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Variations in locomotor intensities across soccer match halves concerning player sectorial positions
Publication . Gouveia, Élvio Rubio; França, Cíntia; Henriques, Ricardo; Santos, Francisco; Mâncio, Rui; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Sarmento, Hugo; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; França, Cíntia; Baeta Santos, Francisco José; Sarmento, Hugo
PurposeThis study aims to explore disparities in locomotor metrics such as total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), accelerations (Acc), decelerations (Dec), and maximum speed (MS) across five soccer positions – centre defenders, fullbacks, midfielders, wingers, and forwards – during the 1-, 3-, and 5-minute match intensity periods (MIP). Additionally, it seeks to assess the difference in those locomotor metrics between the first and second halves of the match.MethodsAn observational, retrospective cohort study was undertaken with a professional team covering 32 official matches. A total of 20 soccer players participated in this study. Data were collected using a 10-Hz GNSS unit (Apex pro series, StatSports, Northern Ireland). The MIP considered different time durations (1, 3, 5 min in the 1st and the 2nd halves).ResultsSoccer players exhibited position-specific differences in locomotion, with Wingers covering the most distance and forwards showing the highest Acc and Dec. HSR was most notable in the fullbacks. The second half saw varied changes, with midfielders increasing in distance covered. ANCOVA revealed significant positional differences in TD during longer MIPs and between match halves. HSR varied across positions but only differed between halves in the 5-minute MIP. Acc and Dec displayed half-time differences, while maximal speed was consistently higher in the second half.ConclusionsThis study highlights the impact of player position and matches progression on locomotor metrics in soccer, underscoring the need for customised training and strategic adaptability to maximise performance throughout the game.
Lower-body power, body composition, speed, and agility performance among youth soccer players
Publication . França, Cíntia; Gouveia, Élvio; Martins, Francisco; Ihle, Andreas; Henriques, Ricardo; Marques, Adilson; Sarmento, Hugo; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Lopes, Helder; França, Cíntia; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Pestana Martins, João Francisco; Ihle, Andreas; Marques, Adilson; Sarmento, Hugo; Lopes, Helder
Speed and agility have been described as crucial abilities for soccer players. The purpose of this study was to analyze, in detail, the variance in speed and agility tasks explained by lower-body power after controlling for age and body composition. The participants were 96 male soccer players aged 16.1 ± 1.6 years. Body composition (stature, body fat percentage—BF%, body mass, and fat-free mass—FFM), lower-body power (countermovement jump—CMJ, and squat jump—SJ), speed (5-, 10-, and 35 m sprints), and agility (t-test) were assessed. Among body composition parameters, BF% presented the highest number of significant relationships with speed and agility, with the strength of correlations ranging from small (5 m sprint, r = 0.25) to large (35 m sprint, r = 0.52). The strongest correlation coefficient emerged between FFM and the 35 m sprint (r = −0.65). Significant correlations were found between vertical jump performance and the 35 m sprint (CMJ: r = −0.68; SJ: r = −0.69), followed by the t-test (CMJ: r = −0.35; SJ: r = −0.47). The hierarchical multiple regression model could explain 22% to 67% of the variance observed in agility scores and speed. BF% remained the most statistically significant negative predictor of all regression models. The CMJ remained a statistically significant positive predictor of the 35 m sprint (β = −0.581, p ≤ 0.01) after controlling for age and body composition. Integrating programs targeting lower-body power might be important to enhance speed and agility performance in youth soccer. On the other hand, future research based on multidisciplinary approaches to investigate the effects of nutritional strategies in reducing or preventing gains in BF% is still needed, which remained a significant predictor of sprint and agility performance in the final models.
Knee and hip muscle strength of male soccer players from different competitive levels
Publication . França, Cíntia; Martins, Francisco; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Marques, Adilson; Ihle, Andreas; Sarmento, Hugo; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; França, Cíntia; Pestana Martins, João Francisco; Marques, Adilson; Ihle, Andreas; Sarmento, Hugo; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio
In soccer, knee and hip muscle strength assessments have been recommended for injury prevention. The aims of this study were threefold: (1) to compare knee and hip muscle strength between professional players competing at different levels; (2) to compare strength performance according to the preferred leg (PL) and the non-preferred leg (NPL); and (3) to compare knee and hip muscle strength performance at two moments of the season. This study included 33 professional soccer players: 13 were in the elite group (EG), and 20 were in the sub-elite group (SEG). Body composition, isokinetic knee strength at 60º/s, and hip adduction strength were assessed at two different moments (M1 and M2). Values of peak torque (PT), peak torque/bodyweight (PT/BW), and the hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio (H:Q) for knee extensors (KEs) and knee flexors (KFs) for both legs were used for analysis. The statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests. At M1, the EG presented a significantly better performance in KF PT/BW and in the squeeze strength test for the PL and the NPL (p 0.01). At M2, the EG performed substantially better in KE PT/BW and KF PT/BW (p 0.01). No substantial strength differences were observed in knee and hip muscle performance between the PL and the NPL. From M1 to M2, significant increases were found in knee strength in both groups (p 0.01). Overall, the EG players outperformed significantly their lower-division peers in strength assessments. The results indicate significant knee and hip muscle strength increases during the season, probably as a response to the exposure to training and competition.
Estimated energy expenditure in youth while playing active video games: a systematic review
Publication . França, Cíntia; Ashraf, Sadaf; Santos, Francisco; Dionísio, Mara; Ihle, Andreas; Marques, Adilson; Nascimento, Marcelo de Maio; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; França, Cíntia; Dionisio, Mara; Marques, Adilson; de Maio Nascimento, Marcelo; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Baeta Santos, Francisco José
Sedentary behavior and inadequate energy expenditure are serious global public health concerns among youngsters. The exponential growth in technology emerges as a valuable opportunity to foster physical activity, particularly through active video games. We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus to provide a comprehensive view of the literature on energy expenditure levels among adolescents while playing active video games. Among the 574 manuscripts identified at the first screening stage, 23 were retained for analysis. Ten studies were characterized by longitudinal and thirteen by cross-sectional designs. The results showed that short-term active video games elicited energy expenditure values comparable to moderate-intensity physical activity (3–6 METs). However, in intervention programs (with at least six weeks) the results indicate no significant effects of active video games on youngsters’ energy expenditure levels and physical activity profiles between baseline and follow-up assessments. Overall, active video games based on sports and dance were the most used, and boys tended to achieve higher energy expenditure than girls. The diversity of methods implemented limits comparing results and drawing generalized conclusions. However, considering its attractiveness to youth, active video games might emerge as a complementary tool to traditional physical activities promoted in schools and local communities. Details regarding gender differences and contradictory results of longitudinal approaches should be considered in future research based on standardized methods.
Susan Bassnet & David Johnston (eds.), Debates in Translation Studies. London & New York: Routledge, 2025.
Publication . Sousa, Alcina Maria Pereira de; Sousa, Alcina