = 591 players) were included, with 8 employing quantitative methods and 2 utilizing qualitative approaches. The results revealed variability in study designs, limiting cross-study comparability. Physical demands and physiological responses differed across maturational groups and game formats, while technical and tactical behaviors adapted to BB formats particularly for early and late-maturing players. Despite observed differences between BB and comparator games, conclusive evidence on BB’s effectiveness is lacking due to methodological limitations and bias risk. BB presents a promising approach to support player development and mitigate maturity-related selection bias. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of BB-implementations in youth soccer.

19 Association Between Injury History and Navicular Drop in Male Youth Soccer Players

Reference: Cureus. 2025 Sep 21;17(9):e92824. doi: 10.7759/cureus.92824. eCollection 2025 Sep.
Authors: Taishiro Kamasaki, Satoshi Fujimura, Yo Kichize, Takuya Suenaga, Masahide Yoshihara, Kodai Hosaka, Tasuku Shibasaki, Noriaki Maeda, Makoto Komiya, Atsuhiro Hirano
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12538369/pdf/cureus-0017-00000092824.pdf
Summary: Youth soccer players are in a period of rapid physical growth, raising concerns that the synergistic effect of rapid physical growth and high training intensity may increase the risk of injury. It has been shown that navicular drop (ND) is associated with injuries in various athletes, but there are no studies that have examined the association between ND and a history of injury in youth soccer players. This study aimed to examine the association between a history of injury and ND in male youth soccer players. The study’s results offer new injury prevention strategies for male youth soccer players. This is a cross-sectional study. The study included 63 male youth soccer players (16 ± 1 years). Participants self-reported their injury history. ND was determined by measuring the navicular bone height with a caliper and calculating the difference between sitting and standing positions. Statistical analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression, with injury history (reference number) as the dependent variable and ND as the independent variable. The no-injury group included 34 participants (age: 16 ± 1 years), while the injury group included 29 participants (age: 16 ± 1 years). Comparison of measurement items showed that the ND was significantly lower in the no-injury group than in the injury group (p = 0.006, effect size (ES) = -0.74), with no significant differences in the other variables. The analysis revealed a significant association between injury history and ND (odds ratio (OR): 13.8 (1.8-103.6), p = 0.011). This finding was also observed in Model 2, which was adjusted for propensity scores (PS) (OR: 16.7 (1.8-158.4), p = 0.014). It was found that a greater ND in male youth soccer players was associated with higher odds of injury history. To prevent injury, evaluating ND and implementing interventions to maintain and improve it was recommended.

20 Time-Course of Changes in Oxidative Stress, Anthropometric Measurements, and Physical Performance Responses Following Eight-Week Soccer Training

Reference: Res Q Exerc Sport. 2025 Oct 22:1-8. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2025.2569482. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Diego Viana-Gomes, Eduardo Lattari, Luciano Alonso, Dailson Paulucio, Fábio Cahuê, Marcos Antonio Cezar, Stephan Frankenfeld, Anna Paola Trindade Rocha Pierucci, Verônica Salerno
Summary: This study investigated oxidative stress, anthropometric measurements, and performance after an eight-week training program with soccer players. Sixteen U-17 male players participated in an eight-week training program, which included daily soccer training sessions lasting approximately two hours. Data collection was conducted at three distinct time points: one week prior to the start of the competitive season (Baseline), one week before the onset of the training program (Pre-training), and immediately following the eight-week intervention (Post-training). During the pre- and post-training phase, participants completed a standardized battery of physical performance tests, followed by blood sample collection. The battery of physical tests was performed in the following order: a) 30-m sprint, b) countermovement jump (CMJ), c) dribbling with/without the ball, and e) the field-based Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2). Acceleration (10 m) and sprint time (30 m) were lower in the pre-training than in the post-training (p = .02 and p = .048, respectively). Creatine kinase levels were higher in the pre-training than at baseline and the post-training (p ≤ .001). Protein carbonyl levels were elevated in both the pre- and post-training compared to baseline (p ≤ .001). Catalase activity was higher in the post-training than at baseline (p = .001). The total distance covered in the Yo-Yo IR2 test and VO₂max increased in the post-training. This study demonstrated that an eight-week structured training program increases catalase activity and stabilizes creatine kinase and protein carbonyl levels following repeated exposure to soccer-specific physical testing.