Sports Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Eight-Week High Interval Training On The Distance Covered During Small-Sided Games Versus League Match In Youth Soccer Players, Dorota Lewandowska, Zbigniew Jastrzebski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on the distance covered by young soccer players during small-sided games (SSG) and a league match. Materials and Methods: The study involved 39 players aged 17–18 years old, divided into two groups, each performing SSG on a pitch with a surface of 90 m² per player (G-90, n = 19) and 180 m² per player (G-180, n = 20). Players (5 × 5) in both groups completed four games, once a week on Tuesdays. Each game lasted 5 minutes with a …

Exploring The Contextual Relationships Between Match Day Load And Recovery Biomarkers In Professional Soccer Players, Carina Hanson-Evans, Ryland Morgans, Rafael Oliveira, Jule Scholten, Roi Gil, Ben Ryan, Jon Oliver, Piotr Żmijewski, Michael G. Hughes

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examined the relationship between match-day (MD) load and contextual factors on recovery biomarkers in professional soccer players across the 2024/2025 competitive season. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six male professional soccer players provided blood samples following 38 competitive matches. High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Free-Oxygen Radicals Test (FORT), Free-Oxygen Radicals Defence Test (FORD) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were analyzed. Physical MD load was measured via a Global Positioning System (GPS). Results: Differences in High-Load vs Low-Load matches did not significantly influence post-match levels of hs-CRP, FORD, FORT or OSI. Increased high-intensity running and elevated inflammation, with non-significant moderate-to-large effects …

Contextual Analysis Of Physical-Tactical Match Performance Demands In Elite U21 Soccer Players, Craig Davies, Christian Vassallo, Ben Ryan, Piotr Zmijewski, Rafael Oliveria, José E. Teixeira, Alexandre Moreira, Ryland Morgans

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Soccer matches include physical and tactical factors, yet limited research has integrated physical-tactical variables involving U21 soccer players. This study examined how different phases of play influence physical intensity in elite U21 soccer players. Materials and Methods: Twelve professional development league matches involving 29 male U21 soccer players (106 observations) were analysed. Players wore 10 Hz GPS units to derive relative (m/min) physical metrics during six phases of play. Phases and positions were compared using repeated‑measures ANOVA and one‑way ANOVA. Results: Players covered significantly greater high-speed running per minute (HSR/min) during the final third compared to build-up (p …

Sports Injury Prevention - Epidemiological Analysis Of Concussion Mechanisms In Female Soccer Players: A Review Of Neiss Data (2020–2023), Caroline A. Bertalotto

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Concussions are a significant concern in women’s soccer, with many studies showing that women have a higher rate of having them than compared to men. The number of concussions in athletes have raised concerns about long-term health and calls for a deeper look into ways to prevent them from occurring. The purpose of this study is to review the epidemiological data related to the mechanisms of concussions as a result of soccer, specifically within female participants. The data was obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from the years 2020 through 2023. Specifically, the narrative was used to …

Jump Strategy Changes In Collegiate Women Soccer Players, Madeline Klubertanz

Master's Theses

Countermovement jumps (CMJ) are often utilized to monitor athletes because of their sensitivity to neuromuscular fatigue, which can be seen through assessing jump strategies. The current literature has reported conflicting views on how jump performance is impacted over acute and longitudinal testing. This is likely due to insufficient analyses regarding the impact of fatigue on jump strategy. This study aimed to investigate how the integration of jump strategy metrics and single-subject analysis could provide a better representation of the presence of fatigue among collegiate women soccer players. Eighteen participants were utilized in this study. Participants were required to complete three …

Breaking The Injury Cycle: The Role Of Comprehensive Integration In Injury Recurrence Among Female Collegiate Athletes, Jeffrey Rivera, Paul Mentele, Nathan Wells, Xavier Smith, Ernest Rimer, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Female collegiate athletes face unique physiological, biomechanical, and socio-cultural factors that may increase their risk of repeated injuries. While first-time injuries have recently been better documented, less is known about whether subsequent injuries involve the same or different types. This gap limits the development of evidence-based prevention strategies that account for injury recurrence patterns in female athletes. PURPOSE: To quantify the prevalence of multiple injuries in female collegiate athletes, assess patterns of injury recurrence versus variation, and examine whether injury accumulation follows a progressive trajectory beyond a single occurrence. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis (2021–2024) was conducted using …

Sled-Pull Training Decreases Rate Of Force Development In Men And Women Soccer Players, James Ma, John A. Brasher, Robert Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Sled-pull training is a popular training method thought to increase lower extremity strength and power in athletes. Lower extremity strength and power are factors for success in sport, particularly soccer. Asymmetry is thought to negatively impact athletes, by increasing their risk of injury, and should be the focus of any training program. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of a 12-week sled pull training intervention on isometric leg rate of force development (RFD) and RFD asymmetry. METHODS: Thirty men (n = 15; 20 ± 1.5yrs, 168.28 ± 5.17cm, 73.44 ± 3.46kg) and women (n = 15; 19.58 ± 1yr, …

Relationship Between Hip And Groin Pain And Hip Range Of Motion In Amateur Soccer And Australian Rules Football Players, Andrea B. Mosler, Joshua J. Heerey, Joanne L. Kemp, Adam I. Semciw, Matthew G. King, Rintje Agricola, Peter R. Lawrenson, Mark J. Scholes, Benjamin F. Mentiplay, Kay M. Crossley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The relationship between hip/groin pain and hip range of motion (ROM) is unclear. Purpose: To explore the relationship between hip/groin pain and hip joint ROM and examine the influence of sex and cam morphology on this relationship. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 184 amateur soccer and Australian Rules football players (276 hips; 20% women; median age, 26 years; interquartile range, 24-30 years) with hip/groin pain >6 months and a positive flexion-adduction-internal-rotation (FADIR) test, and 50 matched asymptomatic control players (98 hips; 28% women, median age, 26 years; interquartile range, 23-31 years). Hip ROM …

The Effects Of A Period Of Match Congestion On Countermovement Jump Height And Match Performance Variables In Ncaa Division I Female Soccer Players, Fiona Dodge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effects of a congested match period on countermovement jump height (CMJ) and match performance variables were examined over the course of a D-I female soccer season. Twenty-one female collegiate soccer players (20.3 ± 1.8 yrs, body mass (kg): 62.3 ± 7.3, height (cm): 168.9 ± 6.1, body fat (%): 23.0 ± 3.7. performed CMJ testing prior to regular season matches. Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to assess physical match performance, while pre- and post-season lab and field-based testing was also performed. Analysis of variance trend analyses (ANOVA) were conducted using a linear mixed-effects model (LMM) to examine trends in …

Kinetic And Kinematic Effect Of Flag-Carrying On Referee Agility And Sprinting Performance, William Reed

Master's Theses

Within competitive soccer, assistant referees are expected to keep up with the top speed of players on the field, despite being hindered mechanically by a flag held down at their side. This ability to keep up with speed-of-play can determine effectiveness of calls on the field, yet while being tested, referees are not required to replicate the game-like state of flag-carrying. The purpose of this study was to examine kinetic and kinematic effects of flag-carrying within sprinting and change-of-direction performance in assistant referees to better inform training programs and testing protocols. 18 male referees (mean age 32.11 ± 9.08 years) …

Relationship Between Functional Movement Screen Scores And Postural Stability In Football Players: An Asymmetrical Approach, Yücel Makaracı, Kazım Nas, Kerem Gündüz, Mehmet İleri

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Unilateral preference is dominant due to the intensive use of sport-specific movements in football. However, little is known about the possible correlation between unilateral functional movement and the center of pressure-based postural performance. The main aim of this study is to examine the correlation between functional movement screen (FMS) and postural stability in football players from an asymmetrical perspective. Materials and Methods: Fifty professional football players (male n = 25; age 21.40 ± 1.94 years; female n = 25; age 21.04 ± 1.24 years) volunteered for this study. All subjects completed a FMS test consisting of seven items and …

Adaptive Changes In Young Football Players Working In A Modified Tactical Periodization Model Based On The Example Of Endurance., Marta Szymanek-Pilarczyk, Michał Jakub Nowak, Jacek Wąsik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Adequate endurance is a critical element of success in football, both at professional and amateur levels. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of training based on a modified wave (repeating) periodization model on the endurance of players aged 12–16 at the RKS Raków Academy in 2018–2022.

Material and Method: The analysis involved football players aged 12 to 16 with 4–8 years of training experience, involved in a program called "wave periodization". Two tests were performed each year, one in June (Test A) and the other one in December (Test B). Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) and Velocity Intermittent …

Accelerometer-Based Head Impact Detection In Soccer - Where Are We?, Nipun Chopra

Biology Faculty publications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant burden on individuals, societies, and healthcare systems as it is associated with long-term neurological and behavioral consequences. Although these effects vary according to severity, events that lead to TBI and mild TBI (mTBI), such as concussions, subconcussive impacts, and non-impact violent head movements, may also lead to similar changes. Soccer players are particularly prone to mTBI as they are exposed to head impacts in various ways during training and gameplay. A commonly-claimed TBI risk is that posed by the "heading" technique. Our examination of the literature questions the extent to which heading actually …

Optimal Ranges Of Training Load And Recovery Status Prior To The Game To Maximize Game-Day Performance In Soccer, Cherish Keeney, Kelly B. Elliott, Jan-Joseph S. Rolloque, Ruben Moya, Kathryn E. Southall, Kealey J. Wohlgemuth, Jacob A. Mota, Yasuki Sekiguchi

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Identifying ideal ranges of training load (TL) and recovery status before soccer games is essential to maximize game-day performance. PURPOSE: To determine how accumulative TL and subjective fatigue affect performance during the game. METHODS: Twenty-one male semi-professional soccer players (mean ± standard deviation; age: 22 ± 2 years; mass: 77.3 ± 6.9 kg) wore a player tracking device to monitor TL during each practice and game. A 7-day accumulation of high speed running and sprinting (HSR+Sprint, ³12.30 mph), total distance (TD), low acceleration (Low_ACC: 0.50-1.99 m×s^-2), and high acceleration (High_ACC: 2.00-50.00 m×s …

A Systematic Review And Network Meta-Analysis On The Effectiveness Of Exercise-Based Interventions For Reducing The Injury Incidence In Youth Team-Sport Players. Part 1: An Analysis By Classical Training Components, Francisco Javier Robles-Palazón, Desirée Blázquez-Rincón, Alejandro López-Valenciano, Paul Comfort, José Antonio López-López, Francisco Ayala

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: The primary purposes were (a) to estimate the pooled effects of injury prevention programs (IPPs) on reducing overall and some specific body regions (lower extremity, thigh, knee, and ankle) injury incidence rates (IIRs) and (b) to compare the effects of single- and multi-component IPPs on mitigating injury risk in youth team sport athletes. A secondary objective was to explore the individual effects of different components on these IIRs. Materials and methods: Searches were performed up to 15 January 2024 in PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library. Eligible criteria were: exercise-based interventions evaluated against a control group, overall …

The Kneeling Isometric Plantar Flexor Test: Preliminary Reliability And Feasibility In Professional Youth Football, John J. Mcmahon, Nicholas J. Ripley, Paul Comfort, Francisco J. Robles-Palazón, Jack T. Fahey, Andrew J. Badby, Christopher Bramah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Calf injuries are common in professional football; thus, the establishment of reliable and time-efficient methods of measuring the peak force capabilities of the plantar flexors with equipment that is accessible to football practitioners is valuable. In this study, we determined the preliminary reliability and feasibility of a new test, termed the kneeling isometric plantar flexion test (KIPFT), for footballers. Twenty-one male youth footballers (age = 17.8 ± 1.1 years, height = 182 ± 5 cm, weight = 77.6 ± 5.9 kg) from English League One football clubs completed three trials of the KIPFT on a wireless force plate at the …

Impacts Of Creatine Supplementation On Running Anaerobic Sprint Performance Test (Rast) Power And Velocity In Youth Soccer Players, Nia Howard, Citlaly Jauregui, Heitor P N Amorim, Sullen B. Sant'ana, Juan Mielgo Ayuso, Dailson Paulucio, Marco Machado, Steven B. Machek

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Creatine supplementation commonly enhances short-term, high-intensity effort performance such the soccer-specific ability to perform repeated sprints. Research in this regard is both generally sparse but specifically more so in youth athletes. PURPOSE: to determine the effect of 28 days of creatine monohydrate supplementation on running anaerobic sprint performance (RAST) power and velocity in youth soccer players. METHODS: Sixteen male youth soccer players were randomized in double-blinded, parallel-group fashion to either 28 days of creatine supplementation (CRE; 15.9±0.35y) or an equivalently-dosed dextrose (PLA; 15.5±0.54y; 0.3g/kg/d loading dose for the first seven days, followed by 0.03g/kg/d for the remaining period), whereby they …

Impacts Of Creatine Supplementation On Body Weight And Running Anaerobic Sprint Performance Test (Rast) Time Performance In Youth Soccer Players, Citlaly Jauregui, Heitor Pn Amorim, Suellen B. Sant'ana, Juan Mielgo Ayuso, Dailson Paulucio, Steven B. Machek, Marco Machado

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Creatine supplementation commonly increases intracellular water and/or lean mass-associated weight gain and concomitantly improved short-term, high-intensity effort performance such as repeated sprint ability. Research in this regard is both generally sparse but specifically more so in younger soccer athletes. PURPOSE: to determine the effect of 28 days of creatine monohydrate supplementation on body weight and running anaerobic sprint performance (RAST) time in youth soccer players. METHODS: Sixteen male youth soccer players were randomized in double-blinded fashion to either 28 days of creatine supplementation (CRE; 15.9±0.35y) or an equivalently-dosed dextrose (PLA; 15.5±0.54y; 0.3g/kg/d for the first 7 days, followed by 0.03g/kg/d …

The Development Of A Circuit Training Model Based On Articulate Storyline For Grassroot Age In Soccer Games, Prisca Widiawati, Fahrial Amiq, Muhammad Hamzah Pratama, Dinda Arisetya Purwadi, Yulingga Nanda Hanief, I Made Satyawan

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: The field of training, particularly soccer, has been driven to integrate technology into the training process due to growing demands in the digital era. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a circuit training product for grassroots soccer players. This product was presented in the form of interactive media using an articulate storyline. Methods: The research method employed in this study is an adaptation of the research and development method model initially introduced by Lee & Owens in 2004. It comprises the stages of needs analysis and initial to final analysis, design planning, product development, implementation of …

Body Composition Of Young Soccer Players, Denis Causevic, Seth Spicer, Ahmed Gawash

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to examine and analyze the body composition of young soccer players across different age groups.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 126 young soccer players divided by age categories U15 – 53 players (age=14.68±0.47); U17 – 51 players (age=16.47±0.50); U19 – 22 players (age=18.05±0.38). Body height for all subjects was measured by anthropometer, while body composition was measured by digital scale TANITA BC-420MA.

Results: On average, soccer players in the U-15 group had significantly lower body height, weight, body mass index, and fat free mass than U-17 and U-19 players …

Conservative Treatment Of A Symptomatic Os Vesalianum Pedis In A Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report, Mario F. Cruz, Lori A. Bolgla, Ryan Alexander, Peter J. Symbas, Jeremy Royal, Jordan Serrano-Dennis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: Symptomatic os vesalianum pedis (OVP), a small accessory bone located adjacent to the base of the 5^th metatarsal of the foot, rarely affects individuals who participate in sports. The condition typically is treated with surgical intervention. This case report documents the examination, evaluation, and treatment approach for a professional soccer player treated conservatively with a symptomatic OVP. Methods: A nineteen-year-old professional soccer player presented with pain to the base of the left 5^th metatarsal. Physical examination and imaging resulted in a diagnosis of a symptomatic OVP. The player underwent a 5-stage criterion-based rehabilitation program. Results: The player …

Risk Of Position-Based Concussions Among Collegiate Men And Women Soccer Players, Devin Hauenstein

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Limiting the incidence of concussions has become a foremost concern among collegiate athletes and coaches. This study aimed to determine if the soccer position played, and minutes played during a game predict the incident of concussion among college soccer players. If concussion risk can be predicted, it may lead to mitigating actions to minimize risks. Data from 208 male and female soccer players from the North Coast Concussion Program (NCCP) were assessed to predict the incidence of concussion based on total minutes played and position(s) played. A logistic regression analysis and predictive modeling technique were used to determine whether the …

The Passing Board, John Fitzgerald

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

For my Honors Research Project I am taking a more personal route and looking to solve a childhood question/issue by designing a board that is small and easy to transport while also giving the best bounce pass possible. My proposed project would be a board that a soccer player can play a bounce pass onto and receive the ball from. The base of this design sounds simple enough, however, I would like to implement a way that the board can be adjusted to alter the angle of return of the soccer ball after the bounce. I also want to design …

Relationships Between Technical And Physical Match Performance In Elite Soccer, Lukasz Radziminski, Andrzej Szwarc, Zbigniew Jastrzebski, Agata Rzeszutko-Belzowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential associations between physical and technical match performance and to compare these activities in relation to the match outcome. Materials and methods: The research was based on an analysis of 622 matches of the Polish Ekstraklasa during three consecutive seasons. Such variables as total distance, distance covered in different speed zones, effective playing time, ball possession, number of passes and passing accuracy were taken into account. Results: Effective playing time (E_t) was significantly and fairly correlated with total distance (r = 0.39, p < 0.001), ball possession (r = 0.50, p …

Sled Pull Training Protocol Does Not Improve Peak Force And Increases Asymmetry In Collegiate Soccer Players, Kyra K. Parske, John A. Brasher, Robert V. Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Speed and acceleration are trainable components that are critical determinants of success in team sports, particularly soccer. Lower extremity strength is one of many factors that determine the maximal force output and velocity of individuals, which is critical to success in sport. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a 12-week sled pull training intervention on isometric leg strength and asymmetry. METHODS: Participants from Division 1 collegiate men (20 ± 1.5yrs, 168.28 ± 51.17cm, 73.44 ± 23.46kg) and women’s soccer (19.58 ± 1.02yrs, 167.07 ± 3.81cm, 62.46 ± 8.41kg) team performed pre-training isometric thigh pulls on force plates measuring peak force …

Sled-Pull Training Improves Maximal Horizontal Velocity In Collegiate Male And Female Soccer Players, Atithi K. Multani, John A. Brasher, Robert J. Rovetti, Junyuan Lin, Robert V. Musci, Jenevieve L. Roper

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The force velocity profile (FvP), which details the capacity to sprint and accelerate, is a determinant of success in soccer. To date, no data exist that details the FvP of male and female collegiate Division I soccer players. Further, there is limited insight on how training interventions may modify the FvP of either males or females. PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to compare FvP between collegiate male and female athletes and assess the efficacy of a 12-week sled pull training intervention. METHODS: 17 male (20.17 ± 1.38 yrs) and 12 female (19.75 ± 1.05 yrs) soccer …

Sled-Pull Training Protocol Increases Critical Speed In Female Collegiate Soccer Players, Andrew J. Hartz, John A. Brasher, Jenevieve L. Roper, Robert V. Musci

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Critical speed (CS) is the speed one can sustain while maintaining blood lactate, phosphocreatine, and oxygen uptake levels. “Distance capacity beyond CS” (D’) is the reserve an athlete can draw from to run faster than their CS. By increasing CS and D’, athletes can sustain a faster threshold pace (CS) and have a greater sprint capacity (D’). Unlike distance traveled and speed, which do not reflect the metabolic strain of an exercise, CS and D’ assess the relative intensity of an activity to provide individualized inter- and intra-competition insight. PURPOSE: This investigation evaluated CS and D’ among men and women …

Comparison Of Injuries To The Anterior Cruciate Ligament In Male Soccer And Football Athletes And The Effect Of Varying Rehabilitation On Recovery Time, Matthew Moraw

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Injuries are commonplace when a sport involves high levels of physical contact and quick movements. Athletes often strain or tear muscles and sprain ligaments when they are putting above normal levels of stress on the connection points through their explosive motions and high force collisions. Two sports where this is particularly common are soccer and football. Due to the high levels of running and cutting in both sports, lower body injuries, particularly to the knee are some of the most common injuries that occur. The purpose of this study was to take a retrospective look at ACL tears in college …

Organizational Change And Applicability Of Six Sigma Management Modelin The Turkish National Soccer Team, Halil Orbay Cobanoglu, Mustafa Serdar Terekli, Necmi Gursaka, Necip Serdar Sever

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪In recent years, the Six Sigma Methodology has been primarily applied to the enhancement of performance. The purpose of this study was to implement Six Sigma Management Models in the Turkish National Soccer Team. Material and methods: ‪24 matches of the Turkish National Soccer Team constituted the sample of research. The DMAIC method was used in this study. For statistical analysis of research data, IBM SPSS 18.0 for Windows and Minitab 17 statistical software program were used. As statistical techniques, brainstorm, fishbone, chi-square correlation analysis, Spearman correlation test, process capability analysis and control charts were used, which were the …

Side To Side Differences In Patellar Tendon Kinetics Of The Support Limb During Maximal Instep Soccer Kicking, Jonathan Kenneth Sonclair, Hannah Shore, Stephen Atkins, Sarah Jane Hobbs

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Kicking actions have been implicated in the aetiology of soccer injuries, and the unilateral nature of kicking may influence this. The aim of the current investigation was to determine whether soccer players exhibit bilateral differences in support limb patellar tendon loads. Material/Methods: Fifteen male soccer players were examined whilst kicking a stationary soccer ball with both their dominant and non-dominant feet. Patellar tendon kinetics were obtained from each limb and then contrasted using paired samples t-tests. Results: Significant increases in patellar tendon kinetics were found when using the non-dominant limb.Conclusions: The findings from the current investigation have clinical significance …