Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of an intermittent test reproducing
the soccer running activity profile on physical performance, subjective ratings and
biochemical parameters throughout 72 h recovery. 8 professional soccer players performed
the intermittent test on a non-motorised treadmill and data was collected before,
immediately after, 24, 48 and 72 h after the test. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement
jump (CMJ), peak isometric force (IFpeak), 6-s sprint, repeated sprints test (RS), perceptual ratings (fatigue, muscle soreness,
stress), creatine kinase ([CK]) and uric acid ([UA]) were analyzed. After the test,
a mean reduction in countermovement jump performance of − 8.2% (CI: − 12.9 to − 3.4,
p<0.01) was observed, while perceived fatigue (+2.1±1.7 a.u.; p<0.05), perceived muscle
soreness (+1.8±1.5 a.u.; p<0.05), perceived stress (+1.6±1.5 a.u.; p<0.05), creatine
kinase (+171±77 IU.l − 1; p<0.01) and uric acid (+168±89 Umol.l − 1; p<0.01) concentrations were significantly increased relative to baseline. No significant
effect was found for SJ, IFpeak, 6-s sprint, RS immediately after and throughout the 72 h following the test. In
conclusion, soccer running performance does not appear to be the main cause of post
soccer match-induced fatigue. Physical data provided by video match analysis systems
is insufficient to accurately estimate the level of match fatigue.
Key words
soccer - football - sprint - muscle soreness
