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Int J Sports Med 2024; 45(14): 1047-1054
DOI: 10.1055/a-2367-6289
Training & Testing

Physical Performance Changes in Season are Associated with GPS Data in Soccer Players

Laura A. Zandavalli
1   Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
,
Rafael Grazioli
1   Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
2   Department of Physical Education, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
3   Department of Physiology and Athletic Performance, Guarani Football Club, Campinas, SP, Brazil
,
Mikel Izquierdo 
4   Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona (Spain)
5   CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
,
Ibai Garcia-Tabar 
6   Society, Sports and Exercise Research Group (GIKAFIT), Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
7   Bioraba Health Research Institute, Physical Activity, Exercise, and Health Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
,
Filipe Veeck
1   Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
,
Igor Setuain
4   Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona (Spain)
8   TDN Orthopedic Surgery and Advanced Rehabilitation Center, Clinical Research Department, Pamplona, Spain
,
Giovanni S. Ramirez
1   Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
,
André L. Aroni
2   Department of Physical Education, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
,
Ronei Silveira Pinto
1   Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
,
Eduardo L. Cadore 
1   Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
› Author Affiliations Funding Information National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). — Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) —
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Abstract

This study investigated the associations between pre-season and in-season performance with external workload in professional soccer players. Twenty-one players completed hamstring strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests before (pre-season) and after 8 weeks (in-season). External workload (total distance, high-intensity running distance, number of sprints, and power plays) was quantified during this period, and used to divide the average above and below subgroups outcome by outcome for further analyses. Significance was accepted when P≤0.05. Hamstring strength declined from pre- to in-season [− 6%; p=0.014; effect size (ES): − 0.41], while Yo-Yo performance improved (46%; p=0.001; ES: 1.31). When divided by high-intensity running distance, only the below-average subgroup improved CMJ performance (5%; p=0.030). For minutes played, the above-average subgroup improved Yo-Yo performance (41%; p<0.001), but not the below-average subgroup. Furthermore, playing time correlated with improved Yo-Yo performance (p=0.040; r=0.534). Improved 20-m sprint performance associated with more sprints performed (p=0.045; r=− 0.453). Physical capabilities changed over a competitive season and were related to, and differentiated by, external workload. Because hamstring strength decreased and CMJ only improved in players exposed to less high-intensity external load, practitioners should individualize approaches to counteract these conditions when high external workload is performed over the season.

Keywords

game analysis - performance - strength - team sport - testing

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 09 February 2024

Accepted: 16 July 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 July 2024

Article published online:
30 August 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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