Internal and External Loads in Training Week Before the Competition in U19 High-Level Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Martín-López, Á, Mendes, RS, and Castillo-Rodríguez, A. Internal and external loads in training week before the competition in U19 high-level soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1766-1772, 2021-Nowadays, the information about the load in training sessions (TRs) and the relationship of these TRs with official competition are necessary to gain the sport success in soccer. The aim of this study was to quantify the different loads in TRs according to days before the competition (P-4, P-2, and P-1) on soccer players U19 based on their playing position and their sport success. Twenty-four male Spanish high-level players (age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years; height: 1.69 ± 0.04 m; and body mass: 63.0 ± 6.3 kg) participated in the study. They were grouped according to their playing position: external defenders, internal defenders (ID), external midfielders, internal midfielders (IM), and forwards (FO). To conduct the study, global positioning system technology was used, and a 1-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were performed. The main results revealed that the highest physical and physiological responses in the TRs were shown by ID, IM, and players without sport success (p < 0.05), and during P-2. In addition, sport success is predicted by the mean heart rate (R2 = 0.33; p < 0.001). As conclusion, players covering central positions in the playing field performed higher physical and physiological demands than players covering exterior or forward positions. Furthermore, physical and physiological responses during the TRs P-2 may be similar to the responses produced in competition match and are notably different depending on the sport success of the soccer player.

Physical and technical performances are not associated with tactical prominence in U14 soccer matches.

The aim of this study was to analyse the association between physical/technical variables and the tactical prominence variables in U14 soccer matches. Twenty-two young amateur soccer players (13.5 [Formula: see text] 0.5 years old, 5.4 [Formula: see text] 0.5 years of practice, 163.3 [Formula: see text] 9.8 cm in body height) from two teams of the Portuguese regional league volunteered for the study. Our results showed positive and moderate correlation between dribbling test and betweenness centrality (r = 0.324; p = 0.142), and negative moderate correlation between %fatigue index and betweenness centrality (r = -0.390; p = 0.073). Physical and technical variables had no statistical differences among tactical positions. Nevertheless, when tactical prominence of players from four tactical positions were compared, significant differences were found in terms of degree prestige (p = 0.001) and degree centrality (p = 0.002). This pilot study did not find strong correlations between physical/technical levels and tactical prominence in soccer matches.

Acute effects of the number of players and scoring method on physiological, physical, and technical performance in small-sided soccer games.

This study aims to examine the effect of differences in the number of players and scoring method on heart rate responses, time-motion characteristics, and technical/tactical performance during small-sided soccer games. Ten male amateur soccer players (26.4 ± 5.3 years old, 8.4 ± 3.2 years of practice, 179.3 ± 5.2 cm body height, 71.2 ± 7.1 kg body weight, 45.8 ± 2.6 ml.kg(-1)min(-1)VO2max) from the Portuguese regional league played nine different small-sided games (i.e., 3 formats × 3 scoring methods). The study used two-way MANOVA, two-away ANOVA, and one-way ANOVA, depending on the specific procedure for the analysis. Compared with other formats, 2v2 induced significantly greater values of technical/tactical indexes (p = 0.001), 3v3 induced significantly higher %HRreserve values (p = 0.001), and 4v4 led to significantly greater distance coverage and speed (p = 0.001). The study provided evidence for coaches to set different small-sided game conditions depending on the training purpose in terms of physiological, physical, and technical performance.

Benefits of Pilates in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review is to collect and summarize the benefits of Pilates in the elderly population (>60 years old), within the current scientific production, assessing its contribution to Healthy Ageing (HA). We used PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) to select, collect, and analyse this thematic. The methodological procedures were registered in the PROSPERO database. The main results of the studies analysed (n = 30) point to significant differences between the intervention and the control groups in dynamic balance, strength, mobility, functional capacity, risk of falling reduction, and mental and psychological health. Thus, the results showed that Pilates may be beneficial for the health of the elderly. The meta-analysis found statistical differences between means on the dynamic balance (mean difference (MD) = −0.0, 95% CI [−0.71, −0.50]; I2: 0%) and the aerobic capacity and aerobic resistance [(MD) = 38.29, 95% CI [6.82, 69.77]; I2: 0%). Thus, it is concluded that the efficacy of Pilates has been shown in various areas of HA and has proven to be affordable and safe for the majority of people, using just a mat on the floor. Future studies should focus on the analysis of the relationship between the cost and the benefit of a Pilates intervention in the elderly population, to better understand how health costs can be minimized and to contribute to a multidisciplinary and generalized HA. Pilates has practical application for the clinicians, therapists, and health professionals that work with the elderly population.

Weekly physical activity patterns of university students: Are athletes more active than non-athletes?

The aim of the present study was to compare weekly physical activity (PA) and obesity-related markers in athlete and non-athlete university students. One hundred and twenty-six university students (53 males, 20.46 ± 2.04 years old, and 73 females, 19.69 ± 1.32 years old) participated in this study. Participants were fitted with a tri-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT, Shalimar, FL, USA) to assess the daily PA. Anthropometric measures of height, weight, BMI and %fat mass were determined with a stadiometer and an electronic scale. The comparison indicated that male and female athletes had a significant lower percentage of body fat than did non-athletes (p value = 0.001; ES = 0.043). Athletes spent significantly more time in light PA than did non-athletes (p value = 0.003; ES = 0.024). Female athletes spent significantly less time in sedentary mode than did non-athletes (p value = 0.040; ES = 0.008). On the other hand, female athletes spent significantly more time in light PA (p value = 0.003; ES = 0.017) and vigorous PA (p value = 0.001; ES = 0.086) than did non-athletes. Despite some statistical differences with minimal effect size, the results of this study suggested proximity between PA levels of athletes and non-athletes, mainly in the case of sedentary behaviour. No significant effects were found in the variances of PA tested in this study.

Physical Activity Patterns in University Students: Do They Follow the Public Health Guidelines?

Physical activity is associated with health. The aim of this study was (a) to access if Portuguese university students meet the public health recommendations for physical activity and (b) the effect of gender and day of the week on daily PA levels of university students. This observational cross-sectional study involved 126 (73 women) healthy Portuguese university students aged 18-23 years old. Participants wore the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Number of steps, time spent sedentary and in light, moderate and vigorous physical activity were recorded. The two-way MANOVA revealed that gender (p-value = 0.001; η2 = 0.038; minimum effect) and day of the week (p-value = 0.001; η2 = 0.174; minimum effect) had significant main effects on the physical activity variables. It was shown that during weekdays, male students walked more steps (65.14%), spent less time sedentary (6.77%) and in light activities (3.11%) and spent more time in moderate (136.67%) and vigorous activity (171.29%) in comparison with weekend days (p < 0.05). The descriptive analysis revealed that female students walked more steps (51.18%) and spent more time in moderate (125.70%) and vigorous (124.16%) activities during weekdays than in weekend days (p < 0.05). Women students did not achieve the recommended 10,000 steps/day on average during weekdays and weekend days. Only male students achieved this recommendation during weekdays. In summary, this study showed a high incidence of sedentary time in university students, mainly on weekend days. New strategies must be adopted to promote physical activity in this population, focusing on the change of sedentary behaviour.

Using network metrics in soccer: a macro-analysis.

The aim of this study was to propose a set of network methods to measure the specific properties of a team. These metrics were organised at macro-analysis levels. The interactions between teammates were collected and then processed following the analysis levels herein announced. Overall, 577 offensive plays were analysed from five matches. The network density showed an ambiguous relationship among the team, mainly during the 2nd half. The mean values of density for all matches were 0.48 in the 1st half, 0.32 in the 2nd half and 0.34 for the whole match. The heterogeneity coefficient for the overall matches rounded to 0.47 and it was also observed that this increased in all matches in the 2nd half. The centralisation values showed that there was no 'star topology'. The results suggest that each node (i.e., each player) had nearly the same connectivity, mainly in the 1st half. Nevertheless, the values increased in the 2nd half, showing a decreasing participation of all players at the same level. Briefly, these metrics showed that it is possible to identify how players connect with each other and the kind and strength of the connections between them. In summary, it may be concluded that network metrics can be a powerful tool to help coaches understand team's specific properties and support decision-making to improve the sports training process based on match analysis.

Inspecting the performance of neutral players in different small-sided games

The aim of this study was to inspect the effects of format and task conditions on neutral players' heart rate responses and time-motion characteristics. Four formats of play using neutral players and three task conditions were inspected. Moreover, the factor repetition (3 games per each SSG) was also analysed. Ten male amateur soccer players (26.36 ± 5.33 years old, 8 ± 3.2 years of practice, 66.18 ± 10.16 bpm at rest) participated in this study. The repeated measured revealed that no differences were found between repetitions (Pillai's Trace = .075; F 8, 100 = 1.007; p-value = .436; = .075; Power = .445; small effect size). In the game 1 significant interaction effects between the two factors on heart rate responses and time-motion profiles were observed (Pillai's Trace = 0.699; F 24,428 = 3.774; p-value = .001; = .175; Power = 1.000; moderate effect size). In the game 2 , significant interaction effects between the two factors on heart rate responses and time-motion profiles were observed (Pillai's Trace = .712; F 24,428 = 3.860; p-value = .001; = .178; Power = 1.000; moderate effect size). Finally, in the game 3 significant interaction effects between the two factors on heart rate responses and time-motion profiles were observed (Pillai's Trace = .729; F 24,428 = 3.972; p-value = .001; = .182; Power = 1.000; moderate effect size). Briefly, it was possible to conclude that the biggest formats statistically increased the heart rate responses and time-motion characteristics of neutral players. It was also possible to observe that the mean values of heart rate responses found in neutral players throughout small-sided games were appropriated to very light or recovery workouts.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do formato e condições da tarefa nas respostas cardíacas e perfis de movimento de jogadores neutros. Adotaram-se quatro formatos de jogo e três condições da tarefa utilizando jogadores neutros. Participaram no estudo dez jogadores de futebol amador (26,36 ± 5,33 anos de idade, 8 ± 3,2 anos de prática, 66,18 ± 10,16 bpm em descanso). O teste de medidas repetidas não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre repetições (Pillai's Trace = 0,075; F 8, 100 = 1,007; p-value = 0,436; = 0,075; Power = 0,445). No jogo 1 identificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na interação entre factores nas variáveis de frequência cardíaca e velocidade (Pillai's Trace = 0,699; F 24,428 = 3,774; p-value = 0,001; = 0,175; Power = 1,000). No jogo 2 identificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na interação entre factores nas variáveis de frequência cardíaca e velocidade (Pillai's Trace = 0,712; F 24,428 = 3,860; p-value = 0,001; = 0,178; Power = 1,000). Finalmente, no jogo 3 identificaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na interação entre factores nas variáveis de frequência cardíaca e velocidade (Pillai's Trace = 0,729; F 24,428 = 3,972; p-value = 0,001; = 0,182; Power = 1,000). Concluiu-se com este estudo que os formatos maiores aumentam estatisticamente a resposta cardíaca e o perfil de movimento de jogadores neutros. Foi igualmente possível observar que os valores médios de frequência cardíaca encontrados em jogadores neutros são apropriados para trabalhos de baixa intensidade ou de recuperação ativa.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de formato y de tareas en condiciones respuestas cardíacas y el movimiento de perfiles de los jugadores neutrales. Se utilizaron cuatro formatos de juego y tres condiciones tarea utilizando jugadores neutrales. Participó en el estudio, diez jugadores de fútbol (26,36 ± 5,33 años de edad, 8 ± 3,2 años de práctica, 66,18 ± 10,16 lpm en reposo). La prueba de medidas repetidas mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre repeticiones (Pillai's Trace = 0,075; F 8, 100 = 1,007; p-value = 0,436; = 0,075; Power = 0,445). En lo juego 1 hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los factores (Pillai's Trace = 0,699; F 24,428 = 3,774; p-value = 0,001; = 0,175; Power = 1,000). En lo juego 2 hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los factores (Pillai's Trace = 0,712; F 24,428 = 3,860; p-value = 0,001; = 0,178; Power = 1,000). En lo juego 3 hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los factores (Pillai's Trace = 0,729; F 24,428 = 3,972; p-value = 0,001; = 0,182; Power = 1,000). Se concluye de este estudio que los formatos más grandes estadísticamente aumentan respuesta cardiaca y el perfil de movimiento de jugadores neutrales. También se observó que los valores promedio de la frecuencia cardíaca que se encuentran en los jugadores papeles neutros son adecuados para baja intensidad o de recuperación activa.

Estudo da quantidade de jogadores em jogos reduzidos de handebol: mudança na dinâmica técnica e tática / The influence of number of players on small-sided handball games: changing on technical and tactical dynamic

O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de analisar os efeitos de diferentes formas de jogo (2 x 2, 3 x 3 e 4 x 4) de handebol no desempenho técnico e tático de alunos de Educação Física. Participaram no estudo oito alunos do sexo masculino (18,25 ± 1,04 anos de idade). Os indicadores que apresentaram diferenças significativas foram: contatos na bola, número de passes de ombro, passes de ombro completados e origem de pontos através de ataque organizado e contra-ataque. Conclui-se que as formas de jogo com menor número de alunos aumentaram a quantidade de ações técnicas e táticas, sugerindo-se estas formas numa fase inicial de aprendizagem.

The aim of this study was to verity the effects of different formats of handball game (2 vs 2, 3 vs 3 and 4 vs 4) on technical and tactical performance of Physical Education students. Eight male students (18.25 ± 1.04 years old) participated in this study. It was possible to verify significant statistical differences in the number of ball contacts, number of shoulder passes and shoulder passes completed. It was also possible to verify significant statistical differences in the organized attack and counterattack. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that smaller formats of small-sided handball games allows to increase the technical and tactical actions, thus being more appropriated to early stages of learning.

Using network metrics to investigate football team players' connections: a pilot study / Avaliando as conexões entre jogadores de futebol utilizando métricas de network: um estudo piloto / La evaluación de las conexiones entre los jugadores de fútbol utilizando métricas de red: un estudio piloto

The aim of this pilot study was propose a set of network methods to measure the specific properties of football teams. These metrics were organized on "meso" and "micro" analysis levels. Five official matches of the same team on the First Portuguese Football League were analyzed. An overall of 577 offensive plays were analyzed from the five matches. From the adjacency matrices developed per each offensive play it were computed the scaled connectivity, the clustering coefficient and the centroid significance and centroid conformity. Results showed that the highest values of scaled connectivity were found in lateral defenders and central and midfielder players and the lowest values were found in the striker and goalkeeper. The highest values of clustering coefficient were generally found in midfielders and forwards. In addition, the centroid results showed that lateral and central defenders tend to be the centroid players in the attacking process. In sum, this study showed that network metrics can be a powerful tool to help coaches to understanding the specific team's properties, thus supporting decision-making and improving sports training based on match analysis...

"Avaliando as conexões entre jogadores de futebol utilizando métricas de network: Um estudo piloto." O presente estudo piloto teve como objetivo do piloto propor um conjunto de métodos de network para avaliar as propriedades de equipes de futebol. Essas métricas foram organizadas em função dos níveis de análise "meso" e "micro." Foram analisados cinco jogos oficiais da mesma equipa participante na Primeira Liga Profissional de Futebol Português. Um conjunto de 577 jogadas atacantes foram analisadas ao longo desses cinco jogos. As interações entre companheiros de equipa foram recolhidas e processadas seguindo os níveis de análise anteriormente referidos. Os resultados evidenciaram que os maiores valores de escala de conetividade foram encontrados nos defensores laterais e zagueiros, bem como, nos meio-campistas e os menores valores encontraram-se no atacante e goleiro. Os maiores valores de coeficiente de agrupamento foram geralmente encontrados nos meio-campistas e atacantes. No caso dos resultados relativos ao centroid verificou-se que os defensores laterais e zagueiros tendem a ser os jogadores centroids no processo atacante. Em resumo, este estudo destacou que as métricas de network podem ser um instrumento poderoso para auxiliar os treinadores a compreenderem as propriedades específicas das equipes, suportando a tomada de decisão e melhorando o treinamento tendo como base a análise de jogo...

"La evaluación de las conexiones entre los jugadores de fútbol utilizando métricas de red: un estudio piloto." El objetivo de este estudio piloto fue el de proponer un conjunto de métodos para evaluar las propiedades de la red los equipos de fútbol. Estas métricas se organizaron de acuerdo con el nivel de análisis "meso" y "micro." Se analizaron cinco partidos oficiales en el mismo equipo que participan en la Liga Premier de Fútbol Profesional de Portugal. Se analizó una serie de 577 atacantes mueve en estos cinco partidos. Las interacciones entre los compañeros de equipo fueron recolectados y procesados ​​siguiendo los niveles de análisis mencionados. Los resultados mostraron que los valores más altos de conectividad de la escala se encuentran en los defensores laterales y centrales, así como los mediocampistas centrales y los valores más bajos se encontraron en-punta delantera y el portero. Los valores más altos del coeficiente de agrupamiento se encuentran generalmente en el medio y los atacantes. En los resultados para el jugador centroid, se encontró que los defensores laterales y centrales tienden a ser actores centrales en el proceso de ataque. En resumen, este estudio pone de relieve que las métricas de la red puede ser una herramienta poderosa para ayudar a los entrenadores a comprender las propiedades específicas de los equipos, el apoyo a la toma de decisiones y la mejora de lo entrenamiento basada en el análisis del juego...