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 The segmental dynamics of the lower leg in the side-volley kick in male soccer players

Reference: J Biomech. 2026 Mar 8:200:113249. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2026.113249. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Tsuyoshi Iitake, Hiroyuki Nunome
Summary: The present study aimed to clarify the differences in interaction torques acting on the kicking limb by expressing them as functions of the relative linear accelerations in a linked lower leg system. Twenty experienced male university-level soccer players (19.5 ± 1.1 years, 1.75 ± 0.06 m, 69.2 ± 5.5 kg) were instructed to perform the side-volley and instep kicks as forcefully as possible. The kicking motions were captured using a 12-camera optoelectronic motion capture system at 500 Hz. To describe the differences in the detailed mechanics of the interaction torques between the two kicks, the acceleration of the lower leg centre of gravity was decomposed into the relative accelerations of adjacent body landmarks from the support leg’s hip joint, which allowed us to calculate the interaction torques due to accelerative actions of these body landmarks. The side-volley kick generated significantly smaller total interaction torque and the interaction torque due to the support leg’s hip in the final phase of kicking than the instep kick. There was a distinctive difference between the two kicks in the practical accelerative actions at the support leg’s hip. In the side-volley kick, while the interaction torque due to the vertical acceleration of the support leg’s hip was negligible during kicking, that due to the horizontal acceleration (towards the left from the back-view of right-footed players) had the most considerable magnitude. The horizontal acceleration is most likely derived from the support leg’s hip adduction joint torque, apparent in the latter part of kicking.

2 Effects of adding thoracic spine exercises to routine soccer training on spinal alignment and mobility in professional male soccer players: a randomized controlled study

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Mar 12. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01633-9. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Kazım Bayram, Derya Özer Kaya
Download link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13102-026-01633-9
Summary: Thoracic spine mobility is essential for trunk stability, rotational movement, and athletic performance in soccer players. This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of a six-week thoracic spine exercise program to routine soccer training affects sagittal thoracic alignment, segmental spinal mobility, and thoracic rotation in professional male football players, compared with routine training alone. In this parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 42 professional male soccer players (mean age 20.85 ± 3.41 years) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the exercise or control group (n = 21/group). The exercise group performed thoracic spine exercises three times per week for six weeks in addition to their routine training, while the control group continued routine training without receiving any intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included spinal alignment and mobility in the sagittal and frontal planes (using the Valedo®Shape system), the Matthias test, and thoracic rotation angles (measured with a smartphone Compass application). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to analyze group (G) × time (T) interactions and within-group changes. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated. The primary outcome, sagittal thoracic kyphosis angle measured using the Valedo®Shape system, did not demonstrate a significant G × T interaction or T effect, indicating no differential change between groups over the intervention period. As a key secondary outcome, bilateral thoracic rotation angles showed significant G × T interactions, with the exercise group demonstrating substantially greater improvements than the control group. The thoracic spine exercise program demonstrated high feasibility, with 100% participation and no intervention-related adverse events reported. Effect sizes were large for thoracic rotation angles (d = 1.00-1.46) and Matthias test inclination angle (d = 1.42–1.97). The six-week thoracic spine exercise program improved spinal alignment, segmental mobility, and thoracic rotation in professional male soccer players. These findings suggest that coaches, sports science specialists, and physiotherapists could consider incorporating thoracic spine exercises into training and rehabilitation programs to support spinal function and optimize athletic performance.

3 Seasonal physical performance changes in U12-U15 male youth soccer players

Reference: Int J Sports Med. 2026 Mar 9. doi: 10.1055/a-2830-3088. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Michael King, Derek Ball, Neil V Gibson, Matthew Weston, Iain J Gallagher, James H Dugdale
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the development of physical performance attributes across one competition year in male youth soccer players from different playing levels, while controlling for baseline performance, chronological age, and biological maturity. A total of 175 male Scottish youth soccer players from three distinct playing levels: grassroots (GR); professional youth (PY); performance school (PS) were recruited. Physical testing (linear sprint, change of direction, squat jump, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1) was conducted for all players to establish baseline fitness and then repeated under matched conditions at the end of the same competition year. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate the size of any change in each physical test over the season, estimate the uncertainty around these changes, and estimate the probability of direction of these changes. In all cases, the players improved fitness testing metrics. The GR group made the greatest changes in physical performances but did not match absolute performance of the PY and PS groups. Our results provide meaningful benchmark data for evaluating and interpreting isolated physical fitness metrics between distinct youth playing levels and may augment the ongoing critique of the discriminative ability of isolated physical fitness tests in youth soccer.

4 Season-long changes in COD performance, jump, and flexibility in elite youth soccer players

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2026 Feb 20:8:1751542. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1751542. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Michelangelo Palco, Gabriele Giuca, Alessandro Giorgio, Danilo Leonetti, Roberto Simonetta, Filippo Familiari
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12964701/pdf/fspor-08-1751542.pdf
Summary: In elite youth soccer, the interplay between the development of key physical qualities, change-of-direction (COD) performance, explosive strength, and flexibility, remains poorly understood. Conventional training often assumes transfer effects, yet empirical evidence on how these qualities co-occur within elite youth cohorts across a competitive season remains limited. We tested the hypothesis that flexibility and explosive strength would be positively associated with COD performance at end-season (T2). Forty-five elite male youth players (Serie A academy; U12-U14) were monitored across one competitive season. COD performance (T-Test completion time), flexibility (sit-and-reach), and explosive strength (standing broad jump, SBJ) were assessed at the season’s start (T0; September 1, 2024) and end (T2; May 1, 2025). Primary analyses used paired t-tests with Cohen’s d_z and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Pearson correlations (with 95% CI) were computed cross-sectionally at T2. Significant season-long improvements were observed in flexibility [Δsit-and-reach = + 1.83 ± 1.42 cm; 95% CI (1.40, 2.26); p = 4.87 × 10-11; d_z = 1.29], explosive strength [SBJ Δ = + 12.8 ± 3.8 cm; 95% CI (11.66, 13.94); p < 1 × 10-20; d_z = 3.37], and COD performance [ΔT-Test = -1.16 ± 0.87 s; 95% CI (-1.42, -0.90); p = 1.86 × 10-11; d_z = -1.33]. At T2, SBJ was moderately associated with COD performance [SBJ vs. T-Test: r = -0.41, p = 0.005; 95% CI (-0.63, -0.13)] and with flexibility [SBJ vs. sit-and-reach: r = 0.32, p = 0.032; 95% CI (0.03, 0.56)], whereas sit-and-reach was not significantly related to T-Test time (r = -0.15, p = 0.31). Elite youth players improved COD performance, flexibility, and horizontal power across the season. Cross-sectionally, higher SBJ performance co-occurred with faster COD performance at end-season, while sit-and-reach flexibility did not. These findings support multi-domain monitoring and targeted training prescriptions, while highlighting the need for maturation-informed designs to test longitudinal coupling of individual adaptations.

5 Optimizing Athletic Performance with Neural Mobilization: A Comparative Study in Soccer Players

Reference: Int J Exerc Sci. 2026 Feb 1;19(3):1-13. doi: 10.70252/IJES2026301. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Alper Ceylan, Gizem Yilmaz Babacan, Umut I Tayboga, Gokce Savas Cevlan, Meltem Meran Caglar, Gizem Ergezen Sahin
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12965798/pdf/ijes-19-3-1.pdf
Summary: Neural mobilization (NM) is an acute bout method that aims to directly or indirectly affect the mechanical and physiological properties of the nerve tissue or surrounding structures using manual techniques or exercises. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of incorporating NM into warm-up routines on flexibility, balance, and performance compared with static stretching (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS). Thirty-six amateur soccer players aged 18-25 participated in a randomized controlled, assessor-blinded study. Participants sequentially performed a 5-minute standardized warm-up, group-specific acute bout (SS, DS, or NM), and a 5-minute cool-down. Preand post-test assessments consisted of the straight leg raise test (flexibility), Y balance test (balance), single-leg forward hop test (performance), T-test (agility), and BlazePod reaction time. All groups showed significant post-test improvements in flexibility, balance, and performance (all p < 0.05, η2 = 0.06-0.18). The NM group demonstrated a greater reduction in agility T-test time (p = 0.028, η2 = 0.10), while no significant agility changes were observed in the other groups (p > 0.05). Intergroup analysis revealed greater improvement in the anterior reach direction of the Y balance test for the NM group (p = 0.038, η2 = 0.19). No significant group-by-time interaction was found (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that NM, by targeting the neural system rather than muscle tissue, may provide additional neuromechanical benefits and enhance balance performance during warm-up in soccer players.

6 Physical performance in elite male soccer under extreme heat: A case study of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Reference: Temperature (Austin). 2026 Feb 8;13(1):71-87. doi: 10.1080/23328940.2026.2623745. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Adriano A L Carmo, Roberto C S Souza-Junior, Pedro H S Ferretti et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12962682/pdf/KTMP_13_2623745.pdf
Summary: The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was held primarily during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere, with reports of athletes exposed to significant environmental heat stress. We investigated whether environmental conditions, along with other factors (e.g., time of day, players‘ age and field position, and club geographic origin), influenced physical performance in this tournament. Information about the performance during 57 matches (n = 1070 observations) was extracted from FIFA technical reports, whereas environmental conditions were obtained through mathematical modeling (ERA5 reanalysis). Linear mixed models were used to identify factors that explained variance in total distance covered and in distances covered at high, moderate, and low speeds. Mean wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) exceeded 28°C in 31 of the 57 matches analyzed, confirming that players were exposed to conditions of extreme heat illness risk. WBGT and air temperature explained total distance and distances at different speeds, while relative humidity explained distance only at high speeds (p < 0.001). More specifically, high WBGT, air temperature, and relative humidity values reduced the distances covered. Other factors also influenced players‘ performance, including their position and age, time of day, and club geographic origin: longer distances were observed in midfielders/forwards, younger players, in the evening, and in clubs from cold climates (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings from this tournament, which featured many matches under extreme heat, highlight the multifaceted regulation of physical performance in soccer and emphasize the prominent role of environmental conditions in determining the distance players cover at different speeds.

7 The Rules of the Game: Towards a Theory of Practice for Performance Nutritionists in Professional Soccer Using Bourdieu’s Concepts of Habitus, Capital and Field

Reference: Sports Med. 2026 Mar 8. doi: 10.1007/s40279-026-02408-5. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Wee Lun Foo, Colum J Cronin, Graeme L Close, James P Morton
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40279-026-02408-5.pdf
Summary: Performance nutrition is now an established discipline in professional soccer; however, limited knowledge exists on how practitioners can navigate through the unique cultural environment of the men’s professional game. Accordingly, we explored the perspectives of players and stakeholders from the English Premier League on the attributes they perceive to underpin successful performance nutrition practice. Guided by an interpretivist paradigm with a critical perspective (recognising that reality is also subjectively and socially constructed), qualitative face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled English Premier League stakeholders from August 2024 to December 2024, including players (n = 4), coaches (n = 4), sports scientists (n = 2), physiotherapists (n = 2), a chef (n = 1) and a medical doctor (n = 1). Data were abductively analysed using a thematic analysis informed by Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, capital and field. Three key themes were identified. It is perceived that (1) Field: successful performance nutritionists must recognise and adapt to the hierarchical structure, entrenched cultural norms and doxic practices of professional soccer, adapting their strategies to gain support from coaches, players and staff; (2) Capital: effective performance nutrition practice requires strategic deployment of cultural capital (technical, sports-specific and interdisciplinary knowledge) and social capital (ability to build trust and relationships with key stakeholders) to establish credibility and influence practice; (3) Habitus: the ability to accumulate and mobilise these forms of capital is underpinned by a habitus congruent with elite soccer’s culture, characterised by passion, resilience, adaptability and positivity. These data provides a comprehensive interpretation of the unwritten rules of professional soccer, demonstrating that the perceived success for performance nutritionists in the English Premier League extends beyond technical expertise, requiring the ability to navigate tacit field rules, strategically mobilise cultural and social capital and embody a habitus aligned with the values of elite soccer through passion, adaptability, positivity and resilience.

8 Physical, tactical and technical performance of the most demanding passages of kinematic activity in elite soccer

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Mar 7. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01645-5. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Alberto Cortez, Farzad Yousefian, Hugo Folgado, João Brito, Bruno Travassos, Eduardo Abade, Hongyou Liu, Zunqi Niu, Bruno Gonçalves
Download link:
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13102-026-01645-5_reference.pdf
Summary: This study examined the changes in physical, tactical, and technical performance during the most demanding passage of kinematic activity (MDPk) and immediately after (post-MDPk) in elite soccer players, with respect to their playing positions. The MDPk (≥ 15 km/h), was defined using a 1-min rolling average (n = 1016 observations), and was quantified as the distance covered at moderate-speed running (MSR), high-speed running (HSR), and sprinting (SPR). In addition, total distance covered (TD) was also included. Generalized linear mixed models were employed to assess mean changes in five physical, ten tactical, and six technical performance-related variables during the effective playing time from the onset of the MDPk to 1-min post-MDPk, across different playing positions. Across all positions, there was a significant decrease in all external load variables during the 1-min post-MDPk period (TD=-48%; MDPk=-89%; MSR=-84%; HSR=-93%; SPR=-97%). All technical variables exhibited a substantial decline in the post-MDPk regardless of playing positions, particularly in passes for wide midfielders and central forwards, and shots by central forwards. Team tactical variables decreased in the post-MDPk, especially for ball-in-play percentage and number of possession changes. Central defenders, fullbacks and central midfielders spent more time in their own third in the post period and running more towards their own goal in the MDPk, whereas WM and CF spent more time in opponent’s third in the post period. Our findings carry practical implications for training design, tactical planning, and load management. The observed decline in external load and technical actions following the MDPk suggests that players may experience performance drops, underscoring the need for conditioning drills that prepare athletes not only for peak but also for maintaining performance. The reduction in team tactical variables points to a potential shift toward more static or fragmented phases of play in the post-MDPk, which coaches may consider when designing tactical scenarios that simulate these transitions. Moreover, the positional behaviors identified suggest the need for role-specific conditioning and tactical training. Coaches should leverage this information to create situational drills that reproduce these patterns, ensuring that players are better prepared to execute their responsibilities in and after the MDP.

9 The effect of mixed fatigue on knee biomechanics and muscle activation during sidestep cutting in elite soccer players

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Mar 7. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01637-5. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Kuiyu Chen, Dong Sun, Diwei Chen, Bojie Xuan, Dongxu Wang, Yang Song, Xuanzhen Cen, Monem Jemni, Gusztav Fekete, Yaodong Gu
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13102-026-01637-5_reference.pdf
Summary: Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and it is also a sport with a high rate of injury. The study aims to investigate the effects of physical and mental mixed fatigue (PMF) on knee biomechanics during sidestep cutting maneuvers in elite male soccer players, thereby assessing the potential mechanisms underlying non-contact knee injuries. Thirty-six elite male soccer players were recruited (age: 21.61 ± 1.22 years; body mass: 75.16 ± 6.34 kg; height: 175.8 ± 3.53 cm; shoe size: 41–44 EUR). Following a targeted fatigue induction protocol, key lower limb biomechanical data were acquired during anticipated sidestep cutting maneuvers both pre- and post-PMF. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing paired sample t-tests and one-dimensional Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM1d). Following PMF, knee valgus increased at initial contact (P = 0.022). Kinetic analysis, supported by SPM1d, revealed a marked transition from an extensor-dominant to a flexor-dominant pattern in sagittal knee moments (P = 0.007), alongside elevated knee valgus moments (P = 0.039). Neuromuscularly, quadriceps and lateral gastrocnemius activation (iEMG/RMS) significantly decreased, whereas compensatory increases were observed in the hamstrings and medial gastrocnemius (all P < 0.001). While PMF preserved most kinematics, the statistically significant increase in knee valgus, though small in magnitude, suggests an impaired frontal-plane control that may elevate Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) strain. The shift from quadriceps to hamstring dominance reflects a compensatory neuromuscular strategy. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating cognitive load into injury-prevention programs and monitoring mental fatigue to reduce non-contact knee injury risks.

10 Supplementation with Animal- and Plant-Derived Proteins Modulates the Structure and Predicted Metabolic Potential of the Gut Microbiota in Elite Football Players

Reference: Nutrients. 2026 Feb 26;18(5):768. doi: 10.3390/nu18050768.
Authors: Bartosz Kroplewski, Katarzyna E Przybyłowicz, Tomasz Sawicki, Sebastian Wojciech Przemieniecki
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12986899/pdf/nutrients-18-00768.pdf
Summary: The primary outcome of this 8-week randomized, controlled, parallel trial was to assess longitudinal shifts in gut microbiota structure and predicted metabolic potential in 45 elite football players following protein supplementation. Participants combined resistance training with daily intake (30 g) of whey protein concentrate (WPC), pea protein isolate (PPI), rice protein isolate (RPI), or a plant-protein blend (MIX). For the acquisition of prokaryotic metataxonomic data, the V3-V8 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). Functional potential was inferred through the MACADAM database and STAMP software. Strict dietary monitoring and gravimetric adherence checks were performed to isolate the intervention effect. While microbial alpha-diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson) remained stable across all groups, significant source-specific shifts in taxonomic structure and predicted metabolic activity were identified. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) was associated with an increase in Bacteroidetes abundance and greater balance within the microbial community structure, whereas pea protein isolate (PPI) and the MIX correlated with reduced fermentative bacteria and elevated taxa potentially involved in cadaverine biosynthesis. Rice protein isolate (RPI) supplementation was associated with a higher predicted representation of taxa involved in succinate-to-butyrate fermentation pathways. These functional markers and differential responses of selected bacterial groups to particular protein types were observed. The data indicate complex interactions between supplement type, exposure duration, and microbiome response, underscoring the necessity for individualized dietary recommendations and supplementation strategies to optimize gut health and training adaptation in professional football players.

11 Effects of Rhodiola rosea on Physical and Decision-Making Performance in Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Reference: Nutrients. 2026 Feb 24;18(5):724. doi: 10.3390/nu18050724.
Authors: Yue Dou, Yaqing Wang, Wei Zhang et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12986682/pdf/nutrients-18-00724.pdf
Summary: The aim was to determine whether four weeks of Rhodiola rosea (RHO) supplementation improves intermittent exercise performance, post-exercise blood lactate concentrations, and decision-making under fatigue in competitive football players. Twenty-four male competitive football players completed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 4-week intervention (RHO vs. placebo). Outcomes included Yo-Yo IR2, repeated-sprint ability (RSA), post-RSA blood lactate (0, 3, 5 min), football-specific technical tests (passing and shooting), a video-based decision-making task (reaction time and accuracy), GPS-derived match running metrics, countermovement jump (CMJ), foot tapping (TAP), and haematological markers.  Yo-Yo IR2 performance significantly improved in the RHO group (p = 0.012) and was superior to the placebo group (p = 0.046). For RSA, mean sprint time improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention in the RHO group (p = 0.017), whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group. Post-intervention, mean sprint time was significantly better in RHO than placebo (p = 0.041), with no between-group difference observed at baseline. Best sprint time showed no between-group difference (p = 0.723). Post-exercise blood lactate concentrations were significantly lower in RHO than placebo at 0, 3, and 5 min (all p < 0.05). Under fatigue, the RHO group demonstrated faster reaction time (p = 0.042) and higher decision accuracy (p = 0.049) than placebo. Additionally, the RHO group showed significant pre- to post-intervention improvements in passing and shooting performance (p < 0.05), with between-group differences observed only for short-pass performance. Match total and high-speed running distances were higher in RHO, accompanied by increases in haemoglobin and haematocrit (p < 0.05).  Four weeks of Rhodiola rosea supplementation enhanced high-intensity intermittent performance and decision-making under fatigue, with findings suggesting improved performance maintenance rather than increased peak sprint capacity.

12 Psychoeducational Intervention for Sedentary Overweight Adults Who Are Fans of a Football Club: Protocol for a Pragmatic Trial

Reference: Healthcare (Basel). 2026 Feb 28;14(5):612. doi: 10.3390/healthcare14050612.
Authors: José A Jiménez-Chaires, Jeanette M López-Walle, Abril Cantú-Berrueto, José Tristán, Alejandro García-Mas
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12984155/pdf/healthcare-14-00612.pdf
Summary: A sedentary behavior and being overweight represent major public health issues associated with both physical and psychological risks. Based on self-determination theory (SDT), the psychoeducational intervention PsicoFIT-a component of the TIGREFIT program-aims to foster motivation toward physical activity, to promote healthy habits, and to reduce psychological ill-being in sedentary adults who are overweight and are fans of a football club. This protocol corresponds to a longitudinal comparative pragmatic clinical trial, designed in accordance with the recommendations of the SPIRIT Statement. The intervention, preceded by a training program for the coaches involved, will comprise 12 weekly modules delivered in two modalities: (1) face-to-face, through group sessions, and (2) semi face-to-face, through short video capsules hosted on a digital platform. Changes associated with the intervention will be evaluated using hierarchical multiple regression and pre-post comparisons, assessing baseline and post-intervention data within and between the intervention modalities. Primary outcomes will include changes in healthy lifestyle and burnout as indicators of well-being and ill-being, respectively. Secondary outcomes will assess basic psychological needs satisfaction and autonomous motivation as potential mediators of these effects, as well as the coach’s controlling interpersonal style as a possible contextual predictor. The modality of participation will be analyzed as a potential moderator of the observed changes. Finally, the acceptability and perceived contribution of the intervention will be explored through a focus group.  PsicoFIT will provide a methodological framework for designing interventions within multicomponent programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and psychological well-being in sedentary adults who are overweight, considering the social context of football fandom and allowing for an exploration of the impact of the face-to-face and semi-face-to-face modalities. Future empirical application of the protocol will help verify its effectiveness, guide adaptations across contexts, and contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions.  The implementation of PsicoFit will allow for the evaluation of its effectiveness, psychological mechanisms, and delivery modalities, thus guiding future evidence-based interventions in sport.

13 Comparison of Different Tests to Assess Cardiorespiratory Capacity in Adult Male Football Players with Intellectual Disability

Reference: Healthcare (Basel). 2026 Feb 25;14(5):568. doi: 10.3390/healthcare14050568.
Authors: Borja Suarez-Villadat, José Luis Maté-Muñoz, Juan Hernández-Lougedo et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12984747/pdf/healthcare-14-00568.pdf
Summary: Intellectual disability limits physical activity, affecting health and quality of life. Efficient tests to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in adapted football are essential. The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a widely used benchmark test but can be logistically challenging. Although alternative tests such as the Sit-to-Stand Test (STST), Chester Step Test (CST), and Two-Minute Step Test in Place (2MST) have been validated in other populations, no study has examined their relationship with the 6MWT specifically in football players with intellectual disability, a population with unique physiological and cognitive characteristics. Therefore, this study reports the convergent validity between the 6MWT and these alternative field tests and describes the physiological responses to each test in football players with intellectual disability.  Forty-two adult male football players with intellectual disability (mean age 27.1 ± 5.6 years) completed the 6MWT, STST, CST and 2MSPT. Physiological parameters, including heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were recorded before and after each test. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to assess relationships among tests.  Strong, significant correlations were found between the 6MWT and the STST (r = 0.711), CST (r = 0.724), and 2MSPT (r = 0.683) (all p < 0.001). All tests induced expected changes in heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation.  The STST, CST and 2MSPT showed strong associations with the 6MWT and may serve as practical, safe and efficient complementary tools for field-based assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness in this population. These findings apply specifically to adult male football players with intellectual disability and should not be generalized to other populations with intellectual disability.

14 The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Gastrointestinal Responses to a Simulated Football Match

Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2026 Apr;26(4):e70157. doi: 10.1002/ejsc.70157.
Authors: S J Abbott, C J Parker, J Hough, K A Hunter, M A Johnson, N C Williams
Download link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ejsc.70157
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of a simulated football match on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, damage and indirect markers of gut barrier integrity, and investigated whether GI responses are modulated by menstrual cycle (MC) phase. Twelve eumenorrheic females completed two 45-min bouts of an intermittent treadmill protocol, replicating the activity profile of a football match, during Phase 1 (P1, days 1-5) and Phase 4 (P4, 6-8 days following a positive ovulation test) of their MC. Global GI discomfort was recorded every 15 min during exercise, and specific GI symptoms were assessed at rest, half-time (HT), full-time (FT) and 60 min post-exercise (POST-60). Blood samples were collected at rest, FT and POST-60 to assess intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (I-FABP), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14) and claudin-3 (CLDN-3). I-FABP increased by 51% from rest to FT (p = 0.007), but there was no effect of exercise on LBP, CLDN-3 or sCD14. Global GI discomfort was 65% greater in P1, than P4 (p = 0.006) and total GI symptom score was greater in P1 than P4 at rest (p = 0.011) and FT (p = 0.021). CLDN-3 concentrations were greater in P1 than P4 at rest (p = 0.02) and POST-60 (p = 0.03). There were no differences between MC phase for I-FABP, LBP or sCD14. Participants experienced increased GI discomfort during P1 compared to P4 of the MC, at rest and during exercise. However, exercise-induced GI symptoms and damage occurred at a similar rate in both MC phases.

15 Impact of soft-surface mobility exercises on functional movement screen (FMS) scores among football referees

Reference: Front Physiol. 2026 Feb 25:17:1757726. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1757726. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Zülbiye Kaçay, Barış Baydemir, Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir, Gabriel Marian Manolache
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12975583/pdf/fphys-17-1757726.pdf
Summary: Football referees perform repeated sprints, rapid changes of direction, and frequent deceleration-acceleration actions that place high demands on balance, mobility, and neuromuscular control. Limitations in functional movement patterns may negatively influence movement efficiency and increase mechanical stress during match officiating. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week unstable/compliant surface-based mobility exercise program on functional movement quality, as assessed by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), in young male amateur football referees. A total of 60 male amateur referees (experimental = 30; control = 30; age = 22.6 ± 1.3 years) participated in the study. Both groups continued their routine training, while the experimental group additionally performed mobility exercises on unstable and compliant surfaces (primarily BOSU-based drills) twice weekly for 12 weeks (45 ± 5 min/session). FMS tests were administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using a 2 (group: experimental vs. control) × 2 (time: pre-test vs. post-test) mixed-effects ANOVA, with verification of normality through Shapiro-Wilk testing and visual inspection of residual distributions, and the group × time interaction was considered the primary indicator of intervention effectiveness. The mixed ANOVA revealed significant group × time interaction effects for Total FMS score (p < 0.001) as well as for Deep Squat (p = 0.004), Hurdle Step (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.33), Active Straight Leg Raise (p = 0.043), Trunk Stability Push-up (p = 0.001), and Rotary Stability (p < 0.001). The control group showed minimal changes across all outcomes. These findings indicate that unstable/compliant surface-based mobility training can improve movement quality indicators measured by the FMS. Incorporating such exercises into referee conditioning programs may contribute to more efficient movement patterns and enhanced dynamic stability, with potential implications for physical preparedness during match officiating.

16 Prevalence and Clinical Significance of QRS Fragmentation and Low QRS Voltages in Elite Female Football Players

Reference: Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2026 Mar 12:zwag147. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwag147. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Kentaro Yamagata, Raghav Bhatia, Sabiha Gati et al.
Download link: https://watermark02.silverchair.com/zwag147.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAA2wwggNoBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggNZMIIDVQIBADCCA04GCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMfxPIjO7zx3IA7IVOAgEQgIIDH-mthKyKAzkxXGH-oso_VLo1artn1QBzxcWRqnca_cC_SiSEK6ZhQdjERqeHL4VgeQsNUzHNadoD_NjTCDlVUQTzc8HNEArKWAXJTdA6Ph-CwWuxHowbZBajKJtd5mk37NojmXmQX40d0yNoAs73zHPYfDh9zzbsB4An0t-BgvNerja42xTgB0SFPZM24TEjys7EfkiSjxNVMhZPbZ4E5Gb6eBDKymqlAU_mi0Nq77FL_y-vnog3IXbXe6kvJfHIuHMCQNArLRD_ftGrDPaEOm1RU6r43j6Ncx27Sfbq8o05TvExmreYjjLyyqBTjflvJI8S5HoHNDTOuVunpN54cT9sd6i24P3WX4bHkTyaAqyYiEf1OwXnxyqnyyM2IEHb3zf4lzQY9zrXic0c_71nxuKIHoZ44JA5mV9f06-E0qSK065aJE5AINaXbiGaHDQBcXYJ-EpEHaYwchGJXouRal3yE-dL9wgstx2CPIBN1izXjw135wPZRHWOzNOJGLdHNocJ7PYKe8IFP08LKZw21sctySb-99ibozYHPqMsVP5CYVX0ZY_FmkVT_jllCEZ0jYIfTRotNANyTFcgKedAd-UUYN0oCZxZcac2MFssbV7mt11FG5fS6t7MojyLrGmO5KhfAvPd7fKy-RgOg5_WxpTFtn2VpdCJAWFlKvgsYGiDSe8BFkin3m21q517moOKeh8W93WvhGxyE3bFD4_lw02Qe2Lm9wFss6wi_c2HCw_H6hzWNhQ7lt1M3l6dqi-bOkhzUb1zOj6VHK9tawoeN6kzfgrIHfWOFCzdRdO_dfR4HRm2kRxrsIfctwfd_MS8WMtxRuyd6hYLHGn3MLF_wHR_MmfIY4B-udiq3BMQrAVnxackHd7ecIzi5MzVcrEh9ZitxYfMsNiSrw9ASd8dXJ2giiliawXu9nuiDlPuWhcpfzxbm6VE4NnUuuxwYQKHSxWjSKn2_mlL9StUnQ7RoOvy4UqFBOaDgLmNd-8RjlzNS-gkxAIqqAPSs60rL9PyNR7eVi_eeMgCyDTRYsXW5MIDWis08FqIIkDaxbWYiM8
Summary: QRS fragmentation (fQRS) and low QRS voltage are electrocardiogram (ECG) findings associated with cardiomyopathy and adverse cardiac events. However, their prevalence and significance in elite female athletes are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of fQRS and low QRS voltage in elite female footballers undergoing cardiovascular screening. Between April 2017 and October 2024, a cohort of 2,566 consecutive elite female football players underwent cardiovascular screening, including a 12-lead ECG and echocardiogram. ECGs were analysed for the presence of fQRS and low QRS voltage. These findings were correlated with demographic and echocardiographic data. The mean follow-up period was 4.4 ± 2.5 years. The mean age was 20.13 ± 5.48 years. fQRS in ≥2 contiguous leads was present in 205 (8.0%) athletes, predominantly in the anterior leads (61.3%). fQRS in lead V1 alone was seen in 370 (14.4%) players. Athletes with fQRS demonstrated significantly larger indexed right ventricular (p < 0.001) and left ventricular (p = 0.033) diameters compared to those without. Low QRS voltage in the limb leads was exceedingly rare, observed in only 2 (0.1%) athletes. No athlete was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. In elite female footballers, fQRS is a common ECG finding strongly associated with physiological biventricular remodelling, particularly of the right ventricle. Within the context of this screening programme, fQRS was not associated with detectable cardiac pathology or adverse events, suggesting it may represent a feature of the athlete’s heart rather than underlying disease. Conversely, the extreme rarity of low QRS voltage suggests it warrants clinical suspicion if detected. These sex-specific findings provide a new reference for interpreting ECGs in this unique population.

17 Descriptors and definitions of heading technique and performance in football: A systematic review

Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2026 Feb 23:S1440-2440(26)00061-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2026.02.010. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Ross S Cairns, Marnee J McKay, Andreas Serner, Kerry Peek
Download link: https://www.jsams.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1440-2440%2826%2900061-7
Summary: This systematic review explored descriptors (and their definition) used to assess heading technique and performance as well as how heading descriptors were reported. Six electronic databases and manual reference searching identified 2661 potentially eligible studies, with 52 studies meeting inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis is presented. A lack of consensus in terminology for descriptors of both heading technique and performance was identified. Thirty-nine studies reported 75 unique heading technique descriptors with categories including: head/neck related (head impact location, head and neck position, head-to-torso position, eyes on ball, mouth posture, pre-heading muscle activation); body positioning (body posture/stance, body weight distribution, torso/spinal posture, player movement, upper limb posture, lower limb posture); jumping (initiation, in air, landing) and contested header (heading duel elbow position, body contact). Only 48% of technique descriptors were defined. 20 studies identified 11 different heading performance descriptors, 10 (91%) with an accompanying definition. There was lack of standardisation and considerable variance in reporting methods for both heading technique and performance descriptors, with none of the studies including a validated heading performance assessment. Match-based assessment of heading performance was present in seven studies in total. Multiple heading descriptors and definitions were identified but variability in descriptors, definitions and reporting methods limits the interpretation, comparability, and aggregation of data between studies as well as limiting the ability to replicate studies in different cohorts of players. This limits the capacity of research to inform coaching frameworks and head injury prevention programmes.

18 How to mitigate injury risk after return-to-play in elite football? Expert judgement meets data analytics

Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2026 Mar 9:1-16. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2026.2642654. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Anne Hecksteden, Julian Berger, Raffaele Mazzolari et al.
Summary: In elite football, injury risk is considerable, especially in the weeks after return-to-play (RTP). Consequently, optimal rehabilitation and well-informed decisions regarding the timepoint of RTP are crucial. Arguably, experiential knowledge as well as data-driven analyses may provide meaningful insights. This work leverages their synergies to identify and scrutinize promising options for reducing injury risk. A mixed-methods approach is implemented as sequential problem-solving pipeline. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 experienced practitioners in elite European football. Areas of overlap in the interview data were identified by thematic analysis. Subsequently, media-based injury data was used to scrutinize expert judgement. In total 4 themes were identified concerning 1) time between index injury and RTP (rehab time), 2) rehabilitation strategy, 3) psychosocial factors, and 4) team structure. Most prominently, it was suspected that injury risk post-RTP would be lower with longer rehab times. Data analytics confirmed lower injury risk after longer rehab time (for the respective index injury diagnosis) if expressed per calendar day but not if expressed per unit of football exposure post-RTP. Hazard ratios for pooled episodes were 0.886 (0.834-0.937) for calendar time in days and 1.046 (1.005 – 1.087) for football exposure in weighted hours. Taken together, our results indicate options for improvement which are simple (at least logistically) and largely consistent with the literature. However, quantitative results don’t provide direct support to the experts judgement that delaying RTP would reduce injury risk. Importantly, these findings are likely context specific and pertain only to elite players who sustained a subsequent injury.

19 The Scientific Usage of GPS Data in Professional Football: Relevance, Norm Values and Practical Recommendations

Reference: Sportverletz Sportschaden. 2026 Mar;40(1):32-46. doi: 10.1055/a-2777-3728. Epub 2026 Mar 9. Article in German
Authors: Hannes Mühl, Urs Granacher
Summary: The use of GPS data has become an integral part of the work of strength and conditioning coaches as well as data analysts in professional women’s and men’s football. Coaches should rely on GPS systems with a comparatively high sampling frequency (18 Hz) in order to validly capture short sprint distances with rapid changes of direction. GPS parameters such as total running distance, number of maximal sprints, accelerations, decelerations, and distance covered in speed and high-speed zones are of high practical relevance for athletic performance and injury prevention. Based on these practically relevant GPS parameters, the central challenge lies in capturing the complex interaction between training load and exertion, and in deriving suitable implications for short- (microcycle), medium- (mesocycle), and long-term (macrocycle) training programming. In the future, AI methods may support this process by efficiently analyzing large datasets and identifying patterns in load management. Initial studies provide promising evidence. However, particularly in the highly individualized context of professional football, it remains to be determined whether existing learning algorithms developed from one team’s data can be transferred to other teams. In general, the use of GPS data should be contextualized in order to provide coaches with guidance, rather than serving as rigid target parameters for training prescription and load management in football. This article presents literature-based recommendations on the use of GPS data (e.g., acceleration-based parameters) for the design of macro-, meso-, and microcycles, which can guide coaches in football-specific load management. Of additional practical importance is the further development of models capable of predicting increased injury risk during specific phases of the season. While existing approaches such as the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR) provide initial guidance, their methodological limitations are evident. Further research is needed to provide reliable and applicable tools for training management in professional football. In addition, individualized training programming should incorporate not only objective GPS data but also subjective ratings of perceived exertion.

21 Are Pain and Strength During Adductor Squeeze Testing Associated With On-Pitch Football Performance and Pain in Male and Female Academy Players?-A Nine-Week Longitudinal Explorative Study

Reference: Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2026 Mar;36(3):e70248. doi: 10.1111/sms.70248.
Authors: Matthew D DeLang, Kristian Thorborg, Per Hölmich, Lasse Ishøi
Summary: Groin pain and adductor strength from the Copenhagen five-second squeeze test (5SST-Pain and 5SST-Strength) are used as clinical indicators of self-reported groin function, but their relation to on-pitch football performance and pain during football is unclear. This explorative longitudinal study aimed to examine the associations of 5SST-Pain and 5SST-Strength with (1) self-reported on-pitch performance, (2) groin pain during football, and (3) hip and groin sporting function. Academy football players (males: n = 69, 16.2 ± 1.5 years old; females: n = 45, 15.4 ± 1.1 years old) participated in a nine-week in-season study. Weekly measures of 5SST-Pain (0-10 NRS), 5SST-Strength (N/kg), and perceived on-pitch performance deficits and groin pain during football using the Oslo Overuse Questionnaire (OSTRC-O2 Performance and Pain domains) were collected. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score-Sport (HAGOS-Sport) was collected every second week. Associations between 5SST-Pain and 5SST-Strength with (1) OSTRC-O2 Performance, (2) OSTRC-O2 Pain, and (3) HAGOS-Sport were examined. Associations from 621 5SST observations showed that a one-unit increase in 5SST-Pain increased the probability (odds ratio; OR) in males and females, respectively, of reporting on-pitch performance deficits (OR [95% CI]: 2.32 [1.77; 3.02] and 2.31 [1.71; 3.11]), groin pain during football (OR [95% CI]: 2.69 [2.00; 3.62] and 2.34 [1.77; 3.09]), and lower sporting function (β-coefficient [95% CI]: -4.6 [-8.4; -0.8] and -2.8 [-4.5; -1.0]). In males, a one-unit increase in 5SST-Strength lowered the probability of on-pitch groin pain (0.54 [0.30; 0.98]). 5SST-Pain could be used as a screening tool for perceived on-pitch performance, pain, and sporting function in both male and female academy players.

22 Introducing Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Athlete Screening: An Initial Moroccan Experience With Professional Football Players

Reference: Cureus. 2026 Feb 4;18(2):e102948. doi: 10.7759/cureus.102948. eCollection 2026 Feb.
Authors: Oumaima Taoussi, Youssef Daoudi, Zineb Azeddoug et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12966944/pdf/cureus-0018-00000102948.pdf
Summary: Pre-participation cardiovascular screening in athletes relies primarily on electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography. While cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is increasingly recognized as a valuable complementary imaging modality, its integration into routine athlete evaluation remains variable across healthcare settings. In our context, the recent expansion of access to CMR has enabled its use as a second-line tool in professional athletes initially assessed by first-line screening examinations. This study aimed to describe CMR findings in asymptomatic professional football players referred after echocardiographic or electrocardiographic screening in a Moroccan tertiary center. This descriptive study included 300 asymptomatic male professional football players aged 18 to 30 years who underwent routine pre-participation cardiovascular screening, including electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography, between January 2023 and June 2024. Among them, 40 players were referred for CMR based on clinical judgment following inconclusive echocardiographic findings or isolated electrocardiographic abnormalities. CMR findings were analyzed descriptively with respect to cardiac morphology, ventricular volumes, myocardial thickness, myocardial tissue characterization, and final diagnostic classification. Among the players referred for CMR, a broad spectrum of findings was observed. In several cases, CMR clarified borderline echocardiographic measurements by confirming physiological cardiac remodeling related to intensive football training. In other athletes, CMR identified previously unrecognized structural cardiomyopathies, including apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a presentation suggestive of Fabry disease, which had not been detected on initial echocardiography. In players referred solely for isolated electrocardiographic abnormalities despite normal echocardiographic findings, CMR revealed clinically relevant myocardial abnormalities in a notable proportion of cases. Overall, CMR contributed to improved anatomical and tissue characterization in athletes with inconclusive first-line screening results. In this descriptive Moroccan experience, CMR provided valuable morphological and tissue-level information in asymptomatic professional football players referred after initial cardiovascular screening. The growing accessibility of CMR in our setting has allowed more refined diagnostic evaluation beyond first-line examinations, particularly in athletes with equivocal findings. These observations highlight the practical role of CMR as a complementary imaging modality within contemporary athlete screening pathways in resource-evolving healthcare systems.