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1.
Seven Weeks of Jump Training with Superimposed Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Does Not Affect the Physiological and Cellular Parameters of Endurance Performance in Amateur Soccer Players.
Wirtz, N, Filipovic, A, Gehlert, S, Marées, M, Schiffer, T, Bloch, W, Donath, L
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;(3)
Abstract
Intramuscular density of monocarboxylate-transporter (MCT) could affect the ability to perform high amounts of fast and explosive actions during a soccer game. MCTs have been proven to be essential for lactate shuttling and pH regulation during exercise and can undergo notable adaptational changes depending on training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and direction of potential effects of a 7-weeks training period of jumps with superimposed whole-body electromyostimulation on soccer relevant performance surrogates and MCT density in soccer players. For this purpose, 30 amateur soccer players were randomly assigned to three groups. One group performed dynamic whole-body strength training including 3 x 10 squat jumps with WB-EMS (EG, n = 10) twice a week in addition to their daily soccer training routine. A jump training group (TG, n = 10) performed the same training routine without EMS, whereas a control group (CG, n = 8) merely performed their daily soccer routine. 2 (Time: pre vs. post) x 3 (group: EG, TG, CG) repeated measures analyses of variance (rANOVA) revealed neither a significant time, group nor interaction effect for VO2peak, Total Time to Exhaustion and Lamax as well as MCT-1 density. Due to a lack of task-specificity of the underlying training stimuli, we conclude that seven weeks of WB-EMS superimposed to jump exercise twice a week does not relevantly influence aerobic performance or MCT density.
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2.
Recreational football is medicine against non-communicable diseases: A systematic review.
Sarmento, H, Manuel Clemente, F, Marques, A, Milanovic, Z, David Harper, L, Figueiredo, A
Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports. 2020;(4):618-637
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to conduct a systematic review of published articles related to the effect of recreational football on non-communicable diseases. A systematic review of Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Only empirical studies were included. There were no restrictions on the types of study design eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measures result from the potential effects of recreational football on non-communicable diseases (eg, blood pressure, bone density, LDL cholesterol, and fat mass). A total of 44 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. Recreational football is shown to: (a) decrease blood pressure and resting heart rate, improve cardiac structure and functioning, as well as increase maximal oxygen uptake in both sexes; (b) reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and have a positive impact on glycemic control; (c) improve bone mineralization, increase both bone mineral density and content, as well as acting as a stimulus for osteogenesis; and (d) be clearly beneficial for bone health, while slightly beneficial for body composition, muscle strength, and maximal oxygen uptake in adults with prostate cancer. The present systematic review demonstrated the benefits of recreational football practice on non-communicable diseases related to cardiovascular and bone health, body composition, type 2 diabetes, and prostate cancer. The effectiveness of recreational football on the aforementioned diseases may be related to age and gender; however, further research is required.
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3.
Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Does Not Improve Running Anaerobic Sprint Test Performance in Semiprofessional Adolescent Soccer Players.
Guimarães, RDS, de Morais Junior, AC, Schincaglia, RM, Saunders, B, Pimentel, GD, Mota, JF
International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism. 2020;(5):330-337
Abstract
Ergogenic strategies have been studied to alleviate muscle fatigue and improve sports performance. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) has improved repeated sprint performance in adult team-sports players, but the effect for adolescents is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of NaHCO3 supplementation on repeated sprint performance in semiprofessional adolescent soccer players. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 15 male semiprofessional adolescent soccer players (15 ± 1 years; body fat 10.7 ± 1.3%) ingested NaHCO3 or a placebo (sodium chloride) 90 min before performing the running anaerobic sprint test (RAST). A countermovement jump was performed before and after the RAST, and ratings of perceived exertion, blood parameters (potential hydrogen and bicarbonate concentration), and fatigue index were also evaluated. Supplementation with NaHCO3 promoted alkalosis, as demonstrated by the increase from the baseline to preexercise, compared with the placebo (potential hydrogen: +0.07 ± 0.01 vs. -0.00 ± 0.01, p < .001 and bicarbonate: +3.44 ± 0.38 vs. -1.45 ± 0.31 mmol/L, p < .001); however, this change did not translate into an improvement in RAST total time (32.12 ± 0.30 vs. 33.31 ± 0.41 s, p = .553); fatigue index (5.44 ± 0.64 vs. 6.28 ± 0.64 W/s, p = .263); ratings of perceived exertion (7.60 ± 0.33 vs. 7.80 ± 0.10 units, p = .525); countermovement jump pre-RAST (32.21 ± 3.35 vs. 32.05 ± 3.51 cm, p = .383); or countermovement jump post-RAST (31.70 ± 0.78 vs. 32.74 ± 1.11 cm, p = .696). Acute NaHCO3 supplementation did not reduce muscle fatigue or improve RAST performance in semiprofessional adolescent soccer players. More work assessing supplementation in this age group is required to increase understanding in the area.
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4.
Tart Cherry Juice: No Effect on Muscle Function Loss or Muscle Soreness in Professional Soccer Players After a Match.
Abbott, W, Brashill, C, Brett, A, Clifford, T
International journal of sports physiology and performance. 2020;(2):249-254
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of tart cherry juice (TCJ) on recovery from a soccer match in professional players. METHODS In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 10 male professional soccer players from the reserve team of an English Premier League Club (age 19 [1] y, height 1.8 [0.6] m, body mass 77.3 [6.4] kg) consumed 2 × 30-mL servings of TCJ or an isocaloric cherry-flavored control drink (CON) before and after a 90-minute match and 12 and 36 hours after the match. Muscle function (countermovement jump height and reactive strength index), subjective well-being, and subjective muscle soreness were measured before and 12, 36, and 60 hours after each match. RESULTS Countermovement jump height was similarly reduced in the days after the match after TCJ and CON supplementation, with the greatest loss occurring at 12-hour postmatch (-5.9% [3.1%] vs -5.4% [2.9%], of baseline values, respectively; P = .966; ηp2=.010). Decrements in reactive strength index were also greatest at 12-hour postmatch (TCJ -9.4% [8.4%] vs CON -13.9% [4.8%], of baseline values), but no group differences were observed at any time point (P = .097; ηp2=.205). Muscle soreness increased 12- to 60-hour postmatch in both groups, peaking at 12-hour postmatch (TCJ 122 [27] mm vs CON 119 [22] mm), but no group differences were observed (P = .808; ηp2=.024). No interaction effects were observed for subjective well-being (P = .874; ηp2=.025). CONCLUSIONS TCJ did not hasten recovery after a soccer match in professional players. These findings bring into question the use of TCJ as a recovery aid in professional soccer players.
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5.
Effects of Small-Sided Soccer Games on Physical Fitness, Physiological Responses, and Health Indices in Untrained Individuals and Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review.
Zouhal, H, Hammami, A, Tijani, JM, Jayavel, A, de Sousa, M, Krustrup, P, Sghaeir, Z, Granacher, U, Ben Abderrahman, A
Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.). 2020;(5):987-1007
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small-sided soccer games (SSSG) are a specific exercise regime with two small teams playing against each other on a relatively small pitch. There is evidence from original research that SSSG exposure provides performance and health benefits for untrained adults. OBJECTIVES The aim of this systematic review was to summarize recent evidence on the acute and long-term effects of SSSG on physical fitness, physiological responses, and health indices in healthy untrained individuals and clinical populations. METHODS This systematic literature search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus) from inception until June 2019. The following key terms (and synonyms searched for by the MeSH database) were included and combined using the operators "AND", "OR", "NOT": ((soccer OR football) AND ("soccer training" OR "football training" OR "soccer game*" OR "small-sided soccer game*") AND ("physical fitness" OR "physiological adaptation*" OR "physiological response*" OR health OR "body weight" OR "body mass" OR "body fat" OR "bone composition" OR "blood pressure")). The search syntax initially identified 1145 records. After screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts, 41 studies remained that examined the acute (7 studies) and long-term effects (34 studies) of SSSG-based training on physical fitness, physiological responses, and selected alth indices in healthy untrained individuals and clinical populations. RESULTS No training-related injuries were reported in the 41 acute and long-term SSSG studies. Typically, a single session of SSSG lasted 12-20 min (e.g., 3 × 4 min with 3 min rest or 5 × 4 min with 4 min rest) involving 4-12 players (2 vs. 2 to 6 vs. 6) at an intensity ≥ 80% of HRmax. Following single SSSG session, high cardiovascular and metabolic demands were observed. Specifically, based on the outcomes, the seven acute studies reported average heart rates (HR) ≥ 80% of HRmax (165-175 bpm) and mean blood lactate concentrations exceeding 5 mmol/l (4.5-5.9 mmol/l) after single SSSG sessions. Based on the results of 34 studies (20 with healthy untrained, 10 with unhealthy individuals, and 4 with individuals with obesity), SSSG training lasted between 12 and 16 weeks and was performed 2-3 times per week. SSSG had positive long-term effects on physical fitness (e.g., Yo-Yo IR1 performance), physiological responses including maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) [+ 7 to 16%], and many health-related markers such as blood pressure (reductions in systolic [- 7.5%] and diastolic [- 10.3%] blood pressure), body composition (decreased fat mass [- 2 to - 5%]), and improved indices of bone health (bone mineral density: [+ 5 to 13%]; bone mineral content: [+ 4 to 5%]), and metabolic (LDL-cholesterol [- 15%] as well as cardiac function (left-ventricular internal diastolic diameter [+ 8%], end diastolic volume [+ 21%], left-ventricular mass index [+ 18%], and left-ventricular ejection fraction [+ 8%]). Irrespective of age or sex, these health benefits were observed in both, untrained individuals and clinical populations. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, findings from this systematic review suggest that acute SSSG may elicit high cardiovascular and metabolic demands in untrained healthy adults and clinical populations. Moreover, this type of exercise is safe with positive long-term effects on physical fitness and health indices. Future studies are needed examining the long-term effects on physical fitness and physiological adaptations of different types of SSSG training (e.g., 3 vs. 3; 6 vs. 6) in comparison to continuous or interval training in different cohorts.
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6.
Pre-exercise hypohydration prevalence in soccer players: A quantitative systematic review.
Chapelle, L, Tassignon, B, Rommers, N, Mertens, E, Mullie, P, Clarys, P
European journal of sport science. 2020;(6):744-755
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Abstract
Pre-exercise hypohydration can impair soccer performance and has been extensively studied in different soccer populations. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to report hypohydration prevalence, measured by blood or urine samples, in different soccer populations based on sex (males and females), performance level (professional and recreational players) and context (training sessions and games). The Pubmed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus databases were systematically searched until November 2018. Data were pooled to compare hypohydration prevalence between the different subgroups. Following the systematic search selection process, 24 studies were included. The results indicated that overall pre-exercise hypohydration prevalence was 63.3%, 37.4% and 58.8% for urine specific gravity (USG), urine osmolality (U Osm) and urine colour, respectively. Furthermore, no study implemented blood samples to examine hypohydration prevalence in soccer players. The subgroup analyses using USG data indicated that pre-exercise hypohydration prevalence was significantly higher amongst males (66.0%; p = 0.001), professional soccer players (66.2%; p = 0.020) and before a training session (79.6%; p < 0.001). Pre-exercise hypohydration prevalence was 46.8% among female soccer players, 55.6% in recreational soccer players and 41,3% before a game. The subgroup analyses using U Osm data indicated that hypohydration prevalence was significantly higher before a training session (52.6%; p = 0.023). Based on these results, it can be concluded that hypohydration prevalence in soccer players is of major concern. Future research should explore how pre-exercise hydration status can be improved in a sustainable way.
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Comparative efficacy of active recovery and cold water immersion as post-match recovery interventions in elite youth soccer.
Pooley, S, Spendiff, O, Allen, M, Moir, HJ
Journal of sports sciences. 2020;(11-12):1423-1431
Abstract
The current study compared cold-water immersion (CWI) and active recovery (AR) to static stretching (SS) on muscle recovery post-competitive soccer matches in elite youth players (n = 15). In a controlled crossover design, participants played a total of nine competitive soccer games, comprising three 80 minute games for each intervention (SS, CWI and AR). Muscle oedema, creatine kinase (CK), countermovement jump performance (CMJA) and perceived muscle soreness (PMS) were assessed pre-, immediately post-, and 48 hours post-match and compared across time-intervals and between interventions. Following SS, all markers of muscle damage remained significantly elevated (P < 0.05) compared to baseline at 48 hours post-match. Following AR and CWI, CMJA returned to baseline at 48 hours post-match, whilst CK returned to baseline following CWI at 48 hours post-match only. Analysis between recovery interventions revealed a significant improvement in PMS (P < 0.05) at 48 hours post-match when comparing AR and CWI to SS, with no significant differences between AR and CWI observed (P > 0.05). Analysis of %change for CK and CMJA revealed significant improvements for AR and CWI compared to SS. The present study indicated both AR and CWI are beneficial recovery interventions for elite young soccer players following competitive soccer matches, of which were superior to SS.
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Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Decrease Muscle-Damaging Mediators After Performance in Soccer Athletes Versus Sham Laser Treatment? A Critically Appraised Topic.
Bettleyon, J, Kaminski, TW
Journal of sport rehabilitation. 2020;(8):1210-1213
Abstract
Clinical Scenario: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a controversial topic for its use in athletic recovery, mainly due to inconsistency in research regarding the application of LLLT. Articles on LLLT have assessed its effectiveness in untrained humans through pain scales, functional scales, and blood draws, and it has been found capable in nonathletic rehabilitative use. The controversy lies with LLLT in the recovering athlete. Not only do athletes need to perform at high levels, but each sport is unique in the metabolic demands placed on the athletes' bodies. This modality can alter chemical mediators of the inflammatory process, specifically blood lactate (BL) and creatine kinase (CK). During soccer contests, it is a common problem for athletes to have an average CK level of 800 U/L and BL of 8 mmol·L, increasing delayed-onset muscle soreness and fatigue. Micro-CK level elevation is associated with cellular membrane damage, localized hypoxia, and electrolyte imbalances, hindering the recovery process. Clinical Question: Does LLLT decrease muscle-damaging mediators effecting player fatigue and delayed-onset muscle soreness after performance in soccer athletes versus sham treatment? Summary of Key Findings: In 3 studies, preperformance, postperformance, or preperformance and postperformance LLLT was performed and evaluated BL (2 of 3) and CK (2 of 3). In each article, BL and CK showed a significant decrease (P < .05) when performed either preperformance or postperformance versus the control group. The greatest decrease in these mediators was noticed when postperformance laser therapy was performed. Clinical Bottom Line: LLLT at 10, 30, or 50 J performed at a minimum of 2 locations on the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis bilaterally for 10 seconds each is significant in decreasing blood serum levels of BL and CK when performed postexercise. Strength of Recommendations: All 3 articles obtained a Physiotherapy Evidence Database score of ≥8/10.
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Determining the reliability and usability of change of direction speed tests in adolescent female soccer players: a systematic review.
Pardos-Mainer, E, Casajús, JA, Julián, C, Bishop, C, Gonzalo-Skok, O
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. 2020;(5):720-732
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review aimed 1) to describe the most common tests used for assessing change of direction (COD) performance; 2) to detail the reliability of current COD tests; 3) to provide an overview of current intervention strategies used to improve COD performance in adolescent female soccer players. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A computerized search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Plus and Web of Science (from 1995 to January 2020) for English and Spanish language and peer-reviewed investigations. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A total of 221 studies were identified, with only 16 meeting the specific search criteria. The main findings were that eleven different tests have been used to assess COD performance with intraclass correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation values between 0.72-0.99 and 1-10.6%, respectively. The number of CODs performed during each test ranged from 1 to 9 within a range of 45º to 180º and with a duration <5 s, 5-9 s and >10 s. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that the reliability of the COD tests seems to depend on: the equipment used, the surface tested on and the technical level of the soccer player. These results should be interpreted with caution as they may be influenced by the period of growth and maturation, the playing position of the player and the period of the soccer season. Finally, strength and power drills could be considered as appropriate to improve COD performance.
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Addition of Caffeine to a Carbohydrate Feeding Strategy Prior to Intermittent Exercise.
Hulton, AT, Vitzel, K, Doran, DA, MacLaren, DPM
International journal of sports medicine. 2020;(9):603-609
Abstract
The ergogenic effect of caffeine is well established, although no investigations providing a high carbohydrate feeding strategy (pre-exercise meal=2 g/kg BM) co-ingested with caffeine exist for soccer. This investigation examines the effect of caffeine in addition to a pre-exercise carbohydrate meal and drink mid-way through a soccer simulation. Eight recreational soccer players completed an 85-minute soccer simulation followed by an exercise capacity test (Yo-yo Intermittent Endurance test level 2) on two occasions. Prior to exercise participants consumed a high carbohydrate meal, with placebo or 5 mg/kg BM-1 caffeine. No significant performance effect was identified (p=0.099) despite a 12.8% (109 m) improvement in exercise capacity following caffeine. Rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation did not differ between conditions and nor were differences apparent for plasma glucose, fatty acids, glycerol, β-hydroxybutyrate (p>0.05). However, an increase in lactate was observed for caffeine (p=0.039). A significant condition effect on rating of perceived exertion was identified (p<0.001), with the overall mean for the protocol lowered to 11.7±0.9 au for caffeine compared to 12.8±1.3 au. Caffeine supplementation with a carbohydrate feeding strategy failed to affect metabolic and metabolite responses, although reductions in perception of exercise were observed. While a 12.8% increase in exercise capacity was noted the findings were not significant, possibly due to the small sample size.