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 Bilateral strength balance of knee extensor and flexor muscles in female soccer players

Reference: Front Physiol. 2025 Oct 3:16:1681804. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1681804. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Oscar Andrades-Ramírez, David Ulloa-Díaz, Luis Romero-Vera, Bryan Alfaro-Castillo, Gustavo Muñoz-Bustos, Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera, Claudio Carvajal-Parodi, Luis-Javier Chirosa-Ríos
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12531145/pdf/fphys-16-1681804.pdf
Summary: The aim of our study was analyze the bilateral strength balance of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in female soccer players. Participated in this study twenty-three professional female soccer players. The volunteer participants of the study were eligibly if: (a) signing of informed consent, (b) 5 years of sporting experience as a soccer player and have experience with training and evaluation of muscle strength in the lower limb, (c) participate in five weekly training sessions (d) no musculoskeletal pathology in the lower limbs 6 months prior to the evaluation date. The assessment was performed unilaterally, with peak muscle strength values recorded using the FEMD device software at a constant velocity of 0.4 m s-1. The range of motion (ROM) was 90°-0° of joint extension in the sitting position and 150°-90° of flexion in the prone position. Each participant was required to perform their maximum effort for all repetitions. Bilateral strength balance measurements were obtained in the range of 10.68%-13.80% for maximum muscle strength in knee extension and 13.27%-15.21%. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the comparison of independent means for maximum muscle strength between the knee extension and flexion in the concentric and eccentric phases. Significant differences (p < 0.01) and small ES (ES < 3.32) were found in peak muscle strength measurements of the dominant and non-dominant lower extremity in the unilateral comparison of the extensor muscle and the flexor muscle group in the concentric and eccentric phase. In the analysis of bilateral strength balance, lower indices are presented in the knee extensor compared to the flexor, these bilateral indices would reveal intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in the hamstring muscles and anterior cruciate ligament of professional soccer players.

2 Effects of mental fatigue on psychophysiological responses, kinematic variables and technical actions in small-sided soccer games: a time course analysis

Reference: Front Psychol. 2025 Oct 2:16:1654701. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1654701. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Yusuf Soylu, Ersan Arslan, Neslihan Akçay, Mustafa Sakir Akgul, Bulent Kilit, Thiago Ribeiro Lopes, Dalton de Lima-Junior
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12528091/pdf/fpsyg-16-1654701.pdf
Summary: The study compares the effects of different cognitive task durations to induce MF on 4-a-side small-sided soccer games (SSGs) in psychophysiological responses, kinematic profile, and technical performance. Sixteen young soccer players (age: 15.2 ± 0.4 years) randomly performed the mental fatigue (MF) conditions (30-, 45-, and 60-min Stroop Task) and CON sessions (30-, 45-, and 60-min documentary) immediately before a 4-a-side SSGs (4 × 4 min, and 4 min rest). Kinematic profiles were analysed with GPS. Heart rate (HR), the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), MF visual analogue scale, enjoyment, and technical performance were assessed during SSGs. The manipulation checks revealed that players experienced increased MF levels in all MF inducement durations compared with the CON [30-min, CI95%diff = 5.40 (3.20 to 7.50), p < 0.001; 45-min, CI95%diff = 8.30 (6.00 to 10.50), p < 0.001; and 60-min, CI95%diff = 12.3 (10.00 to 14.50); p < 0.001]. Technical performance varied with the duration of MF exposure. Successful pass presented higher values for the CON condition in the 30-min [CI95%diff = 0.68 (0.21 to 1.16); p = 0.035], but remained similar for the 45- [CI95%diff = -0.45 (-1.17 to 0.26); p = 0.523], and 60-min [CI95%diff = 0.67 (-0.08 to 1.43); p = 0.401]. For the unsuccessful pass the CON condition presented lower values in the 30-min [CI95%diff = -2.36 (-2.89 to -1.83); p < 0.001] and 60-min [CI95%diff = -2.80 (-3.63 to -1.97); p < 0.001], but remained similar for the 45- [CI95%diff = -0.47 (-1.03 to 0.09); p = 0.413]. Regarding the one-touch pass, the CON condition presented higher values in the 30- [CI95%diff = 0.63 (0.31 to 0.94); p < 0.001], 45- [CI95%diff = 2.21 (1.76 to 2.64); p < 0.001], and 60-min [CI95%diff = 1.73 (1.26 to 2.19); p < 0.001]. The findings of this study show that the different durations of cognitive tasks significantly affected several internal load metrics and technical performance, but not external load metrics. Understanding the effects of different cognitive task durations during SSGs allows coaches and sports scientists to customize training and recovery programs better, potentially improving player performance.

3 Hip Adduction:Abduction Ratios and Force Outputs Across Common Testing Positions in Healthy Elite-Level Female Soccer Players

Reference: J Sport Rehabil. 2025 Oct 17:1-7. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2025-0139. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Ciaran O‘ Connor, Martin Mc Intyre, Eamonn Delahunt, Kristian Thorborg
Summary: ForceFrame values for hip adduction, abduction, and adduction:abduction strength ratio do not currently exist in the literature for female soccer players. Such values are needed and would inform both strengthening programs and rehabilitative exercise prescription. The purpose of this study was to compare hip adduction and abduction force outputs and hip adduction:abduction ratios across common testing positions in healthy elite-level female soccer players. Isometric hip adduction and abduction force outputs and ratios were obtained from 32 female soccer players, using a ForceFrame, in the 0° hip-flexion long-lever position, 0° hip-flexion short-lever position, and 45° hip-flexion position. A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine differences in force output between testing positions. Statistical significance was accepted as P ≤ .05. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in hip adduction force output between the 45° hip-flexion position (266.4 [55.77] N) and the 0° hip-flexion short-lever position (250.1 [70.56] N), P = .32. Hip abduction force outputs were significantly greater (29%) in the 45° hip-flexion position (260.9 [44.43] N) compared with the 0° hip-flexion short-lever position (185.2 [54.84] N), P < .001. Hip adduction:abduction ratio was significantly greater in the 0° hip-flexion short-lever position (1.41 [0.35]) compared with the 45° hip-flexion position (1.03 [0.17]), P < .001, and the 0° hip-flexion long-lever position (0.87 [0.21]), P = .001. The 45° hip-flexion position also demonstrated significantly greater ratios than the 0° hip-flexion long-lever position, P = .052. These hip adduction:abduction strength ratios should inform practitioners when prescribing strength or rehabilitative exercise to female soccer players. These findings also demonstrate that different testing positions most likely favor different gluteal muscle groups and their respective length tension relationships when the hip position is altered.

4 The Functional Variability of Goal-Directed Movements in Football

Reference: Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2025 Oct 23:1-10. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2025-0145. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Daniel Carrilho, Carlos Albaladejo-García, Henrique Lopes, Margarida Vaz de Carvalho, Francisco J Moreno, Duarte Araújo
Summary: Research highlights that understanding movement functionality in football requires contextualizing physical demands. Ecological dynamics provides a useful framework for this contextualization by examining how players adjust their action capabilities (effectivities) to opportunities for action in the match environment (affordances). We explored the relationship between movement intensity and variability to capture how movement is regulated by the dynamic interplay between a player’s action capabilities and opportunities for action in the match environment. Each situation imposes distinct demands, and team functionality depends on the players‘ ability to adapt to the context. Using positional data, we identified players‘ movements (n = 1021) in attacking and compared how players (n = 28) adjusted their speed and direction to act on distinct match affordances. Through linear regression, we associated transitions between affordances with team attacking functionality. An inverse relationship between intensity and variability was found. Comparative analysis showed that supporting affordances were characterized by movements with slightly higher direction variability (U = 106,365.00, P = .008) and attacking affordances by higher mean speed (U = 150,586.00, P < .001). Linear regression showed that match affordance transitions explained 36% of positive variations in total passes, F1,47 = 26.42, P < .001, and 49% in possession length, F1,47 = 44.89, P < .001. These findings provide preliminary evidence of nuanced movement regulation, as players engage with different affordances during the match, characterized by small to moderate effect sizes. Moderate associations with team functionality indicators suggest that movement variability may contribute to maintaining coordinated and effective team play.

5 VAR consultation patterns and their association with fouls and misconduct: An analysis of the top five European football leagues

Reference: PLoS One. 2025 Oct 24;20(10):e0334518. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0334518. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Mohamad Nizam Nazarudin, Anwar P P Abdul Majeed, Rabiu Muazu Musa, Naresh Bhaskar Raj, Garry Kuan, Noor Azuan Abu Osman
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0334518
Summary: Delays and controversies surrounding Video Assistant Referee (VAR) consultations have raised concerns in European football, particularly regarding the types of infractions that prompt referee interventions. This study analysed referee data from 6,232 matches across five seasons in the top five European leagues to identify the foul and misconduct behaviours most strongly associated with VAR referrals. Using clustering and logistic regression, we found that a limited set of offences, most notably handball, off-the-ball challenges, professional fouls, and simulation, were consistently linked to higher consultation frequency. While descriptive comparisons suggested some variation between leagues, league affiliation itself was not a significant predictor once foul type was considered. The findings indicate that VAR is predominantly engaged for offences that are both subjective and potentially decisive in match outcomes. These insights have practical implications for referees, coaches, and players by highlighting the need for strategies that minimise unnecessary consultations, improve game flow, and enhance the consistency of officiating in elite football.

6 Can We Replicate the Most Demanding Periods of Official Football Matches in Large-Sided Training Games?

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Oct 21;10(4):410. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040410.
Authors: David Casamichana, Iñaki Ulloa, Oier Agirrezabalaga, Ibon Etxeazarra, José Manuel González de Suso, Alfonso Azurza, Bixen Calzon, Jon Mikel Arrieta, Iñigo Sasiain, Jon Ollora, Eider Barba, Beñat Erkizia, Aitor Lazkano, Filipe Manuel Clemente, Julen Castellano
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/4/410
Summary: This study aimed to compare the external load demands of large-sided games, with and without regulatory interruptions, to the average (FOOTmatch) and most demanding scenarios (MDSmatch) observed in official football matches, taking into account players‘ pitch positions. Large-sided training games were implemented with regulatory interruptions (FOOTtask) and without interruptions (MURDtask), during which a coach continuously introduced new balls to maximise effective playing time. GPS data were collected from eight official matches and six training sessions, involving a total of 30 young male football players. MURDtask surpassed FOOTmatch, FOOTtask, and even MDSmatch in distance covered (Effect Size = 0.6-2.5), and equaled MDSmatch in the number of decelerations > 3 m·s-2. Both FOOTtask and MURDtask exceeded the average match demands in most locomotor external load variables, except for sprinting efforts > 28 km·h-1. However, none of the training games reached the peak values of MDSmatch in high-speed running or high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (>4 m·s-2). Positional analysis revealed significantly higher values in MDSmatch for most variables, except for decelerations <-3 m·s-2. Conclusions: MURDtask is a useful strategy to overload players, but additional tasks are required to replicate high-speed and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations typical of MDSmatch.

7 Enhancing Physical and Cognitive Performance in Youth Football: The Role of Specific Dual-Task Training

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Oct 18;10(4):404. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040404.
Authors: Juan Miguel Ramírez Lucas, Juan Antonio Párraga Montilla, José Carlos Cabrera Linares, Pedro Ángel Latorre Román
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/4/404
Summary: Football performance depends on the integration of physical, technical, and cognitive abilities under constantly changing conditions. In this context, dual-task training combining physical and cognitive demands has emerged as a promising approach to enhance decision-making and game intelligence in youth football players. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an eight-week dual-task training programme on physical (speed, strength, and agility), cognitive (working memory, planning, processing speed, and response time), technical (dribbling and short passing), and dual-task performance in U16 football players. Thirty-two players (age: 14.88 ± 0.65 years; BMI: 20.98 ± 1.79 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 14) and an experimental group (n = 18). The experimental group completed a dual cognitive-motor training (CMT) programme consisting of 24 sessions (3 sessions/week, 10-15 min each), integrated into regular football practice. Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments included football skills (dribbling and passing tests), cognitive tests (Wom-Rest and Vismem-Plan), physical tests (countermovement jump, 20 m sprint, and 505 change-of-direction), and a dual-task test (soccer skills and cognitive aptitude test). The experimental group showed significant improvements in all assessed variables, while the control group exhibited no changes or declines in performance. The most notable effects were observed in SoSCAT with visual interference, dual-task cost, and 505 change-of-direction. The findings suggest that integrating brief dual CMT programmes into regular football practice can simultaneously enhance physical, technical, and cognitive performance in youth players. This evidence supports the implementation of dual CMT as an effective and time-efficient tool in talent development programmes.

8 Neuromuscular Performance of High-Level Football Goalkeepers by Age Category and Sex: A Systematic Review

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Oct 13;10(4):398. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040398.
Authors: Pablo González-Jarrín, Jaime Fernández-Fernández, José Vicente García-Tormo, Carlos Gutiérrez García
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/4/398
Summary: Goalkeeper actions directly influence match outcomes and overall team performance. Neuromuscular determinants (e.g., perception-action coupling, reaction speed, rate of force development (RFD), balance, etc.) translate into higher save probability, faster second actions, and more accurate distribution. This systematic review analysed neuromuscular performance factors in 11-a-side football goalkeepers and examined how these factors evolve across age and sex groups. The review adhered to the PRISMA 2020 Statement guidelines. A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Dialnet, LILACS, and Scopus databases. Studies that assessed any aspect of goalkeepers‘ neuromuscular performance except for aerobic endurance and VO2 max (due to the short duration of goalkeeping actions) were included, regardless of the type of observational design. Thirty-five studies were finally included in the synthesis, encompassing neuromuscular performance factors such as agility, speed, anaerobic power, strength, flexibility, and dynamic balance and coordination. The findings underscore the need for neuromuscular training for goalkeepers, particularly agility training. Neuromuscular performance improves with age, especially in linear speed, agility, change-of-direction speed, strength, and power; however, flexibility shows no significant progression. This review identifies key tests for evaluating goalkeepers‘ neuromuscular capacities across major performance domains. Although sex differences are apparent, the main limitation is the lack of research on neuromuscular performance in male and female goalkeepers, making it difficult to define indicators for different age and sex categories.

9 Effects of a 4-Week Off-Season High-Intensity Training Program on Aerobic Performance and Sprint Endurance Ability in Adolescent Female Football Players: A Pilot Study

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Oct 13;10(4):396. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040396.
Authors: Marco Panascì, Carlo Castagna, Vincenzo Rago, Vittoria Ferrando, Piero Ruggeri, Emanuela Faelli
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/4/396
Summary: The off-season is often characterized by a significant decrease or even a complete cessation of training. If this reduction is not planned properly, it can result in detraining. Despite numerous studies examining the effects of HIIT in football players, its specific role in mitigating detraining and maintaining aerobic and anaerobic performance during the off-season in adolescent female football players remains underexplored. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of a 4-week off-season high-intensity training (HIIT) program on aerobic performance level and sprint endurance ability in Under-15 (U-15) female football players. Fifteen U-15 female football players from a professional club completed an experimental protocol consisting of two HIIT formats: Small-Sided Games (SSGs) and Repeated Sprint Training (RST), each performed twice weekly. Before and after the intervention period, participants performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (YYIR1) test to gauge aerobic performance and the 30-seconds sprint test to assess sprint endurance. The internal training load was monitored via heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration ([La]+), while external training load metrics included the total distance (TD), moderate-speed distance (MSD), high-speed distance (HSD), acceleration distance (≥3 m·s-2; ACC), and deceleration distance (≤-3 m·s-2; DEC). YYIR1 improved by 57% (p = 0.0001; d = 1.12; 95% CI: 121.94-224.71) and the 30-s test performance increased by 13% (p = 0.004; d = 0.91; and 95% CI: 14.46-25.53) following the intervention period. A very large correlation between time spent at 90-95% HRmax and the 30-s test (r = 0.90, p = 0.0001) and YYIR1 (r = 0.81, p = 0.0001) performance was observed. Very large and nearly perfect correlations between DHS and YYIR1 (r = 0.82, p = 0.0001) and the 30-s test performance (r = 0.94, p = 0.0001), respectively, were found. In U-15 female football players, a four-week off-season HIIT program improved both aerobic performance and sprint endurance ability, indicating that a HIIT regime attenuates the off-season detraining, thus supporting a better-conditioned return to play. Coaches may implement 4-week high-intensity off-season programs to enhance aerobic performance and start the pre-season with a satisfactory level of aerobic fitness and sprint endurance.

10 The Aging Curve: How Age Affects Physical Performance in Elite Football

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Oct 3;10(4):385. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10040385.
Authors: Luís Branquinho, Elias de França, Adriano Titton, Luís Fernando Leite de Barros, Pedro Campos, Felipe O Marques, Igor Phillip Dos Santos Glória, Erico Chagas Caperuto, Vinicius Barroso Hirota, José E Teixeira, Pedro Forte, António M Monteiro, Ricardo Ferraz, Ronaldo Vagner Thomatieli-Santos
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/4/385
Summary: In elite football, understanding how age impacts players‘ physical performance is essential for optimizing training, career longevity, and team management. This study aimed to compare variations in physical capabilities of professional football players by chronological age and identify peak performance ages. Data from 5203 match performances across 351 official games were analyzed, involving 98 male players aged 18-39 years. Physical capacities (speed, explosive actions, and endurance) were assessed using the Catapult VECTOR7 system. showed that players over 32 years experienced declines in high-intensity and explosive actions, while endurance remained relatively stable with age. Peak performance occurred around 25.7 years for speed, 24.8 years for endurance, and 26 years for explosiveness. Overall, players aged 17-26 years demonstrated the highest physical performance, with notable declines observed in older age groups.

11 Effects of increasing cognitive demands through expanding movement options on biomechanics during changes of direction in female football players

Reference: Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 23;15(1):37172. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-25069-2.
Authors: Clara Ebner, Urs Granacher, Dominic Gehring
Download link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-25069-2.pdf
Summary: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries often occur during changes-of-direction (CODs), particularly when combined with cognitively demanding decision-making tasks. This study investigated the effects of increasing movement options during CODs in response to a real opponent on whole-body biomechanics in female football players. Twenty-nine female football players (15 with high and 14 with low expertise) performed 90° CODs in response to a real opponents‘ action under four conditions: anticipated with one option (ANT-1), unanticipated with two (UNANT-2), three (UNANT-3) or four (UNANT-4) movement options. Three-dimensional motion analysis captured whole-body biomechanics at initial contact and during weight acceptance. Continuous biomechanical data were analyzed using a statistical parametric mapping approach. No significant condition effects were observed for peak knee mechanics. However, at initial contact the pelvis was significantly less tilted and rotated towards the running direction in the UNANT-4 condition than in ANT-1. The hip was significantly more abducted and internally rotated in all unanticipated CODs. Furthermore, trunk rotation to the cutting leg was reduced in all unanticipated conditions compared to ANT-1. No significant differences were found between expertise groups. Increasing cognitive demands in a simulated match-play scenario primarily influenced proximal segment biomechanics during CODs in female football players. The authors therefore recommend integrating whole-body control and cognitively demanding stimuli into testing and injury prevention strategies.

12 Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and lactate response during a football-specific intermittent field fitness test in women

Reference: Early Hum Dev. 2025 Oct 16:211:106414. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106414. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Hadi Nobari, Elena Mainer-Pardos, Demetrio Lozano, John T Manning, Koulla Parpa, Laura Mason, Marcos Michaelides, Alberto Roso-Moliner
Summary: Lactate, an important respiratory substrate, is generated during exercise. Digit ratio (2D:4D) is strongly associated with lactate in men over a range of exercise intensities, but in women the association has been reported as weaker and restricted to high running speeds. Here we report a replication of this finding in women employing the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT). The participants were amateur female football players. Digit lengths, height, body composition and VO2max were measured. The 30-15 IFT involves 30-s shuttle runs between lines positioned 40 m apart. Audio signals determine the pace, starting at 10 km/h and increasing by 0.5 km/h to a maximum of 18 km/h. Mean lactate levels (mmol/L) rose with running speed, ranging from 2.13 (±0.78) to 13.63 (±2.83). At running speeds 12 km/h to 16 km/h (n = 28 and 26 respectively) there were positive correlations between lactate and weight and BMI and negative associations with VO2max. At 18 km/h (n = 16) right 2D:4D was positively related and height negatively related to lactate. The former remained significant after the effect of height was removed. Our findings from the 30-15 IFT in the field are similar to those reported from a laboratory treadmill test. The digit ratio, especially right 2D:4D, is positively associated with lactate levels during running in women, independent of height. In contrast previous findings in men the association applies to high running speeds only.

13 Multimodal neural feedback collaborative training system for executive function and tactical cognition enhancement in football athletes

Reference: Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 22;15(1):36937. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-20791-3.
Authors: Chanjuan Wang, Xinjun Zhang
Download link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-20791-3.pdf
Summary: Contemporary football demands exceptional cognitive abilities alongside physical prowess, yet current training methodologies lack precision for optimizing cognitive performance through objective neural monitoring. This computational study develops and validates a theoretical multimodal neural feedback collaborative training system that simultaneously enhances executive function and tactical cognition in football contexts. The proposed system integrates electroencephalography (EEG), eye-tracking, and physiological monitoring to provide real-time feedback during cognitive training protocols. Through computational validation utilizing synthetic neural signal datasets and algorithmic performance modeling, we evaluated the theoretical system’s efficacy across executive function components (working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) and tactical cognition domains (pattern recognition, strategic planning, decision-making). Computational results demonstrated significant theoretical improvements in executive function capabilities averaging 23.7% and tactical cognition enhancements reaching 27.8% compared to baseline algorithmic performance. The collaborative training approach consistently outperformed isolated training modalities in simulations, with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.96 to d = 1.24, representing substantial theoretical effects) across cognitive domains. Neurophysiological simulations revealed enhanced theta-gamma coupling, increased alpha synchronization, and strengthened fronto-parietal connectivity patterns supporting improved cognitive performance. The mathematical frameworks and algorithmic validation establish theoretical foundations for understanding executive function-tactical cognition interactions while demonstrating the computational potential for neurotechnology-enhanced cognitive training. Future empirical studies with actual athletes are needed to validate these theoretical findings in practical settings.

14 Quantification of heading in adult football: a systematic review and evidence synthesis

Reference: Br J Sports Med. 2025 Oct 21:bjsports-2024-109462. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-109462. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Jill Alexander, Mark Gillett, Sameer Patel, Paddy Riley, Matthew Green, David Rhodes
Download link: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/early/2025/10/21/bjsports-2024-109462.full.pdf
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the quantification of heading in adult football (soccer) across practice, game and laboratory settings. Additionally, it examines how variables such as technical categorisation, ball properties, gender, position, level and type of play influence acceleration, force, nature and frequency of heading. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Protocols guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021249268). MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest were searched and Studies published in English between 2000 and 2024 that quantified subjective and/or objective measures of acceleration, force, nature and frequency of heading in football were included. Thirty-two articles met the eligibility criteria. Measurements of acceleration, force, nature and frequency were measured in practice and game situations; however, no study reported all measures synchronously from both practice and games in the same investigation. Differences in acceleration (linear/rotational), force, nature and frequency when heading were observed and influenced by gender, playing position, type of header, approach, preceding events, ball properties and neck strength. Acceleration and force were the highest from goal kicks, and a larger frequency of headers was exhibited in training than games. The nature of headers was difficult to report due to inconsistencies in the terms used across the literature to define the type of header or event preceding the header. Our findings inform the standardisation and accuracy of quantifying heading in football. Future research should focus on quantifying heading in uncontrolled scenarios using valid and reliable technology and verify ball-to-head impacts through video analytics to determine any relevant clinical thresholds for heading.

15 Scaling success: parental perceptions of the benefits of a 20-week football living-lab approach for children living with cerebral palsy

Reference: BMJ Paediatr Open. 2025 Oct 21;9(1):e003895.  doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2025-003895.
Authors: Ricardo Martins, Will Pattison, Lara Vella, Ruth Postlethwaite, David Broom, Eileen Africa, Michael Duncan
Download link: https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/bmjpo/9/1/e003895.full.pdf
Summary: Living-lab approaches have effectively connected academic research with community needs but have not yet been applied to promote physical activity for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study evaluated a 20-week football-based living-lab programme for children aged 5-10 years with CP, grounded in the principles of Football is Medicine and physical literacy. A qualitative design was employed, involving seven one-to-one semistructured interviews with parents or legal guardians of programme participants. A deductive thematic analysis was conducted, and pen profile diagrams were developed to represent key themes related to physical literacy outcomes. Parents reported benefits across multiple dimensions of their children’s physical literacy, including improved competence, confidence, motivation and enjoyment. All parents observed enhanced social interaction. Six described the sessions as inclusive and community-oriented, while five felt the programme was personalised to their child’s needs. Three parents perceived the football activities as complementary to physical therapy, supporting physical rehabilitation. Participation also enabled parents to exchange strategies and engage more meaningfully in their child’s well-being. The football-based living-lab supported the holistic development of children with CP, enhancing physical, psychological and social domains of physical literacy. Parental involvement further reinforced perceived therapeutic and community benefits.

16 Muscle metabolic responses to a 5v5 football game in trained female football players

Reference: Eur J Appl Physiol. 2025 Oct 22. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-06028-1. Online ahead of print.
Authors: M B Randers, J Panduro, G Ermidis, J F Vigh-Larsen, F Yousefian, K Søgaard, P Krustrup, M Mohr
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00421-025-06028-1.pdf
Summary: The study examined the acute muscle and systemic physiological responses to a 5v5 small-sided game (SSG) of football in trained female players. Ten trained female football players (age: 24.5 ± 1.9 years, height: 169 ± 5 cm, weight: 67.0 ± 8.0 kg, fat%: 24.8 ± 7.6%) completed four 12-min periods of play (P1-P4) with 4-min passive recovery. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis pre- and post-game, and analyzed for glycogen, creatine phosphate (CP), ATP, and lactate. Blood lactate was measured pre-, mid-, and post-game. Heart rate and movement patterns were recorded continuously using chest-worn sensors. Muscle lactate nearly doubled (mean [95CI], 4.8 [2.5, 7.1] to 8.8 [6.5, 11.0] mmol/kg dw; P < 0.01), while blood lactate rose 57% mid-game and 80% post-game (P < 0.01). Muscle CP declined 22% (P < 0.01), muscle ATP remained unchanged, and muscle glycogen declined (P < 0.01) from 349 [299, 399] at baseline to 275 [225, 325] mmol/kg dw post-game. Average and peak heart rates reached 82 [78, 86] % and 93 [89, 97] %HRmax, respectively, while players covered 3805 [3308, 4303] m in total, with greater distance in the first period compared to later periods (P2-P4, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that 5v5 SSG impose a notable muscle metabolic load in trained female players, taxing both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems despite a relatively low external load. SSG may be a training modality for improving sport-specific fitness in trained young female players, but intervention studies are required to confirm adaptations. Inference is limited by the small sample and absence of control for menstrual phase and pre-exercise nutrition.

17 Current performance and future potential of youth elite-level football players: Insights from both objective data and coach assessments

Reference: J Sports Sci. 2025 Oct 22:1-14. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2577487. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Laurens Gilson, Eva D’Hondt, Johan Pion, Matthieu Lenoir, Frederik Deconinck, Nikki Rommers
Summary: Football clubs use both objective and subjective assessments to continuously identify the most promising players and develop them towards professional athletes. This study investigated the associations between clubs‘ objective and subjective performance measures to gain a deeper understanding of their interplay. To this end, 331 elite youth football players (9 to 14 years) completed a test battery assessing anthropometry, physical performance, technical performance, and motor coordination. Additionally, coaches rated players‘ current performance and future potential using a visual analogue scale (0-100). Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis with 95% confidence intervals were applied to explore associations between objective and subjective measures. A strong correlation emerged between performance and potential ratings (r = 0.70). Furthermore, faster sprint times, higher jumps, and better change of direction appeared to be associated with higher subjective ratings. The sprint (e.g. 30 m) was a key predictor of both performance (4.04 [1.27, 6.79]) and potential scores (6.27 [2.90, 9.63]). Players with subjective performance and potential scores above 50 or 66 outperformed those below 50 or 66 in sprint, change of direction, and jumping performance. These findings highlight a strong link between subjective ratings and objective performance. An integrated approach combining both assessment types is crucial for talent development.

18 Differences in judgments on the importance of performance psychological factors among Korean and Chinese football experts

Reference: Front Psychol. 2025 Oct 6:16:1659102. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1659102. eCollection 2025.
Authors: Ji-Hun Kang, Hong-Fu Tang
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12536433/pdf/fpsyg-16-1659102.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to assess the importance of performance psychological factors (PPF) among Korean and Chinese football experts (FE) and to identify differences in their judgments regarding PPF. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was conducted with 60 participants, including Ph.D. holders in sports psychology with player experience and football coaches with over 10 years of combined experience as players, coaches, and researchers. The standardized scores from the AHP results were used to determine the differences in judgments regarding the importance of PPF between the two countries. First, Korean FE make judgments on the importance of PPF in the order of factors such as game intelligence and fundamentals, and in the subfactors, practical intelligence, anxiety control, and confidence. Second, Chinese FE make judgments on the importance of PPF in the order of factors such as fundamentals and game intelligence, and in the subfactors, practical intelligence, confidence, and fighting spirit. Third, PPF judged by Korean FE range from confidence (0.050), which is the closest, to pressure control (0.792), which is the farthest. PPF judged by Chinese FE range from analyzing abilities (0.106), the closest, to fighting spirit (0.919), the farthest. The differences in judgments regarding the importance of PPF in Korean and Chinese FE may reflect varying evaluations of psychological factors influenced by each country’s football culture. Overall, this study can serve as a resource for mutual understanding and communication between the two countries.

19 The Effect of Football Derbies on Emergency Department Visits: Evidence from Turkey, 2024

Reference: J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2025 Oct 20;15(1):125. doi: 10.1007/s44197-025-00469-9.
Authors: Esat Barut, Kemal Barut
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12537631/pdf/44197_2025_Article_469.pdf
Summary: We aimed to investigate the effects of football derbies in Turkey on emergency department (ED) visits. We retrospectively analyzed patients who visited the ED of a training and research hospital in Turkey between January 1 and December 31, 2024. We evaluated four football derby days and four normal weekend days for comparison. We defined three time periods: 6 h before match start, 2 h during the match, and 12 h after the match. We recorded patients‘ demographic and clinical information and classified ED visit diagnoses into 6 main categories. We included 8,353 ED visits (4,207 normal days; 4,146 derby days). We found a statistically significant difference in visit distribution between derby days and normal days according to diagnosis categories (p < 0.001). Despite a 1.45% decrease in total visits on derby days, we observed a disproportionate increase in trauma and other external cause diagnoses (a 4.5% increase), respiratory system diseases (an 8.4% increase), and cardiovascular diseases (a 1.8% increase). Being a derby day increased the probability of trauma diagnoses by 29.7% (p < 0.001). Increasing age reduced this probability by 0.6%, being female reduced it by 12%, and pre-match time period increased it by 33% (p < 0.05 for all). We observed a 6% increase in trauma-related visits among women on derby days (p = 0.010). Football derby matches affect ED visit patterns, particularly trauma diagnoses, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. The increase in trauma diagnoses relates to the presence or absence of derby, time period, gender, and age. Women’s trauma-related visits increased on derby days. We recommend considering these findings in ED resource planning and public health policies.

20 Optimizing Scanning in Youth Female Football: The Role of Verbal Instructions

Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2025 Nov;25(11):e70070. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.70070.
Authors: Mirjam Hintermann, Michael Romann, Dennis Lüdin, Wolfgang Taube, Jörg Fuchslocher
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12535765/pdf/EJSC-25-e70070.pdf
Summary: Visual exploration, or scanning, is a key perceptual skill in football, enabling players to collect environmental information. It was shown that elite players scan more frequently than less experienced players and make better decisions in subsequent actions. However, to date, it is not clear how to improve and develop scanning behavior. This study examines the immediate effects of verbal instructions on scanning behavior and performance in 4v4 small-sided games among 25 elite youth female football players (mean ± SD age: 17.6 ± 0.7 years). Participants completed two training sessions: one with and one without verbal instructions. Verbal cues were specifically designed to encourage players to scan for teammates, opponents, and free spaces before receiving the ball. Scanning behavior and performance were analyzed using video footage, and data were statistically evaluated through multilevel generalized linear models. Verbal instructions increased the number of scans before ball reception by 27% (rate ratio: 1.27 and 95% CI [1.12, 1.44]), demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing scanning behavior. Players who performed at least one scan were significantly more likely to achieve successful subsequent actions compared to those who did not scan (e.g., 1 scan: odds ratio = 3.40 and 95% CI [2.59, 4.62]). Notably, the additional scans did not negatively impact the relationship between scanning and the success of subsequent actions. The findings suggest that verbal instructions are a promising coaching tool for increasing the number of scans. Integrating scanning-focused instructions with broader tactical and decision-making training could further optimize perceptual skill development in elite youth football players.