Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hadi Nobari, Maryam Fani, Elena Pardos-Mainer, Jorge Perez-Gomez
Summary: This study investigated the variations of well-being ratings relative to the Hooper Index during a soccer season based on players' positions. The findings revealed significant differences in well-being status among different playing positions at various stages of the season, with stress and sleep quality showing significant increases from Early- to End-season. The main implication of the study is to raise coaches' awareness of their players' well-being fluctuations throughout the season to prevent injuries, overtraining, and overreaching, particularly in young elite soccer players.
Article
Physiology
Karim Saidi, Hassane Zouhal, Daniel Boullosa, Gregory Dupont, Anthony C. Hackney, Benoit Bideau, Urs Granacher, Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman
Summary: This study analyzed the changes in biochemical markers, wellness status, and physical fitness in elite soccer players during a congested period of match play. The results showed that the players experienced increased stress, fatigue, delayed onset of muscle soreness, and decline in wellness status during this period. However, biochemical changes did not reflect a decline in physical fitness. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing the wellness status of elite soccer players during congested match play.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Lorenzo Lolli, Amanda Johnson, Mauricio Monaco, Valter Di Salvo, Warren Gregson
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of differences in relative skeletal maturity on performance test outcomes in elite youth soccer players from the Middle East. The results showed that relative skeletal maturity had a significant effect on 40-m sprinting and countermovement jump height, while its effects on 10-m sprinting and maximal aerobic speed were unclear.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Thomas I. Metaxas
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between laboratory-measured (V)over doto(2)max and match running performance but found no correlation. Players covered greater distances in the first half and performance varied based on playing positions, with midfielders covering more distance in high-intensity running and fast running zones.
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Arturo Casado, Brian Hanley, Pedro Jimenez-Reyes, Andrew Renfree
Summary: The pacing behaviors of elite athletes vary depending on the sport and race distance. Factors such as fast start, positive pacing patterns, and U-shaped pacing strategies are observed in different events. Athletes should carefully choose their pacing strategies to optimize performance and consider differences between meet races and championship races.
JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Lorenzo Lolli, Amanda Johnson, Mauricio Monaco, Marco Cardinale, Valter Di Salvo, Warren Gregson
Summary: This study provided the first scrutiny of adult height prediction protocols based on automated Greulich-Pyle and Tanner-Whitehouse skeletal ages applied to elite youth soccer players from the Middle East. The results showed that the Tanner-Whitehouse-II method provided more consistent estimates and can be considered the method of choice for talent development purposes in youth soccer players from the Middle East.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Geoffrey T. Burns, Nicholas Tam, Jordan Santos-Concejero, Ross Tucker, Ronald F. Zernicke
Summary: This study introduces novel biomechanical metrics for performance in distance running, evaluating running mechanics against a spring-mass model. The results indicate that elite runners exhibit mechanics more similar to the spring-mass template, and barefoot running elicits greater kinetic coordination in recreational runners.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Antonia Knoellner, Daniel Memmert, Marec von Lehe, Johannes Jungilligens, Hans-Erik Scharfen
Summary: This study examined the relationship between visual skills and executive functions in elite soccer players. The results showed a strong correlation between visual abilities and executive functions, especially in the areas of near-far quickness, selective attention, and cognitive flexibility. Visual clarity and contrast sensitivity also had moderate correlations with cognitive functions.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Timothy W. Churchill, Bradley J. Petek, Meagan M. Wasfy, James S. Guseh, Rory B. Weiner, Tamanna K. Singh, Christian Schmied, Hughie O'Malley, George Chiampas, Aaron L. Baggish
Summary: The study described ECG and echocardiographic findings in elite US soccer players, revealing that male athletes frequently displayed common training-related ECG changes, while female athletes had significantly more abnormal ECGs. Both female and male athletes often exceeded normal ranges for echocardiographic parameters, with increases observed with age.
Article
Physiology
Johnny Padulo, Antonio Buglione, Alin Larion, Fabio Esposito, Christian Doria, Drazen Cular, Pietro Enrico di Prampero, Leonardo Alexandre Peyre-Tartaruga
Summary: The energy cost optimization on constant or shuttle running is strictly related to the sport practiced. Marathon runners have lower energy cost during constant running, while soccer players have lower energy cost during shuttle running. The study highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate running modality based on the specific sport practiced.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shamma Al-Muraikhy, Maha Sellami, Alexander S. Domling, Najeha Rizwana, Abdelali Agouni, Fatima Al-Khelaifi, Francesco Donati, Francesco Botre, Ilhame Diboun, Mohamed A. Elrayess
Summary: This study investigated metabolic alterations and predictors of leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in elite male soccer players. Various metabolites and metabolic pathways were found to be significantly associated with LTL, with specific metabolites like glutamine and N-acetylglutamine identified as top predictors of LTL. Further research into these associations could provide valuable insights into exercise physiology and pathophysiology of elite athletes.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giampiero Ascenzi, Cristoforo Filetti, Valter Di Salvo, F. Javier Nunez, Luis Suarez-Arrones, Bruno Ruscello, Fabio Massimo Francioni, Alberto Mendez Villanueva
Summary: The study investigated the effects of different assessment modalities on the within-limb asymmetry of the same leg. The results showed that the magnitude and direction of within-limb strength imbalances were inconsistent under different resistance load conditions within the same assessment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam Beavan, Sascha Hartel, Jan Spielmann, Michael Koehle
Summary: Exercising outdoors may lead to inhalation of harmful air pollutants, which can negatively impact athletic performance. This study found that increased PM10 and O3 concentrations were associated with decreased distance ran per session, while increases in O3 and NO2 concentrations were related to higher average heart rates. Additionally, higher PM10 concentrations were associated with increased perceived exertion ratings, and inhaling higher levels of O3 and NO2 led to decreased wellness scores the following day.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Lucia Mala, Mikulas Hank, Petr Stastny, Frantisek Zahalka, Kevin R. Ford, Piotr Zmijewski, David Bujnovsky, Miroslav Petr, Tomas Maly
Summary: This study aimed to determine differences in body composition (BC) and inter-limb anthropometric asymmetries (LA) among soccer players across four performance levels. 110 male players from Czech senior teams were grouped based on their performance levels (G1: national team, G2: 1st division, G3: 2nd division, G4: 3rd division). Significant differences in BC parameters were observed among all groups. High-performance players had lower fat mass and higher muscle mass in the torso and upper limbs compared to lower performance players. Elite and high-performance players have better body composition and lower inter-limb anthropometric asymmetries compared with low-performance level players.
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
Sport Sciences
F. R. Goes, L. A. Meerhoff, M. J. O. Bueno, D. M. Rodrigues, F. A. Moura, M. S. Brink, M. T. Elferink-Gemser, A. J. Knobbe, S. A. Cunha, R. S. Torres, K. A. P. M. Lemmink
Summary: The passage discusses the potential of data collected in professional soccer for analyzing tactical behavior, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to overcome challenges in this field. By integrating computer science, new insights can be gained in sports science, and a multidisciplinary framework is presented to analyze tactical behavior in soccer. Key challenges in the data analytics process are discussed, along with proposed solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration to unlock the potential of position tracking data in sports analytics.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Melanie Louise Plinsinga, Mira Meeus, Michel Brink, Nienke Heugen, Paul van Wilgen
Summary: This study found that athletes with mild patellar tendinopathy had significantly lower pressure pain thresholds in the affected knee, unaffected knee, and elbow compared to asymptomatic athletes. No clear patterns were identified to explain the differences in pressure pain thresholds between the two groups before, during, and after exercise. Further research is needed to understand the effects of acute exercise on pain thresholds in this population.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Steven H. Doeven, Michel S. Brink, Barbara C. H. Huijgen, Johan de Jong, Koen A. P. M. Lemmink
Summary: This study compared the load, well-being, and fatigue levels of basketball players during short-term match congestion and regular competition, finding lower total load and training load during congested match periods. Moreover, players experienced better well-being and less fatigue during congested match periods, potentially due to coaches compensating by reducing training load during intensified competition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Floris Goes, Edgar Schwarz, Marije Elferink-Gemser, Koen Lemmink, Michel Brink
Summary: The study aims to construct an improved model for assessing pass risk and reward in soccer and validate it by studying differences in decision-making between players with different positional roles. The findings show that the model outperforms previous models and there are significant differences in decision-making between players with different positional roles.
SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL
(2022)
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Ruud J. R. Den Hartigh, L. Rens A. Meerhoff, Nico W. Van Yperen, Niklas D. Neumann, Jur J. Brauers, Wouter G. P. Frencken, Ando Emerencia, Yannick Hill, Sebastiaan Platvoet, Martin Atzmueller, Koen A. P. M. Lemmink, Michel S. Brink
Summary: Understanding and improving athletes' resilience is crucial for preventing performance decrements and psychological or physical problems. Collaborative synthesis of knowledge from psychology, physiology, sports science, and data science is needed to enhance our understanding of the resilience process.
INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Kobe C. Houtmeyers, Michel S. Brink, Werner F. Helsen, Nicolas Haelewijn, Michiel Hagen, Arne Jaspers, Jos Vanrenterghem
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the differential effect of high versus low impact running and jumping on the separate ratings of perceived breathlessness (RPE-B) and leg-muscle exertion (RPE-L). The findings showed that the extent of impacts on the lower extremities did not explain the separation between RPE-B and RPE-L.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Niklas D. Neumann, Nico W. Van Yperen, Jur J. Brauers, Wouter Frencken, Michel S. Brink, Koen A. P. M. Lemmink, Laurentius A. Meerhoff, Ruud J. R. Den Hartigh
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the applicability of group-level statistics to individual athletes in the study of load and recovery. The results showed that load and recovery in individual athletes exhibited nonergodicity, suggesting that individual-level analysis is crucial in the sports field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Bram J. C. Bastiaansen, Riemer J. K. Vegter, E. Wilmes, Cornelis J. de Ruiter, Koen A. P. M. Lemmink, Michel S. Brink
Summary: Training load monitoring systems in football often overlook lower extremities, but this study introduces joint and segment angular accelerations as novel indicators to measure lower extremity biomechanical load. By comparing them with commonly used whole-body load indicators, the study finds distinct information that can help optimize future performance and reduce injury risk.
SPORTS BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Kobe C. Houtmeyers, Werner F. Helsen, Arne Jaspers, Sjaantje Nanne, Shaun McLaren, Jos Vanrenterghem, Michel S. Brink
Summary: The study found that a standardized small-sided game (SSG) can effectively monitor within-player changes in mean exercise heart rate (HRex), especially when controlling for external load. It is advised to only give meaning to changes in SSG HRex >2% points.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Kobe C. Houtmeyers, Pieter Robberechts, Arne Jaspers, Shaun J. McLaren, Michel S. Brink, Jos Vanrenterghem, Jesse J. Davis, Werner F. Helsen
Summary: This study aimed to examine the utility of differential ratings of perceived exertion for monitoring internal intensity and load in association football, but found no evidence supporting the effectiveness of dRPE for this purpose.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Erik Wilmes, Bram J. C. Bastiaansen, Cornelis J. de Ruiter, Riemer J. K. Vegter, Michel S. Brink, Hidde Weersma, Edwin A. Goedhart, Koen A. P. M. Lemmink, Geert J. P. Savelsbergh
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Hip Load metric, as well as compare it with Playerload during football-specific short-distance shuttle runs. The results showed high intraclass correlations for Hip Loads and moderate correlations for Playerload. The study also found that Hip Load was more sensitive to running intensity, kicks, and jumps compared to Playerload.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Erik Wilmes, Cornelis J. de Ruiter, Leonarda G. M. Beers, Lisa de Koning, Michel S. Brink, Geert J. P. Savelsbergh
Summary: This study aims to explore the potential of using a simple inertial measurement unit (IMU) system to estimate different proxies of biomechanical load in field hockey. By analyzing data obtained from 16 field hockey players during various field hockey exercises, it was found that these proxies of biomechanical load can be used to estimate field hockey-specific biomechanical loads. Linear mixed models showed that all metrics increased proportionally to the increase in action frequency.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Bram J. C. Bastiaansen, Riemer J. K. Vegter, Erik Wilmes, Edwin Goedhart, Koen A. P. M. Lemmink, Michel S. Brink
Summary: This study assessed the discriminative validity of summarized hip and knee angular accelerations during a standardized training drill, confirming their effectiveness in discriminating between different players and activities.
SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Peter Alexander van de Hoef, Michel S. Brink, Jur J. Brauers, Maarten van Smeden, Vincent Gouttebarge, Frank J. G. Backx
Summary: This study investigated the relationships between player's characteristics and adherence, as well as player's perceptions and adherence to an implemented injury prevention programme. The results showed that older and more experienced football players had better adherence, and they considered the programme to be more useful, less intense, more functional, and less time-consuming. However, previous hamstring injuries, educational level, the programme's difficulty, and intention to continue the exercises were not significantly associated with adherence.
BMJ OPEN SPORT & EXERCISE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Brenda M. T. Merks, Wouter G. P. Frencken, A. R. Den Otter, Michel S. Brink
Summary: The study quantified change of direction load through positional data from small-sided games and assessed its criterion and construct validity. Strong correlations were found between change of direction load and total distance covered, as well as running distance. Middle and large field sizes resulted in the highest change of direction load.
SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL
(2022)