Associations between 24-h heart rate variability and aerobic fitness in high-level female soccer players.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in 24-h heart rate variability and aerobic fitness, and their associations, in female soccer players during the preseason period.

Methods: Sixteen players were assessed (24-h HRV and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 [YYIR1]) before and after 4 weeks of preseason. The relationship between R-R24h length and high-frequency oscillations (HF24h) was analyzed by a quadratic regression model (revealing or not saturation of vagal activity) assessed 48-h before (PRE-preseason) and 48-h after (POST-preseason) the preseason period.

Monitoring Individual Sleep and Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability Indices: The Impact of Training and Match Schedule and Load in High-Level Female Soccer Players.

Purpose: To describe individual sleep habits and nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) responses, and to explore intra-individual associations of workload with sleep and nocturnal HRV indices in high-level female soccer players throughout a 2-week competitive period.

Materials And Methods: The study followed a descriptive, observational design. Thirty-four high-level female soccer players (aged 20.

Application of Individualized Speed Zones to Quantify External Training Load in Professional Soccer.

This study aimed to examine the interchangeability of two external training load (ETL) monitoring methods: arbitrary vs. individualized speed zones. Thirteen male outfield players from a professional soccer team were monitored during training sessions using 10-Hz GPS units over an 8-week competitive period (n = 302 observations).

Positional Differences in Peak- and Accumulated- Training Load Relative to Match Load in Elite Football.

Quantification of training and match load is an important method to personalize the training stimulus' prescription to players according to their match demands. The present study used time-motion analysis and triaxial-accelerometer to quantify and compare: a) The most demanding passages of play in training sessions and matches (5-min peaks); b) and the accumulated load of typical microcycles and official matches, by playing position. Players performance data in 15 official home matches and 11 in-season microcycles were collected for analysis.

Methods to collect and interpret external training load using microtechnology incorporating GPS in professional football: a systematic review.

The aim of this article was to systematically review the methods adopted to collect and interpret external training load (ETL) using microtechnology incorporating global positioning system (GPS). The main deficiencies identified concerned the non-collection of match ETL, and the non-consideration of potential confounders (e.g.

Internal training load monitoring in professional football: a systematic review of methods using rating of perceived exertion.

Introduction: The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is widely adopted to quantify internal training load (ITL) in professional football. The aim of this study was to systematically review the use RPE-based methods in professional football.

Evidence Acquisition: Observational studies conducted during training routines of professional football players over a minimum of one-week were selected based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement.

Using the Rating of Perceived Exertion and Heart Rate to Quantify Training Intensity in Female Soccer Players: Validity and Utility.

Costa, JA, Brito, J, Nakamura, FY, Figueiredo, P, and Rebelo, A. Using the rating of perceived exertion and heart rate to quantify training intensity in female soccer players: validity and utility. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 201-206, 2022-The aims of this study were as follows: (a) to analyze associations between session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and training impulse (TRIMP); (b) to verify whether significantly different ranges of percentage of heart rate peak (%HRpeak) would be reached in each discrete RPE category; and (c) to investigate the amount of time spent >90% of HRpeak and associated intraplayer and interplayer variability during soccer technical training sessions with similar contents and duration.

Intra-individual variability of sleep and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity in elite female soccer players during an international tournament.

Purpose: To describe individual sleeping patterns and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity of National team female soccer players during an international tournament.

Materials And Methods: Twenty elite female soccer players (aged 25.2±3.

Contextual Variables and Training Load Throughout a Competitive Period in a Top-Level Male Soccer Team.

Rago, V, Rebelo, A, Krustrup, P, and Mohr, M. Contextual variables and training load throughout a competitive period in a top-level male soccer team. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3177-3183, 2021-The aim of the present study was to investigate and quantify the weekly training load (TL) according to different match-related contextual factors in a professional male soccer team (n = 23).

Training load and submaximal heart rate testing throughout a competitive period in a top-level male football team.

The aim of this study was to investigate training load and cardiorespiratory fitness in a top-level Spanish (LaLiga) football team ( = 17). The submaximal Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) was performed in four moments of the competitive period from early February (E1) to early May (E4). Training load was quantified using a 10-Hz global positioning system and heart rate (HR) recording ( = 837 individual training sessions), while match load was quantified using semi-automated cameras ( = 216 individual match observations).

A comparison of match-physical demands between different tactical systems: 1-4-5-1 vs 1-3-5-2.

The team tactical system and distribution of the football players on the pitch is considered fundamental in team performance. The present study used time-motion analysis and triaxial-accelerometers to obtain new insights about the impact of different tactical systems (1-4-5-1 and 1-3-5-2) on physical performance, across different playing positions, in a professional football team. Player performance data in fifteen official home matches was collected for analysis.

Relationship between External Load and Perceptual Responses to Training in Professional Football: Effects of Quantification Method.

We examined the within-player correlation between external training load (ETL) and perceptual responses to training in a professional male football team ( = 13 outfield players) over an eight-week competitive period. ETL was collected using 10-Hz GPS, whereas perceptual responses were accessed through rating of perceived exertion (RPE) questionnaires. Moderate-speed running (MSR), high-speed running (HSR) and sprinting were defined using arbitrary (fixed) and individualised speed zones (based on maximal aerobic speed and maximal sprinting speed).

Heart Rate Kinetics Response of Pre-Pubertal Children during the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test-Level 1.

This study analyzed heart rate (HR) kinetics during the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test-level 1 (Yo-Yo IE1) in children. At the middle of the school year, 107 boys (7⁻10 years old) performed the Yo-Yo IE1. Individual HR curves during the Yo-Yo IE1 were analyzed to detect an inflection point between an initial phase of fast rise in HR, and a second phase in which the rise of HR is slower.

The Arrowhead Agility Test: Reliability, Minimum Detectable Change, and Practical Applications in Soccer Players.

Rago, V, Brito, J, Figueiredo, P, Ermidis, G, Barreira, D, and Rebelo, A. The arrowhead agility test: Reliability, minimum detectable change, and practical applications in soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 483-494, 2020-Four independent studies were conducted to examine the utility of the arrowhead agility test (AAT) to measure change of direction (COD) capacity in soccer players, specifically, (a) intersession reliability and minimum detectable change (n = 24); (b) power-dependent abilities associated with AAT performance (n = 56); and (c) fatigue sensitivity (n = 20); differences between competitive levels and age groups (n = 264).

Does Night Training Load Affect Sleep Patterns and Nocturnal Cardiac Autonomic Activity in High-Level Female Soccer Players?

To analyze whether exercise training conducted at night disturbs sleep and affects nocturnal cardiac autonomic control in high-level female athletes. A total of 18 high-level female soccer players (mean [SD] age 20.4 [2.

Sleep patterns and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity in female athletes are affected by the timing of exercise and match location.

The aim of the current study was to analyze the influence of the timing of training and matches, and match location, on sleep pattern and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity in female soccer players. A total of 17 female soccer players (age: 21.6 ± 2.

Countermovement Jump Analysis Using Different Portable Devices: Implications for Field Testing.

The aim of this study was to analyze the concurrent validity, test⁻retest reliability, and capacity to detect changes of four different portable devices used to measure a wide range of neuromuscular parameters derived from countermovement jump (CMJ). An accelerometric device (Myotest), a jump mat (Ergojump), an optical device (Optojump), and a smartphone app (MyJump) were simultaneously examined for concurrent validity against gold-standard measures (motion-capture system and a force platform). Twenty-two CMJ-derived variables were collected from 15 healthy male subjects ( = 60 CMJs).

Influence of opponent standard on activity profile and fatigue development during preseasonal friendly soccer matches: a team study.

We examined the influence of competitive standard of the opponent on activity profile and fatigue during preseason friendly soccer matches. Time motion analysis was performed in a male professional soccer team (N = 14) during six friendly games played against professional, semi-professional and amateur-level opponents (PL, SPL and AL). The reference team covered higher acceleration distance, acceleration and deceleration > 2 m· s distance against PL than AL (ES = 0.

Variability of activity profile during medium-sided games in professional soccer.

Background: In Southern European countries it is very frequent to perform medium-sized games (MSG) as last training drill. We analyzed the individual variability and changes in activity patterns during MSG throughout the preseason.

Methods: Activity profile during MSGs (10v10+goalkeepers, duration: 10-min, field length: 50 m, width: 90 m, area per player: 204.

Switching between pitch surfaces: practical applications and future perspectives for soccer training.

Introduction: Soccer training and completion is conventionally practiced on natural grass (NG) or artificial turf (AT). Recently, AT pitches for training/competition, and of unstable surfaces for injury prevention training has increased. Therefore, soccer players are frequently exposed to variations in pitch surface during either training or competition.

Effects of Late-Night Training on "Slow-Wave Sleep Episode" and Hour-by-Hour-Derived Nocturnal Cardiac Autonomic Activity in Female Soccer Players.

Purpose: To assess the sensitivity of nocturnal heart-rate-variability-monitoring methods to the effects of late-night soccer training sessions in female athletes.

Methods: Eleven female soccer players competing in the first division of the Portuguese soccer league wore heart-rate monitors during sleep at night throughout a 1-wk competitive in-season microcycle, after late-night training sessions (n = 3) and rest days (n = 3). Heart rate variability was analyzed through "slow-wave sleep episode" (10-min duration) and "hour by hour" (all the RR intervals recorded throughout the hours of sleep).

Small-sided soccer games on sand are more physically demanding but less technically specific compared to games on artificial turf.

Background: The use of sand has been suggested as fitness-enhancing surface in field-based team sports. However, concerns have arisen in regard whether physical responses associated to sand training are sport-specific. We compared physical and technical demands during small-sided soccer games (4 vs.

Differences in strength and speed demands between 4v4 and 8v8 small-sided football games.

The aims of this study were (i) to characterise the acceleration demands of two different formats of small-sided game (SSG), i.e., 4v4 + goalkeepers (4v4 + GK) and 8v8 + goalkeepers (8v8 + GK); (ii) to analyse the correlation between performance in power-based tests and acceleration-based physical loading during the two different SSG formats and (iii) to analyse the neuromuscular-induced fatigue.

Regular Football Practice Improves Autonomic Cardiac Function in Male Children.

Background: The role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the cardiovascular regulation is of primal importance. Since it has been associated with adverse conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, sudden death, sleep disorders, hypertension and obesity.

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of recreational football practice on the autonomic cardiac function of male children, as measured by heart rate variability.

Strength training in soccer with a specific focus on highly trained players.

Background: Data concerning the physical demands of soccer (e.g., activity pattern) suggest that a high level of performance requires well-developed neuromuscular function (NF).