The biomechanical and physiological response to repeated soccer-specific simulations interspersed by 48 or 72 hours recovery

Purpose: To assess the residual fatigue response associated with the completion. of two successive soccer-specific exercise protocols (SSEP). Methods: Twenty male soccer players were pair-matched before completing SSEPs, interspersed by either 48 or 72 h. Outcome variables were measured every 15 min, and comprised uni-axial measures of PlayerLoad, mean (HR) and peak heart rate (HRpeak), blood lactate concentration, mean and peak (VO2peak) oxygen consumption, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: No significant (P > 0.05) group interactions were identified for any outcome variables. Uni-axial (and total) PlayerLoad exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for time, with the exception of the relative contribution of medial lateral PlayerLoad (TM). Total PlayerLoad during the final 15 min (222.23 +/- 15.16 a.u) was significantly higher than all other time points. All other outcome variables also exhibited a significant main effect for time, with HR, HRpeak and VO2(peak) also exhibiting significantly higher values in the first trial. There was also a significant (P = 0.003) trial*time interaction for RPE. Conclusions: With equivalence at baseline, there was no difference in the fatigue response associated with two SSEPs interspersed by either 48 or 72 h recovery. The current study has implications for the design and micro management of training and competition schedules. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.