Loading...
21 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 21
- Relationship between Objective and Subjective Fatigue Monitoring Tests in Professional SoccerPublication . Lourenço, João; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Sarmento, Hugo; Ihle, Andreas; Ribeiro, Tiago; Henriques, Ricardo; Martins, Francisco; França, Cíntia; Ferreira, Ricardo Maia; Fernandes, Luís; Teques, Pedro; Duarte, DanielStudying fatigue is challenging because it is influenced by physiological, psychological, and sociological states. Fatigue can be assessed objectively or subjectively, but the literature has difficulty understanding how an analytical test relates to a response via a questionnaire. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between objective fatigue variables (Squat Jump (SJ) and Countermovement Jump (CMJ)) measured on day-2 to the game and subjective fatigue (Rating Perceived Exertion (RPE) measured on day-3 to the game and Hooper Index (HI) measured on day-2). The sample comprised 32 professional football players from the First Portuguese League aged 25.86 ± 3.15 years. The Spearman correlations and regression analyses were used to study the relationships between the variables. The results showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) but small correlations (0.113–0.172) between several objective metrics and the subjective metrics evaluated. In addition, we found two weak models with statistical significance (p < 0.05) between the dependent objective variables (contact time, height, and elasticity index) and the HI (R 2 = 3.7%) and RPE (R 2 = 1.6%). Also, nine statistically significant (p < 0.05) but weak models were observed between the subjective dependent variables (HI and RPE) and contact time (R 2 = 1.8–2.7%), flight time (R 2 = 1.1–1.9%), height (R 2 = 1.2–2.3%), power (R 2 = 1.4%), pace (R 2 = 1.2–2.1%), and elasticity index (R 2 = 1.6%). In conclusion, objective and subjective fatigue-monitoring tests in professional soccer do not measure identical but rather complementary aspects of fatigue, and therefore, both need to be considered to gain a holistic perspective.
- Body composition variations between injured and non-injured professional soccer playersPublication . Martins, Francisco; França, Cíntia; Henriques, Ricardo; Ihle, Andreas; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Marques, Adilson; Lopes, Helder; Sarmento, Hugo; Gouveia, Élvio RúbioProfessional soccer is characterized by its physical demands, making players’ exposure to high injury risks a growing problem. It is crucial to study the factors associated with injuries in professional soccer. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age, body composition, and others variables related with the injury profle of professional soccer players of a specifc Portuguese team. Also, it analyzed the impact of the injury profle on soccer’s variations in body fat (BF%), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and total body water (TBW) throughout the season. The sample comprised 31 male professional soccer players competing in the First Portuguese Soccer League. Older players had a higher prevalence of muscular injuries. Midfelders and forwards showed the highest number of muscular injuries during the season being quadriceps the most afected zone. Considering players’ BF% [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.42, F (7, 23) = 4.61, p= 0.002, r = 0.58], SMM [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.59, F (6, 23) = 2.70, p= 0.039, r = 0.41] and TBW [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.54, F (7, 23) = 2.80, p= 0.029, r = 0.46] there was a substantial main efect for the assessments performed throughout the season and the injury status. Age assumes relevance in explaining the injury profle. The impact of the injury profle on soccer’s variations in BF%, SMM and TBW throughout the season must be analyzed considering the clinical relevance.
- Predictive Modeling of Injury Risk Based on Body Composition and Selected Physical Fitness Tests for Elite Football PlayersPublication . Martins, Francisco; Przednowek, Krzysztof; França, Cíntia; Lopes, Helder; Nascimento, Marcelo de Maio; Sarmento, Hugo; Marques, Adilson; Ihle, Andreas; Henriques, Ricardo; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio: Injuries are one of the most significant issues for elite football players. Consequently, elite football clubs have been consistently interested in having practical, interpretable, and usable models as decision-making support for technical staff. This study aimed to analyze predictive modeling of injury risk based on body composition variables and selected physical fitness tests for elite football players through a sports season. The sample comprised 36 male elite football players who competed in the First Portuguese Soccer League in the 2020/2021 season. The models were calculated based on 22 independent variables that included players’ information, body composition, physical fitness, and one dependent variable, the number of injuries per season. In the net elastic analysis, the variables that best predicted injury risk were sectorial positions (defensive and forward), body height, sit-and reach performance, 1 min number of push-ups, handgrip strength, and 35 m linear speed. This study considered multiple-input single-output regression-type models. The analysis showed that the most accurate model presented in this work generates an error of RMSE = 0.591. Our approach opens a novel perspective for injury prevention and training monitorization. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to identify risk factors associated with injury prediction in elite soccer players, as this is a rising topic that requires several analyses performed in different contexts.
- A Systematic Review of the Association Between Muscular Fitness and Telomere Length Across the Adult LifespanPublication . Marques, Adilson; Peralta, Miguel; Marconcin, Priscila; Henriques-Neto, Duarte; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Ferrari, Gerson; Martins, João; Sarmento, Hugo; Ihle, AndreasThis study aimed to systematically review the association between telomere length (TL) and muscular fitness. In October 2020, an articles search was applied to PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included: cross-sectional, prospective, and experimental study design; outcomes included TL; results expressed the relationship between muscular fitness and TL; studies published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Nine studies were included in the review. Results from the four prospective studies are mixed. In one study, the changes in TL were associated with grip strength. Another study concluded that longer mid-life TL was associated with increased grip strength later in life. However, in the other two studies, the association between TL and sarcopenia was not strong. Nevertheless, longer TL was associated with a slower decline in grip strength in older people. From the four cross-sectional studies, three indicated that TL was associated with muscular fitness. On the other hand, in a study with powerlifters, TL remained within the range of values found in subjects with no history of regular strength training, supporting the notion that muscular fitness was not associated with TL. The cross-sectional and prospective studies showed that the relationship between TL and muscular fitness is not conclusive. It seems that there is a positive association between TL and muscular fitness in middle-aged and older adults. However, among younger adults, this relationship was not observed.
- Characterization of Static Strength, Vertical Jumping, and Isokinetic Strength in Soccer Players According to Age, Competitive Level, and Field PositionPublication . Gouveia, João Nuno; França, Cíntia; Martins, Francisco; Henriques, Ricardo; Nascimento, Marcelo de Maio; Ihle, Andreas; Sarmento, Hugo; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Martinho, Diogo V.; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio: Muscular strength is strongly related to speed and agility tasks, which have been described as the most decisive actions preceding goals in the soccer game. This study aimed to characterize the players’ strength indicators and to analyze the variation associated with age, competition level, and positional role. Eighty-three male soccer players from A team (n = 22), B team (n = 17), U-23 (n = 19), and U-19 (n = 25) participated in this study. Handgrip strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer (Jamar Plus+), countermovement jump (CMJ) and the squat jump (SJ) were evaluated using Optojump Next, and a Biodex System 4 Pro Dynamometer was used to assess the isokinetic strength of knee extension/flexion. Team A players showed increased lower-body strength compared to their peers, mainly through their increased vertical jumping capacity (i.e., CMJ and SJ; ps < 0.019), and superior performance in isokinetic assessments (i.e., peak torque, total work, and average power). Overall, older players outperformed their younger peers regarding vertical jumping, static strength, and average power in isokinetic strength (ps < 0.005). This study emphasizes the superior strength levels of professional soccer players compared with their lower-division peers, even after controlling by age. This information is of great value to sports agents and coaches, underlining the need to design and include strength-specific content during soccer training.
- Effects of changing the head coach on soccer team’s performance: a systematic reviewPublication . Sousa, H.; Clemente, F. M.; Gouveia, E. R.; Field, Adam; Sarmento, H.Review question / Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of changing the soccer head coach on the overall team’s performance, locomotor demands of players, technical/tactical responses of players, and psychological responses of players. Eligibility criteria: P: Among professional soccer players what is the effect of head-coach replacement; E: Exposure to the change of the head-coach; C: Last weeks of the fired head coach compared with the first weeks of the new head-coach; O: locomotor performance, sports results, mental health metrics. Inclusion criteria will be: (1) articles written in English; (2) carried out in professional football teams. Studies will be excluded if: (1) written in another language other than the one selected; (2) in the case of theses, books and non scientific articles.
- Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Madeira YouthPublication . Martinho, Diogo V.; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; França, Cíntia; Lopes, Helder; Ihle, Andreas; Marques, Adilson; Rodrigues, Ana; Alves, Ricardo; Sarmento, HugoResearch on composition and physical fitness is lacking in school-aged children from Madeira. This study aimed to examine the frequencies of overweight and obese participants and, in addition, to compare the fitness levels of Madeira youth with reference data. Methods: The sample comprised 521 participants (n = 258 boys; n = 263 girls) aged 10.0–18.9 years old. Methods: Height and weight were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and percent fat was derived from skinfolds. Tests detailed on FITESCOLA battery were performed. BMI was plotted against U.S. reference data and physical assessment contrasted with the cut-off points of FITESCOLA protocol and corresponding data developed in Portuguese youth. Results: The percentages of overweight and obesity were 15% (overweight) and 14% (obesity) for boys and 16% (overweight) and 6% (obesity) for girls. The median values of fat mass percentage were closely related to the cut-off standards; however, substantial variation was noted. Boys and girls tended to be below the recommendations of cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusions: Sport participation should be promoted in Madeira to attain acceptable values of body composition and physical fitness levels.
- The association between physical activity and mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic reviewPublication . Marconcin, Priscila; Werneck, André O.; Peralta, Miguel; Ihle, Andreas; Gouveia, Élvio R.; Ferrari, Gerson; Sarmento, Hugo; Marques, AdilsonIntroduction: The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic afected countries worldwide and has changed peoples’ lives. A reduction in physical activity and increased mental health problems were observed, mainly in the frst year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this systematic review aims to examine the association between physical activ ity and mental health during the frst year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In July 2021, a search was applied to PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included cross-sectional, prospective, and longitudinal study designs and studies published in English; outcomes included physical activity and mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms, anxiety, positive and negative efects, well-being). Results: Thirty-one studies were included in this review. Overall, the studies suggested that higher physical activity is associated with higher well-being, quality of life as well as lower depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress, indepen dently of age. There was no consensus for the optimal physical activity level for mitigating negative mental symp toms, neither for the frequency nor for the type of physical activity. Women were more vulnerable to mental health changes and men were more susceptive to physical activity changes. Conclusion: Physical activity has been a good and efective choice to mitigate the negative efects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health during the frst year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health policies should alert for possibilities to increase physical activity during the stay-at-home order in many countries worldwide.
- The effect of balanced versus unbalanced football small-sided games on decision-making in youth football playersPublication . Ihle, Andreas; Lopes, Helder; Sarmento, Hugo; Marques, Adilson; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Sousa, Honorato JoséDecision-making (DM) is an important ability targeted in the formation of young football players that can improve by using small-sided games (SSGs). The main purpose of this study was to assess players’ DM in different balanced and unbalanced SSG formats keeping the play area constant. The sample was composed of 10 field players plus 2 goalkeepers (13.55±0.51 years). This study consisted of 3 sessions, one day for each session, with an interval of 48 hours apart between sessions. Three different SSG formats (4vs.4; 4vs.5; 4vs.6), in a play area of 40x30 meters, were selected. The outcome was the decision-making index (DMI), assessed with the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI). Results showed that on two of the three days, there were statistical differences in DMI across the three different SSG formats. In the 4vs.6 format a higher median score than in the 4vs.4 format was recorded on day 2 (U=13.0, z=-2.34, p=.025, r=.57) and day 3 (U=5.50, z=-2.98, p=.003, r=.72). In conclusion, the use of unbalanced SSG formats in the training may benefit DM development, and therefore may constitute an important factor to be considered in the formation of young football players.
- The influence of numerical variability in small-sided games on youth football goalkeepers’ tactical-technical behaviourPublication . Sousa, Honorato; Gouveia, Élvio; Sarmento, Hugo; Caldeira, Romualdo; Marques, Adilson; Lopes, Helder; Ihle, AndreasPurpose. The main purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the tactical-technical behaviour of football goal keepers (GKs) across 5 small-sided games (SSGs) formats with temporary numerical variability. Methods. The sample involved 4 male under-17 GKs from the same team aged 16.1 ± 0.52 years. Three sessions were held on 3 different days to collect information. On each day, the 10-minute SSGs exercise with temporary numerical vari ability was repeated twice. The numerical ratio of players changed every 2 minutes without interrupting the practice. The exercise always started with a situation of 3 vs. 3 + GK (‘+ GK’ for both teams in each format), going through 4 vs. 3 + GK, 5 vs. 3 + GK, 3 vs. 4 + GK, and 3 vs. 5 + GK. Results. The 3 vs. 3 + GK format and the numeric superiority by 1 and 2 (4 vs. 3 + GK and 5 vs. 3 + GK) induced fewer defensive tasks in comparison with numeric inferiority (3 vs. 4 + GK and 3 vs. 5 + GK). From an offensive perspective, 3 vs. 3 + GK caused more offensive tasks in comparison with numeric superiority by 1 and 2 (4 vs. 3 + GK and 5 vs. 3 + GK). However, the game formats in numeric inferiority (3 vs. 4 + GK and 3 vs. 5 + GK) induced more offensive tasks. Conclusions. This study suggests the use of temporary numerical variability SSGs to increase offensive and defensive GK tactical-technical behaviour.
- «
- 1 (current)
- 2
- 3
- »