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 Tempo-specific complex training improves lower-limb strength and neuromuscular function in male collegiate soccer players: an experimental study

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01631-x. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Mingqi Gao, Enjing Li
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13102-026-01631-x_reference.pdf
Summary: Repetition tempo may alter mechanical loading and neuromuscular responses, influencing post-activation performance enhancement and chronic adaptations. Evidence for tempo-specific effects within complex training is limited. We compared the effects of three squat tempos on strength, power, and neuromuscular activity in male collegiate soccer players. Thirty players were randomized to slow eccentric–fast concentric (SE; 5-0-X-0), isometric–fast concentric (IC; 1-5-X-0), or accelerated eccentric–fast concentric (AE; 2-0-X-0) complex training for 6 weeks (2 sessions/week), with identical load and volume. Outcomes were 1RM squat, CMJ, SJ, CMJ peak power, RSImod, and V-Drill reactive agility. EMG (vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius) was analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and SPM1D. Significant improvements over time were observed for 1RM (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.954), CMJ height (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.880), RSImod (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.960), CMJ peak power (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.916), and V-Drill performance (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.859) across all groups. Significant time × group interactions were found for 1RM (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.850), RSImod (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.717), CMJ peak power (P = 0.015; η²p = 0.269), and SJ height (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.577). Specifically, the SE demonstrated the largest 1RM increase (+ 17.6%), whereas SJ height increased in the IC (+ 7.3%) but decreased in the SE (− 6.1%). SPM1D analysis revealed tempo-specific neuromuscular adaptations: SE extensively enhanced biceps femoris recruitment during the concentric propulsion phase; AE primarily augmented vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius activation during the terminal concentric phase; and IC elicited widespread increases in medial gastrocnemius activity during the eccentric phase. Complex training effectively enhances lower-limb strength and explosive performance, but distinct squat tempos elicit different neuromuscular adaptations. Tempo manipulation may be periodized to training objectives (e.g., SE/IC for strength-oriented phases; AE for power maintenance).

2 Multi-sensor fusion outperforms single indicators for fatigue prediction in university soccer players: a machine learning approach

Reference: Front Physiol. 2026 Feb 18:17:1775906. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1775906. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Xuezhu Xu
Download link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1775906/full
Summary: Collegiate football players face unique challenges balancing academic and athletic demands, yet research on multi-sensor training load monitoring for this population remains limited. The aim was to evaluate multi-sensor wearable devices for training load monitoring and fatigue prediction in collegiate football players. Forty-eight male collegiate football players were monitored over 12 weeks using GPS devices, heart rate monitors, and subjective questionnaires. External and internal load indicators were collected during 536 training sessions and 24 matches. Fatigue status was defined using countermovement jump, heart rate variability, wellness scores, and RPE. XGBoost, random forest, and logistic regression models were developed and validated. Strong correlations existed between external and internal load indicators (Player Load vs. TRIMP: r = 0.81). The XGBoost model achieved optimal performance (AUC = 0.895), significantly outperforming single-indicator models. Wellness score (18.5%), ACWR (16.2%), and morning HRV (13.8%) were the most important predictive features. Position-specific load patterns were observed, with midfielders covering greatest distances and forwards showing highest sprint outputs. Multi-sensor fusion combined with machine learning (XGBoost, AUC = 0.895) significantly outperforms single-indicator models for fatigue prediction in university soccer players, with wellness score, ACWR, and morning HRV identified as the most important predictive features.

3 Impact of unilateral single-mode balance training vs. combined balance and plyometric training on soccer players‘ interlimb asymmetry in balance and neuromuscular performance

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Feb 19:8:1743152. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1743152. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Thomas Muehlbauer, Katharina Borgmann, Sam Limpach, Dirk Krombholz, Stefan Panzer
Download link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2026.1743152/full
Summary: It has been shown that unilateral balance training (BT) enhances balance and neuromuscular performance in the trained and untrained leg and thus has the potential to reduce side-to-side differences. However, it is unresolved how effective unilateral single-mode BT compared to unilateral combined balance and plyometric training (BT + PT) is in reducing interlimb asymmetry. Thus, we examined the impact of both training modalities on soccer players‘ interlimb asymmetry in balance and neuromuscular performance. Sixty male elite youth soccer players were randomly assigned to a unilateral single-mode BT group (n = 20), a unilateral combined BT + PT group (n = 22) or an active control group (n = 22). All groups trained for nine weeks (2 sessions/week) with their non-dominant leg. The interventions included balance exercises for the single-mode BT group, balance and plyometric exercises for the combined BT + PT group and stretching exercises for the active control group. Training progression was achieved by manipulating sensory input (balance exercises), the number of floor contacts (plyometric exercises), or the duration of the stretching exercises. Before and after the intervention period, performance in the Y Balance Test – Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ) and the single leg drop landing (SLDL) test as well as leg muscle activity were assessed. The magnitude of interlimb differences was quantified by calculating the limb symmetry index (LSI) and compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (significance level: p < .05). The analysis revealed significant main effects of test (pre vs. post) for the LSI values of the YBT-LQ (anterior reach: η p 2 = .07; posterolateral reach: η p 2 = .11) and activity of the gastrocnemius muscle (η p 2 = .33) but not for the SLDL test. Further, a significant test×group interaction was detected for the LSI value of the anterior reach (η p 2 = .10) and post-hoc analyses yielded a significant LSI reduction for the unilateral single-mode BT group (d = .79) only. Nine weeks of unilateral single-mode BT and combined BT + PT proved to be effective and feasible (attendance rates of ≈ 99%-100%). In particular, unilateral single-mode BT appears to be suitable for reducing the LSI value of the YBT-LQ anterior reach, which is a predictor for time loss non-contact lower limb injuries.

4 The relative age effect and transition rates across a national soccer program in male and female youth to senior players. A longitudinal analysis

Reference: Biol Sport. 2025 Oct 1;43:439–448. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.154941
Authors: Daniel Nisbet, Mauro Mandorino, Piotr Zmijewski, Toni Modric, José Eduardo Teixeira, Alexandre Moreira, Ryland Morgans
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12954492/pdf/JBS-43-56929.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to: (1) investigate the prevalence and magnitude of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) across a national team program; (2) assess the transition rates from youth to senior international level, and (3) examine the influence of birth quartile distribution on transition. 1518 male and 487 female soccer players from a national soccer association were examined. All participants were divided into birth quartiles: January- March (BQ1), April-June (BQ2), July-September (BQ3), and October-December (BQ4). Significant RAE were observed across all age groups, with small-to-medium effect sizes (Cramer’s V: 0.10-0.19), except for male U-16, female U-16, and U-19 players. Senior teams exhibited the most significant RAE, with odds ratios of 2.27 for male and 1.50 for female players. Transition rates from youth to senior teams were higher for female (30%) than male (20%) players. Contrasting trends by birth quartile were evident with males having the lowest transition rate in BQ1 (17%), while females had the lowest transition rate in BQ4 (25%). The number of youth team appearances in both sexes was a significant predictor of transition probability (β = 0.177), with each additional appearance increasing the likelihood of progressing to the senior team by 19.4%. A significant interaction between sex and youth team appearances indicated that the impact of playing opportunities was less pronounced for male players than females. These findings highlight the influence of the RAE in talent development and underscore the need for equitable opportunities for all players, regardless of sex.

5 Why do parents sign their children up for soccer in the United States?

Reference: Biol Sport. 2025 Oct 1:43:429-438. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.154144. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: José M Oliva-Lozano, John Sullivan, Rick Cost, Felipe Lobelo, George Chiampas
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12954489/pdf/JBS-43-56663.pdf
Summary: Participation in youth sports provides children with a number of physical and psychosocial benefits. With soccer continuing to grow in the United States, understanding why families choose this sport over others can help organizations better serve their communities and promote participation. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing parents‘ decisions to enroll their children in soccer in the United States. An observational, cross-sectional design was utilized, with data collected through an online survey completed by 5,052 parents and legal guardians of children aged 4 to 18. The survey included questions related to sample characteristics, extrinsic (parent-focused) benefits, child growth and development, well-being, health-related, and other factors asked in ranking and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from open-ended questions were thematically coded. Parents highly value child growth and development benefits such as discipline, respect, responsibility and handling pressure. Soccer is seen by parents as a way to keep children busy, allow for a structured schedule and to avoid trouble while using up their energy. Parents have mixed feelings about high aspirations like becoming a professional player or famous athlete, but many hope for college scholarships and personal development. Health benefits are a major reason for parents choosing to enroll their children in soccer, with a focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing chronic illnesses. Soccer was perceived as the team sport with the greatest health benefits, showing a higher collective perception of health value compared to other sports. This study provides practical insights for soccer organizations to design programs that align with parental priorities, such as child development, health, and social interaction. It supports targeted marketing, health promotion, and educational workshops. Additionally, it helps coaches, policymakers, and community centers tailor strategies that emphasize soccer’s developmental, physical, and social benefits.

6 Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Comparative Assessment of Cam and Pincer Hip Morphology between Soccer Players and Non-athlete Controls

Reference: Hip Pelvis. 2026 Mar 1;38(1):44-53. doi: 10.5371/hp.2026.38.1.44.
Authors: Deniz Aydin, Yasemin Kucukciloglu
Download link: https://www.hipandpelvis.or.kr/journal/view.html?volume=38&number=1&spage=44&year=2026
Summary: Primary cam and pincer type morphology of the hip can lead to femoroacetabular impingement and osteoarthritis. This study aimed to assess and compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiological parameters of hip morphology between young male semi-professional soccer players and non-athlete controls. This observational cross-sectional study included a retrospective review of MRI scans of young male soccer players and an age- and sex-matched control group obtained from a hospital radiology database. Lateral center edge angle, acetabular version, alpha angle, collodiaphyseal angle, and femoral head coverage ratio were recorded and compared between groups. Bilateral hip MRI scans of 30 young male soccer players and 30 non-athletes were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 24.88±5.10 years (range, 15-34 years). In the non-athlete control group, anteversion was higher in both hips (P=0.02 for right hip and P=0.05 for left hip) and reached statistical significance for the right hip. The collodiaphyseal angle was higher in the soccer-player group (P=0.01 for the right hip and P=0.03 for the left hip). The femoral head coverage ratio was significantly higher in the control group (P=0.02 for the right hip and P=0.01 for the left hip). No significant difference was observed in lateral center edge angle or alpha angle between groups. Differences in collodiaphyseal angle, acetabular anteversion, and femoral head coverage ratio indicate partial variation in femoroacetabular morphology between groups; however, no evidence showed a higher incidence of cam or pincer morphology in soccer players.

7 Sleep tight, play right: practical insights into sleep for soccer players

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Feb 13:8:1740420. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1740420. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Christoforos D Giannaki, Angelos Vlahoyiannis, Arnaldo L Mortatti, Fabio Y Nakamura, Gregory C Bogdanis
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12945397/pdf/fspor-08-1740420.pdf
Summary: Over recent decades, interest in the relationship between sleep and athletic performance has grown substantially. Sleep is particularly crucial in soccer, where it significantly impacts recovery and performance, warranting careful consideration. Soccer players face several sport-specific challenges to optimal sleep, including frequent travel, competitive pressures, high training demands, late-night matches, exposure to artificial bright light, and early-morning training sessions. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature on sleep’s influence on recovery, performance, health, and physical condition in soccer players, aiming to translate these findings into actionable, real-world strategies. Adequate sleep is a fundamental component of athletic performance and recovery. To address common sleep challenges in soccer, such as irregular competition schedules and frequent travel, it is essential to implement (i) systematic sleep monitoring and (ii) evidence-based interventions. Monitoring sleep presents challenges because it requires balancing practical feasibility with the level of detail needed to obtain meaningful insights into athletes‘ sleep pattern. Effective intervention strategies include maintaining a consistent bedtime, strategically incorporating short naps, minimizing electronic device use before sleep, and adopting nutrition approaches that support recovery. By integrating these practices, coaches, players, and scientific staff can optimize both physical and mental readiness, ultimately enhancing performance and overall well-being.

8 The Impact of a High-Intensity Functional Training Program on Athletic Performance of Male Amateur Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Study

Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2025 Nov 20:100:165-177. doi: 10.5114/jhk/202312. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Amir Hossein Haghighi, Farshid Ammarlou, Hamid Marefati et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12946879/pdf/JHK-100-202312.pdf
Summary: High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a popular training modality that aims to improve multiple physical fitness and performance components. This study aimed to examine the effects of HIFT on athletic performance of male amateur soccer players. This randomized controlled study was conducted over a six-week period. Athletes were randomly enrolled into HIFT (n = 12) and control (CON, n = 12) groups. The HIFT group replaced part of the specific training with three weekly sessions of HIFT, whereas the CON group participated only in regular soccer training. Before and after the intervention, athletes were assessed for the 20-m sprint (s), bench press strength (kg), squat strength (kg), average anaerobic power (w), the fatigue index (w/s), the change-of-direction sprint (s), VO2max (ml/kg/min), soccer specific dribbling track test travel distance (m), and soccer dribble sprint skill (s). The HIFT group showed greater (p ≤ 0.001-0.018, pη2 = 0.229-0.584) improvements when compared to the CON group, for the 20-m sprint, bench press, and squat strength, fatigue index, VO2max, and soccer specific dribbling track test traveled distance. The average anaerobic power approached significance (p = 0.051, pη2 = 0.162), but was not significantly different between the groups. HIFT may replace part of regular soccer training to improve athletic performance in amateur soccer players.

9 The Role of Instructional Constraints Performed by Coaches on Tactical Behavior of Soccer Players: A Systematic Review

Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2025 Nov 20:100:293-308. doi: 10.5114/jhk/202057. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Cristiano Zarbato Morais, Júlio César da Silva Bispo, Lucas Shoiti Carvalho Ueda, Michel Milistetd, Juliano Fernandes da Silva, Paulo Henrique Borges
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12946878/pdf/JHK-100-202057.pdf
Summary: Among strategies used by coaches in the training environment, feedback appears as a common coach practice. Regarding the collective characteristics of soccer, it is important to observe the game in the same scale. In the coaching process, players‘ behavior can be constrained by coaches using feedback. This study aimed to investigate the role of feedback, performed by coaches, on the tactical behavior of soccer players. We searched in five databases: Scopus, Pubmed, Scielo, SportDiscus and Web of Science, following PRISMA-P guidelines. The PICOS strategy was used to establish eligibility criteria. Only quantitative studies written in English and published in peer reviewed journals were included. From the 1,149 articles found in the initial search, six were included in the review, and then were evaluated considering their methodological quality and risk of bias, through the quality index and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, respectively. Papers presented high heterogeneity regarding methods to apply feedback interventions and to assess the players‘ tactical behavior. Differences were observed in the task proposed to players, varying from small-sided games to official size games (3 vs. 3 to 11 vs. 11). Despite these differences, similarities could be found regarding the use of notational analysis in half of the papers, and analysis through positional data in the other half. The use of instructional constraints before the game seems to bring more clarity on how to better coordinate collective actions, causing a positive effect on players‘ tactical behavior.

10 Are Counterattacks More Effective than Positional Attacks in Soccer? A Comparative Analysis of Influencing Factors

Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2025 Sep 23:100:191-205. doi: 10.5114/jhk/202435. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Pablo Prieto-González, Víctor Martín, Rui Marcelino, Alejandro Sal-de-Rellán
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12946906/pdf/JHK-100-202435.pdf
Summary: This study aimed to: (1) compare the efficiency of positional attacks and counterattacks in La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A, considering team rankings (top, intermediate, and bottom tiers); and (2) identify key factors that influenced the success of both types of attack. A quantitative, observational study adhering to STROBE guidelines was conducted. Data from five seasons (2017-2022) were collected from INSTAT, covering 5,700 matches across the three selected leagues. The analysis included 84 teams. Of the 115 team variables available, 35 independent and two dependent variables-efficiency in positional attacks and counterattacks-were selected. These variables included team performance metrics and tactical indicators. Counterattacks were more efficient than positional attacks across the three leagues, and top teams performed better than intermediate and bottom teams. Serie A showed the highest efficiency. In La Liga and the Premier League, positional attack efficiency was linked to right flank attacks, while counterattacks relied on central-zone efficiency. Serie A showed similar patterns, with the right flank contributing most to positional attack efficiency and central-zone efficiency being the strongest predictor of counterattack efficiency. The superiority of counterattacks over positional attacks underscores the importance of tactical precision and situational execution. Top teams excelled in both strategies, emphasizing the need for efficiency. The findings highlight the significance of adapting strategies to each league’s unique trends. Coaches can leverage these insights to refine their approach, focusing on fast transitions, possession play, and wing play to enhance attacking efficiency and overall team performance.

11 Beyond hypertrophy: a network physiology perspective on the cardio-neuromuscular trade-off in elite soccer

Reference: Front Netw Physiol. 2026 Feb 13:6:1741770. doi: 10.3389/fnetp.2026.1741770. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Zacharias Papadakis, Nikolaos Koutlianos, Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos, Evangelia Kouidi
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12946024/pdf/fnetp-06-1741770.pdf
Summary: Conventional models treat cardiovascular and neuromuscular adaptations as independent, which can hide interference between endurance and power. We investigated whether cardiac remodeling is associated with peak explosive power when adaptation is considered as an integrated system. Nineteen male Super League soccer players completed two-dimensional echocardiography to quantify left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and performed a fifteen-repetition vertical jump test. We adjusted variables for body size and training years, then estimated a partial-correlation network with a Gaussian graphical model and ran sensitivity and subgroup checks. The developed network was sparse and stable. A selective inverse association linked LVMI with maximal jump height (partial correlation -0.41), supported by a complementary Bayesian analysis (Bayes factor 5.70). Neuromuscular variables formed a tight positive cluster, and LVMI did not show negative coupling with other jump metrics, indicating a specific rather than global trade-off. In elite players, a cardiac phenotype consistent with endurance support coincided with constrained peak explosive output when the system was analyzed as a whole. An interdependent network view clarifies interference patterns and points to targeted monitoring and periodization strategies for high-performance sport.

12 Should Soccer Players Re-Warm-up at Half-Time? An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial in a Professional Women’s Team

Reference: Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2026 Feb 25:1-8. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2025-0560. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Marco Abreu, Fábio Y Nakamura, Thiago Carvalho, Davi Silva, José Afonso
Summary: This exploratory study investigated the effects of a 3-minute re-warm-up protocol implemented during halftime on sprint and jump performance in female soccer players. Twenty-two professional female soccer players from 2 Portuguese clubs from First and Second Divisions were randomly assigned to either a control group (G1: passive rest) or an experimental group (G2: re-warm-up). The Integrated Re-warm-up soccer protocol, performed by G2, consisted of 6 FIFA 11+ power exercises and a small-sided game. Performance was measured using a 20-m sprint and countermovement jump at baseline (post-warm-up) and after the half-time intervention. A 2-way analysis of variance (group × time) was conducted for analysis, with effect sizes reported as partial eta squared (ηp2). A time × group interaction was found for sprint performance (F = 6.66, P = .019, ηp2=.27), favoring the experimental group (G1: -0.25 s vs G2: -0.40 s). For countermovement jump performance, no time × group interaction was observed (F = 2.66, P = .483, ηp2=.02), although a main effect of time effect was detected (F = 10.34, P = .005, ηp2=.36); both groups showed a decrease in jump height, but to a lesser extent in the re-warm-up group (G1: -2.85 cm vs G2: -1.82 cm). A brief 3-minute re-warm-up protocol implemented at halftime improved sprint performance compared to passive rest. These findings suggest that time-efficient re-warm-up protocols, combining FIFA 11+ power exercises and small-sided games may be useful during the half-time interval in female soccer players.

13 Fueling Performance of Female Soccer Players: Appraisal of the Likelihood of Between-Sex Differences in Carbohydrate Requirements

Reference: Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2026 Feb 28:1-11. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2025-0164. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Laura McManus, Aidan J Brady, Brendan Egan
Summary: Skeletal muscle glycogen depletion is considered one of the key contributing factors toward fatigue and associated performance decrements in soccer. Ensuring adequate carbohydrate availability before and during training and matches is widely advised as a priority for players, and for that reason, carbohydrate-based fueling guidelines for soccer have been developed. However, the lack of female-specific research used to inform the development of these guidelines raises important questions regarding their applicability for female soccer players. This review critically appraises the likelihood of there being between-sex differences in carbohydrate requirements for soccer performance. Males and females exhibit differences in substrate utilization during exercise, substrate storage capacity, relative quantities of fat and fat-free mass, and running demands of soccer match-play, but the extent to which these differences translate into practically meaningful differences in carbohydrate requirements for soccer performance remains unclear. Based on current evidence, we consider it premature to suggest that female players will require sex-specific guidelines in relation to carbohydrate-based fueling strategies for performance in soccer. However, intervention studies in female players investigating carbohydrate-based fueling strategies before and during soccer match-play or simulated soccer protocols are warranted.

14 Beyond Averages: Uncovering Within-Person Links Between Sleep and Performance in Division I Collegiate Football Players

Reference: Res Q Exerc Sport. 2026 Mar 5:1-8. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2025.2608371. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Tess M Kilwein, Kaelene A Curry, Julie Sutcliffe, Charles A Manzler
Summary: A robust body of research links greater sleep duration and quality to improved athletic performance and competitive outcomes. However, many athletes, particularly collegiate football players, struggle to achieve optimal sleep and accurately assess its quality. Despite the known sleep-performance relationship, little is known about how these variables manifest in real time among student-athletes. This study examined daily associations between objectively measured sleep and athletic performance in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football players. Sixty-five athletes aged 17 to 23 years (M = 19.88, SD = 1.41), representing a range of academic years and position groups, wore sensor-based devices over a three-week period to capture sleep metrics (sleep efficiency, latency, and total sleep time) and performance indicators (maximum acceleration, maximum velocity, and explosive movement). Multilevel modeling revealed no significant between-person effects, suggesting that athletes who slept better on average did not necessarily perform better on average. However, within-person analyses indicated that nights with longer sleep latency (estimate, -.007; 95% BCI, -.013, -.003) or lower sleep efficiency (estimate, .005; 95% BCI, .001, .010) predicted reduced maximum acceleration the next day. Conversely, days with lower maximum acceleration predicted shorter sleep latency (estimate, 6.869; 95% BCI, 3.998, 9.269) and higher sleep efficiency (estimate, -5.289; 95% BCI, -10.170, -1.027) that night. These findings underscore a dynamic, bidirectional relationship between sleep and performance at the daily level and highlight the need for individualized, athlete-centered sleep interventions that extend beyond sleep duration to include routine assessment, comprehensive education, and strategies to mitigate sleep disruptors.

15 Injury incidence, burden and associated risk factors in walking football players

Reference: Biol Sport. 2025 Oct 31:43:499-510. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.154946. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Maite Lejonagoitia-Garmendia, Iraia Bidaurrazaga-Letona, Iratxe Duñabeitia et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12954491/pdf/JBS-43-56934.pdf
Summary: Walking football (WF) is an effective activity for older adults to enhance cardiovascular, metabolic and psychosocial health. However, evidence on injury risks remains limited. This study aimed to describe the incidence and burden of injuries during a WF season and identify potential risk factors, including age, muscle function and blood biomarkers. Sixty-four male recreational WF players aged > 50 years participated. Baseline assessments included anthropometry, muscle strength and blood tests. A prospective follow-up recorded injuries and exposure during training (twice weekly, 1 h) and occasional matches. A total of 2,946 player-sessions were documented. Sixty-two injuries occurred (80.6% during training), with an overall incidence of 19.7 injuries per 1000 hours (95% CI: 15.3-25.2) and 892.4 days of injury burden. The most frequent were muscle injuries (64.5%), mainly in the hamstrings (29%) and calf muscles (25.8%). Most were acute (90.3%), non-contact (85.5%), and classified as moderate or severe. Older participants experienced a greater burden of injuries. Muscle functionality was not associated with muscle injury incidence. In contrast, higher incidence (p < 0.05) was observed among players with low HDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, high atherogenic index and elevated glucose. Despite the adapted rules, walking football in older adults is associated with an elevated risk of muscle injuries, particularly in the posterior leg compartment. Older age and adverse metabolic profiles appear to be important contributors. Future research should focus on evaluating the balance between health benefits and injury risks, optimizing warm-up routines and training load, and integrating screening for injuryrelated risk factors to enhance player safety.

16 Energy expenditure and physical activity responses to football for health training in adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

Reference: Biol Sport. 2025 Oct 1:43:449-461. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.154146. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Athanasios Poulios, Lambros Tsiokanos, Dimitrios Draganidis et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12954501/pdf/JBS-43-56665.pdf
Summary: This investigation determined the energy expenditure (EE), physical activity (PA), and physiological responses of football for health training (FFH). Twenty middle-aged males with metabolic syndrome (MetS) completed a 60-min FFH and a control trial using a randomized crossover design. The FFH load and EE were determined using a mobile gas analyzer, heart rate (HR) monitors, blood lactate measurements, a global positioning system, and accelerometry. Participants in FFH run a total distance of ~3.800 m (1,121 m at > 7 km/h, accelerations of 141 m, decelerations of 162 m) using a mean and maximal speed of 4.1 km/h and 20.6 km/h, respectively. FFH demonstrated a moderate-to-vigorous PA of > 41 min and a step count of ~4900. FFH increased (p < .001) the perceived exertion (55.8%, 13.6 ± 2.6), HRmean (151.1 ± 15.2 beats/min, 83.1 ± 10.9 %HRmax), lactate (80.8%, 5.4 ± 0.9 mmol/L), ˙VO2 (88.6%, 1.9 ± 0.3 L/min, 79.9 ± 10.5% ˙VO2max , 6.7 ± 0.8 METs), breathing frequency (32.6 ± 3.0 breaths/min), and respiratory exchange ratio (0.98 ± 0.03) compared to the control trial. Total EE reached 524.2 ± 81.0 kcals (mitochondrial energy production: 476.8 kcals; anaerobic energy production: AS 5.4 ± 1.0 kcals; EPOC: 42.0 ± 11.8 kcals). The present results suggest that FFH meets the international PA and EE standards for adults with MetS, with participants taking part in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) for approximately 68% of each session, rendering it a suitable and efficient strategy to lower cardiometabolic risk.

17 Longitudinal cohort study on subsequent injury risk in professional football players in the Qatar Stars League: a probabilistic approach using basic learning

Reference: Biol Sport. 2025 Oct 7:43:489-498. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.152345. eCollection 2026 Jan.
Authors: Montassar Tabben, Karim Chamari, Khalid Alkhelaifi, Tanvir Alam, Jassim Almulla
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12954500/pdf/JBS-43-56334.pdf
Summary: Better understanding of the biomechanical and physiological mechanisms underlying subsequent injuries could have substantial implications for clinical practice in sports medicine. We investigated subsequent injury risk among professional football players in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), focusing on injury recurrence patterns over nine competitive seasons (2013-2021). Through an observational cohort study, we collected data on time-loss injuries from 1,258 players, recording 4,700 injuries categorized by body part, injury type, and recurrence. Utilizing Markov model, we explored probabilistic links between initial/index and subsequent injuries (defined as those occurring within the same season), highlighting patterns of recurrence in muscle groups prone to biomechanical strain. Our analysis identified 1,599 injuries (34% of total) as subsequent, primarily affecting the thigh (notably hamstrings) and groin. For instance, hamstring injuries exhibited an 7.5% (± 1.3%) probability of recurrence within the same season, while groin injuries had a 2.9% (± 0.82%) probability of resulting in subsequent hamstring injury. Our findings suggest that even basic probabilistic modeling, such as Markov chains, can enhance targeted injury prevention strategies. The high rate of recurrence, particularly in lower limb muscles, underscores the need for tailored rehabilitation programs emphasizing biomechanical stability. This comprehensive study offers a robust evidence base for injury mitigation strategies in elite football, recommending proactive monitoring and data-driven interventions to reduce injury recurrence and enhance player health, availability, and long-term performance.

18 Football Players‘ Perceptions of Groin Injury Etiology: Implications for Prevention Strategies

Reference: J Sport Rehabil. 2026 Mar 4:1-10. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2025-0275. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Toni Bailén-García, Omar de la Calle, Miguel Pérez Fernández, Marcos Quintana-Cepedal, Irene Crespo, Hugo Olmedillas
Summary: Although groin injuries are common in football, players‘ perspectives on their underlying causes have received limited attention. This study aimed to assess football players‘ perceptions of potential risk and protective factors for these injuries. We conducted the study using a questionnaire specifically developed for this research, which underwent content validation by experts and pilot testing. A total of 358 football players (86% male; mean age = 25 [5] y) completed the survey, rating nonmodifiable, modifiable, and protective factors on a 5-point Likert scale. Groin injury history (time loss and nontime loss) from the previous season (2022-2023) was recorded. In the previous season, 156 players (45%) had nontime-loss groin injuries, and 112 (32%) had time-loss groin injuries. Insufficient hip-adductor strength was the most important modifiable factor (mode = „strongly agree“), followed by insufficient hip mobility, poor sleep hygiene, and fatigue (mode = „agree“). Insufficient time between games was the most important nonmodifiable factor (mode = „agree“), followed by previous groin injury and previous injury (mode = „agree“), and male sex (mode = „indifferent“). Strength training was the most important protective factor (mode = „strongly agree“), followed by having access to a physiotherapist (mode = „agree“). Footballers positively value strength-based prevention strategies. Observed differences in perceptions of risk and protective factors emphasize the need to educate players and develop tailored, evidence-based prevention programs for implementation before and during the season. Future research should also focus on insufficient recovery between matches and hip-adductor strength training as key elements in groin injury prevention.

19 Injuries to accessory head of rectus femoris in professional football players: anatomical description, imaging findings, and clinical implications

Reference: Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2026:85:e01726016. doi: 10.5603/fm.109644.
Authors: Ramon Balius, Carles Pedret, Sandra Mecho, Alvaro Garcia-Romero, Javier Yanguas, Xavier Sala-Blanch, Anna Carrera, Francisco Reina, Ara Kassarjian
Summary: The quadriceps femoris muscle compartment comprises four muscles, including the bi-articular rectus femoris, which is particularly prone to strain in kicking athletes. Anatomical variations such as accessory heads occur frequently but are seldom identified clinically. This retrospective case series describes injuries involving a previously undescribed accessory rectus femoris head in professional footballers. We retrospectively reviewed a series of cases in professional footballers from 2022-2024 with acute anterior thigh injuries. Inclusion criteria required MRI evidence of a supernumerary rectus femoris muscle belly injury. MRI scans were reviewed to characterize the injury, and return-to-play times were recorded. One cadaver was dissected to confirm the accessory muscle anatomy in the thigh. Seven footballers met the inclusion criteria. MRI revealed an accessory anterolateral rectus femoris muscle belly with distinct proximal and distal aponeuroses, separate from the main rectus femoris. All injuries occurred at the myotendinous junction of the accessory head. Median return-to-play was 8 weeks. Cadaveric dissection confirmed an accessory muscle head arising from the anterior inferior iliac region and merging with the quadriceps tendon, corroborating the MRI findings. Recognizing anatomical variants is clinically important, as their characterization may explain atypical injury patterns and influence prognosis and clinical management. Identification of an accessory rectus femoris head on imaging can improve diagnostic accuracy, prevent misdiagnosis of injury severity and inform targeted rehabilitation strategies, thereby improving return-to-play outcomes.

20 Insights into the personality of 193 German elite youth football players and potential implications for the development of motor performance and injury risk

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Feb 16:8:1713872. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1713872. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Sebastian Viktor Waldemar Schulz, Julia Holzapfel, Lynn Matits et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12950711/pdf/fspor-08-1713872.pdf
Summary: Sport-specific performance in football is influenced not only by physical, technical, and tactical factors but also by psychological characteristics such as personality. Previous research suggests traits like extraversion and conscientiousness are positively associated with athletic outcomes. A deeper understanding of personality may allow for more individualized training and support, potentially enhancing both short-term performance and long-term development. The present study aimed firstly to describe the prevalence and distribution of personality dimensions according to Cloninger’s biopsychosocial model, assessed with the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI), in German elite youth football players, and secondly to explore potential associations of these dimensions with motor performance and injury risk. A total of 193 players (aged 11-18 years, mean 14.6 ± 1.9) from two elite academies were assessed during the 2023/2024 pre-season. In addition to the JTCI, body composition, 30 m sprint, heading jump, and injury history were collected. Analyses included Spearman correlations, multiple linear regression and moderation analyses (with HC3 robust standard errors), as well as logistic regression for injury occurrence. The personality dimensions of Persistence (mode: 95%-100%) and Self-Directedness (mode: 85%-90%) tended to be distributed toward high percentile ranks, while Novelty Seeking (mode: 20%-25%) and Harm Avoidance (mode: 10%-15%) tended toward low ranks. Age consistently predicted sprint performance and injury frequency, while no personality dimension showed significant associations with sprinting, jumping, or injury outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first study applying Cloninger’s model in German elite youth football. These findings provide rare descriptive insights into adolescent athletes‘ personality profiles and suggest that personality may play a greater role in long-term development, resilience, and talent progression than in immediate physical performance.

21 Smartphone-Assessed Single-Leg Deadlift Stability is Associated with Sprint Velocity in Youth Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Reference: J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2026 Mar 1;26(1):108-114. doi: 10.22540/JMNI-26-108.
Authors: Pedro J Marín, Raúl Zarzuela-Martín, Daniel Rabadan-García, Sergio Sánchez-García, Álvaro López-Samanes
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12952505/pdf/JMNI-26-01-108.pdf
Summary: The aim was to investigate the relationship between core stability and neuromuscular performance (i.e., sprint velocity and change-of-direction speed) among adolescent male football players. In this cross-sectional study, sixteen high-level male football players were divided into higher and lower core stability groups based on their performance in a partial range single-leg deadlift (SLD) test, assessed using a smartphone application (OCTOcore© app). Neuromuscular performance was assessed with a 30-m maximal sprint test (with 5-m split intervals) and a V-cut test, and these outcomes were correlated with SLD test results. Statistically significant differences were observed between higher and lower core performance groups in the SLD test (p = 0.001) and between SLD non-dominant and 30-m maximal sprint test (p = 0.001-0.005), while no differences were founded between SLD performance and V-cut test (p>0.05). A large correlation was found between non-dominant SLD and 10-m sprint performance (r = 0.765, p = 0.001), while moderate correlations were observed for the 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-m sprints (r = 0.508-0.562, p = 0.023-0.044). No significant correlations between SLD performance and the V-cut test (p>0.05). Core stability appears to be positively associated with sprint performance (0-30 m) but not with change-of-direction speed, suggesting that it plays a greater role in linear acceleration than in multidirectional tasks.

22 Enhancing Neuromuscular Conditioning in Football Players Through Single-Leg and Double-Leg Cycling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Reference: Transl Sports Med. 2026 Feb 27:2026:5535929. doi: 10.1155/tsm2/5535929. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Jitin Chahal, Moattar Raza Rizvi, Ankita Sharma, Shishir Nigam, Waqas Sami
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12948725/pdf/TSM2-2026-5535929.pdf
Summary: Football requires high levels of neuromuscular conditioning to meet the demands of explosive actions such as sprinting, cutting, and kicking, while minimizing the risk of lower limb injuries-especially hamstring strains linked to muscle imbalances. Single-leg cycling (SLC), a form of unilateral training, may offer superior neuromuscular adaptations compared to traditional double-leg cycling (DLC). This study aimed to compare the effects of SLC and DLC on lower limb strength, anaerobic power, fatigue resistance, agility, and sprint performance in competitive football players. A four-week, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted on 42 male football players (aged 18-26), allocated equally to SLC (n = 21) and DLC (n = 21) groups. Both groups underwent biweekly cycling sessions. Pre- and postintervention assessments included isokinetic peak torque of knee flexors and extensors, hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio, peak and minimum power, fatigue index (RAST), 20-m zig-zag agility test, and 30-m Sprint Test. Both groups showed significant improvements in anaerobic performance metrics (peak and minimum power, p < 0.001). However, SLC yielded significantly higher gains in knee flexor peak torque (Δ + 46.7%, p < 0.001) and H/Q ratio (Δ + 30.2%, p = 0.02), indicating superior hamstring activation and improved muscle balance. Fatigue index significantly decreased only in the SLC group (Δ – 7.3%, p = 0.04), reflecting enhanced anaerobic endurance. SLC also resulted in greater improvements in agility (Δ – 5.9%) and sprint performance (Δ – 8.1%) compared to DLC (p < 0.001), suggesting improved neuromuscular coordination and explosive capability. Knee extensor torque increased modestly in both groups, with no significant between-group difference (p = 0.46). SLC training offers superior benefits over DLC in improving lower limb strength balance, fatigue resistance, agility, and sprinting in football players. It may serve as a targeted conditioning strategy to enhance performance and reduce injury risk in sport-specific contexts. 

23 Injury Prediction in Football: How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping the Present and Transforming the Future in Africa

Reference: Sports Health. 2026 Mar-Apr;18(2):247-249. doi: 10.1177/19417381251410084. Epub 2026 Mar 1.
Authors: Mariem Gaddour, Iheb Nticha, Sahbi Mtawaa, Wissem Dhahbi, Helmi Chaabene, Sonia Jemni, Helmi Ben Saad
Download link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/19417381251410084

24 Managing concussions in football: A review of football associations‘ return-to-play guidance

Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2026 Feb 12:S1440-2440(26)00056-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2026.02.005. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Giulia Sesa, Pascal Borry, Sigmund Loland, Kerry Peek, Andreas Serner, Andrew Massey, Silvia Camporesi
Download link: https://www.jsams.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1440-2440%2826%2900056-3
Summary: This study examines the protocols guiding return-to-play following a concussion across the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s Member Associations. A document analysis was performed to explore return-to-play following a concussion, as evidenced in formal guidelines, policy documents, and educational resources. Relevant documents were identified through direct outreach to Member Associations and a review of official websites, gathering data from 95 associations.
73 Member Associations reported the existence of a return-to-play protocol, structuring it in six broadly coherent stages: (1) initial relative rest, (2) light aerobic exercise, (3) sport-specific activities, (4) non-contact training, (5) full-contact practice, and (6) return-to-play. Substantial variability was identified across protocol components. Differences included: (a) the nature and timing of initial rest (relative vs. absolute) and subsequent stages; (b) criteria for stage progression and symptom management-ranging from requiring complete symptom resolution to permitting advancement with mild or stable symptoms; (c) medical clearance procedures, particularly whether clearance was mandatory or recommended and when it was required throughout the return-to-play process; and (d) return-to-play timing, which spanned from 30 h to 23 days. This study also identified 42 Member Associations that reported following international standards. Limited availability and accessibility of concussion-related materials was also noted. The identified differences may hinder optimal concussion management, raising important questions about standardization, player safety, and the evidence underpinning current practices. The findings from this study can support Member Associations in re-evaluating their current approaches and can assist in aligning and improving practices globally.