Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Santos, Bruno Goncalves, Diogo Coutinho, Gabriel Vilas Boas, Jaime Sampaio
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different pitch sizes and visual occlusion on youth players. The results showed that in larger pitches, players covered more distance while walking but less distance while running with visual occlusion. The number of successful passes was lower with visual occlusion, and the distance to the opponent's team centroid was more regular. In larger pitches, players had greater distance from both team's centroid and higher maximum speed. Coaches can use these findings to adjust training and match pitch sizes, as well as to enhance players' ability to use their non-dominant foot during visual occlusion and promote passing during normal situations.
Article
Physiology
Nemanja Zlojutro, Serdar Eler, Marko Joksimovic, Nebahat Eler, Sasa Markovic, Aleksandar Kukric, Kosta Goranovic
Summary: The goal of this study was to determine the average changes in kinematic parameters and metabolic power in one minute in small sided games (SSG) and large sided games (LSG), and to identify which games best develop kinematic parameters and metabolic power. The data collected from professional football players showed that the total distance, maximum speed, number of accelerations, number of decelerations, number of sprints, high intensity distance, and movements requiring metabolic power were significantly different across different game formats. These findings can be used to design specific exercises and plan microcycles in football.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diogo Coutinho, Bruno Goncalves, Timo Laakso, Bruno Travassos
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the offensive variables that can best distinguish the duration of ball possession according to players' specific roles (defenders, midfielders, attackers) in a Gk+3vs3+Gk football small-sided games. Discriminant analysis revealed that the number of touches per possession and passing actions were key factors in differentiating the duration of ball possession. Coaches should focus on developing players' ball control ability to increase the offensive phase duration, and reward passing actions by midfielders and attackers to promote longer ball possessions.
Article
Orthopedics
Tim Meyer, Vera Demond, Juergen Scharhag
Summary: German professional football coaches experience significant cardiocirculatory stress during matches, but do not show any match-induced cardiac damage, possibly due to their above-average fitness level.
CLINICAL JOURNAL OF SPORT MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Filip Skala, Erika Zemkova
Summary: This study examines the neuromuscular and perceptual-cognitive response to small-sided games (SSGs) and their association with exercise load in youth soccer players. The results show that SSGs induce fatigue and affect agility, decision-making, and explosive strength in players. These effects are not solely influenced by internal or external load variables but high-intensity actions within the games can partially compensate for the performance decrements.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Filipe Manuel Clemente, Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo, Hugo Sarmento, Daniel Castillo, Javier Raya-Gonzalez, Thomas Rosemann, Beat Knechtle
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that small-sided games (SSG) led to significant improvements in lower limb bone mineral density compared to passive and control groups, while showing no significant impact on total body bone mineral density.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Peter Ueda, Bjorn Pasternak, Carl-Emil Lim, Martin Neovius, Manzur Kader, Magnus Forssblad, Jonas F. Ludvigsson, Henrik Svanstroem
Summary: A cohort study reveals that male football players in the Swedish top division have a significantly higher risk of neurodegenerative disease, especially Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The study provides important data for assessing and managing risks in the sport.
LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Honorato Sousa, Elvio Rubio Gouveia, Adilson Marques, Hugo Sarmento, Marcelo Pestana, Tomas Quintal, Helder Lopes, Andreas Ihle
Summary: This study investigates the influence of numerical variability in small-sided games (SSGs) on physiological response. The results show that the 3 vs. 3 format has higher physical activity counts and energy expenditure compared to other game formats.
Review
Sport Sciences
Filipe Manuel Clemente, Hugo Sarmento
Summary: The review assessed the effects of combined SSG and running-based training methods on soccer players' acute responses and adaptations, finding that the combination may lead to higher training loads but unclear differences in aerobic performance and sprinting effects.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Benjin Pollock
Summary: Three-sided football, initially conceived as an abstract philosophical concept, has evolved into a global phenomenon that transcends traditional sporting contexts. Through the game, individuals are able to reflect upon and negotiate challenges beyond binary competitive team sports, and the democratic nature of 3SF fosters critical consciousness and community leadership.
SPORT EDUCATION AND SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Filipe Manuel Clemente, Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo, Hugo Sarmento
Summary: This study found that small-sided games have significant beneficial effects on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of untrained hypertensive adults.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fernando J. Santos, Teresa P. Figueiredo, Dalton M. Pessoa Filho, Carlos E. L. Verardi, Anderson G. Macedo, Catia C. Ferreira, Mario C. Espada
Summary: The study evaluated the training load in soccer players of different age categories during small-sided games of distinct pitch sizes. Results showed that the total distance covered increased with pitch size in all age categories, with noticeable differences in metabolic power and high metabolic load distance in younger players. This highlights the importance of considering age-specific training loads and metabolic assessments in the design of small-sided games for soccer players. Wearable technology plays a crucial role in supporting these assessments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jakub Krysciak, Tomasz Podgorski, Pawel Chmura, Marek Konefal, Jan Chmura, Marius Brazaitis, Toni Modric, Marcin Andrzejewski
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of 1x1 small-sided games (SSGs) with different bout durations on external (ETL) and internal training loads (ITL) in youth soccer players. Results showed that the 30-second SSGs had a higher intensity of training effort compared to the 45-second SSGs. In terms of ITL indices, the changes in heart rate and bicarbonate (HCO3-) level were greater in the 30-second SSGs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Karel Hulka, Matej Strnist
Summary: The study showed that both SSG and HVT training interventions were effective for aerobic improvement for the U19 category. HVT significantly improved aerobic performance in the U17 and U19 groups, while the effect was less pronounced for younger players.
Article
Sport Sciences
Gibson Moreira Praca, Andre Gustavo Pereira Andrade, Sarah da Gloria Teles Bredt, Felipe Arruda Moura, Pedro Emilio Drumond Moreira
Summary: The study found that the regular rule condition required more spatial exploration, with a greater width occupation on the pitch. Under the regular rule, there were higher mean and maximum heart rates, as well as greater low-to-moderate distances and accelerations, while the progression to the target rule resulted in increased distances covered at the highest speed and acceleration zones.
SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL
(2022)
Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Taihiko Yamaguchi, Saki Mikami, Masana Maeda, Taishi Saito, Toshinori Nakajima, Wataru Yachida, Akihito Gotouda
Summary: This article reviews the current state of portable/wearable EMG devices for assessment of bruxism. The results show that ultra-miniaturized wearable EMG devices with performance equivalent to conventional devices have been developed and used during sleep and in the daytime, with a high level of diagnostic accuracy for sleep bruxism. However, a definite cut-off value for awake bruxism has not been established.
CRANIO-THE JOURNAL OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR & SLEEP PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Ivone Carneiro, Peter Krustrup, Carlo Castagna, Magni Mohr, Jose Magalhaes, Rita Pereira, Rute Santos, Sandra Martins, Joao Tiago Guimaraes, Eduardo Coelho, Susana Povoas
Summary: This study aimed to examine the dose-response of a recreational team handball exercise-based programme on cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in inactive middle-aged-to-elderly males without TH experience. The results showed that performing three 60-minute team handball exercise sessions per week can improve aerobic performance in middle-aged-to-elderly men, and it is more effective than training with a lower weekly frequency.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Zhen Li, Peter Krustrup, Morten Bredsgaard Randers, Bo Xu, Weixin Yang, Zhixiong Huang, Lijuan Mao
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the positive impact of the 11 for Health programme on the physical fitness of Chinese primary school students. The results showed that the experimental group, who participated in small-sided football sessions, exhibited greater improvements in systolic blood pressure, postural balance, standing long jump, 30-metre sprint, and Yo-Yo IR1C running performance compared to the control group. Additionally, both groups experienced an increase in physical activity enjoyment during the intervention period.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Rita Pereira, Peter Krustrup, Carlo Castagna, Eduardo Coelho, Eva Wulff Helge, Niklas Rye Jorgensen, Carolina Vila-Cha, Sandra Martins, Joao Tiago Guimaraes, Jose Magalhaes, Susana Povoas
Summary: A multicomponent exercise training protocol (recreational team handball training) has long-term positive effects on global health status in inactive postmenopausal women. After 36 weeks of training, participants in the exercise group showed improvements in cardiovascular, bone, metabolic health, body composition, and physical fitness markers.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susana Povoas, Peter Krustrup, Carlo Castagna
Summary: The criterion validity and sensitivity of heart-rate recovery (HRRec) in profiling cardiorespiratory fitness were examined in male recreational football players. The results showed that HRRec is not a reliable indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness and training status in this population.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ivone Carneiro, Peter Krustrup, Carlo Castagna, Rita Pereira, Susana Povoas
Summary: This study examined the physical and physiological demands and perceived experience of recreational team handball for middle-aged/elderly men and women, comparing same- vs. mixed-gender 6v6 game formats. The results showed that mixed-gender matches are more demanding for women in terms of heart rate and physical exertion, while same-gender matches require higher cardiovascular and activity profile demands for men. However, team handball is a high-intensity and motivating exercise mode for both genders, regardless of the gender game format.
Article
Sport Sciences
May-Britt Skoradal, Maria Hammer Olsen, Mads Madsen, Malte Nejst Larsen, Magni Mohr, Peter Krustrup
Summary: This study investigated the popularity and effects of the 11 for Health program on well-being and health knowledge for 10-12-year-old Faroese children. The results showed that the program improved physical well-being, social support, and health knowledge. The program was also highly rated by the children.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paul Lang, Svend S. Geertsen, Alex L. Lublin, Michelle C. Potter, Tatiana Gladysheva, Jill S. Gregory, Pascal Rufi
Summary: This study found that teriflunomide has inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, with an EC50 of 15.22 mu M and no cytotoxicity to cells. The results support the broad antiviral effect of teriflunomide.
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Morten B. Randers, Marie Hagman, Jesper F. Christensen, Susana Povoas, Jens Jung Nielsen, Peter Krustrup
Summary: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of street football training and grass football training on the health and exercise performance of young men. The results showed that street football training improved submaximal exercise capacity, while grass football training had positive effects on submaximal exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Ivone Carneiro, Peter Krustrup, Carlo Castagna, Rita Pereira, Niklas Rye Jorgensen, Eduardo Coelho, Susana Povoas
Summary: The study aimed to analyze the effects of different weekly exercise volumes on the bone health, body composition, and physical fitness of inactive middle-to-older-aged males. The results showed that the intervention groups that performed 2-3 weekly training sessions had the greatest improvements in bone health, body composition, and physical fitness.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Hallur Thorsteinsson, Jeppe F. Vigh-Larsen, Jeppe Panduro, Bjorn Fristrup, Daniel Zornow Kruse, Lasse Gliemann, Marte Egeland, Jens L. Olesen, Per Aagaard, Morten B. Randers, Peter Krustrup, Lars Nybo, Kristian Overgaard, Magni Mohr
Summary: The present study aimed to evaluate the acute decrements and subsequent recovery of skeletal muscle glycogen levels, muscle function, and repeated-sprint ability following ice hockey game-play. The results showed that muscle glycogen content and muscle function decreased significantly after the game, but the impact on repeated-sprint ability was minimal and fully recovered within 1-2 days postgame.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rolland Mutumba, Hannah Pesu, Joseph Mbabazi, Eva Greibe, Mette F. Olsen, Andre Briend, Christian Molgaard, Christian Ritz, Nicolette Nabukeera-Barungi, Ezekiel Mupere, Suzanne Filteau, Henrik Friis, Benedikte Grenov
Summary: This study assessed the correlates of iron, cobalamin, folate, and vitamin A biomarkers in stunted children in eastern Uganda. The results showed that these children have deficiencies in iron, cobalamin, and vitamin A. Therefore, interventions addressing stunting should also target these micronutrient deficiencies.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Victor Nikiema, Suvi T. Kangas, Cecile Salpeteur, Andre Briend, Leisel Talley, Henrik Friis, Christian Ritz, Ebba Nexo, Adrian Mccann
Summary: In children with severe acute malnutrition, treatment with RUTF improved B12 status but did not fully correct deficiency. Breastfed children had lower B12 status compared to non-breastfed children.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rolland Mutumba, Joseph Mbabazi, Hannah Pesu, Eva Greibe, Mette F. Olsen, Andre Briend, Christian Molgaard, Christian Ritz, Ezekiel Mupere, Suzanne Filteau, Henrik Friis, Benedikte Grenov
Summary: Anemia is common among stunted children in eastern Uganda, and micronutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and malaria are associated with low hemoglobin levels.
Review
Sport Sciences
George P. Nassis, Evert Verhagen, Joao Brito, Pedro Figueiredo, Peter Krustrup
Summary: This narrative review paper discusses the applications of machine learning in soccer, specifically focusing on injury risk assessment. It also provides practical tips for health and performance staff in soccer clubs on leveraging machine learning for a competitive advantage. While performance analysis is the most researched area, other domains such as injury risk assessment, workload monitoring, movement analysis, career trajectory, club performance, and match attendance also utilize machine learning. However, machine learning currently lacks high predictive ability for injuries but can help identify early signs of elevated risk. Future research should consider the dynamic nature of musculoskeletal injuries for more meaningful results.
