Fatigue and Recovery Time Course After Female Soccer Matches: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the extent of fatigue responses after female soccer matches and the ensuing recovery time course of performance, physiological, and perceptual responses. METHODS: Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) were searched in October 2020 and updated in November 2021. Studies were included when participants were female soccer players, regardless of their ability level. Further, the intervention was an official soccer match with performance, physiological, or perceptual parameters collected pre- and post-match (immediately, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h-post). RESULTS: A total of 26 studies (n = 465 players) were included for meta-analysis. Most performance parameters showed some immediate post-match reduction (effect size [ES] = - 0.72 to - 1.80), apart from countermovement jump (CMJ; ES = - 0.04). Reduced CMJ performance occurred at 12 h (ES = - 0.38) and 24 h (ES = - 0.42) and sprint at 48 h post-match (ES = - 0.75). Inflammatory and immunological parameters responded acutely with moderate-to-large increases (ES = 0.58-2.75) immediately post-match. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase alterations persisted at 72 h post-match (ES = 3.79 and 7.46, respectively). Small-to-moderate effects were observed for increased cortisol (ES = 0.75) and reduced testosterone/cortisol ratio (ES = -0.47) immediately post-match, while negligible to small effects existed for testosterone (ES = 0.14) and estradiol (ES = 0.34). Large effects were observed for perceptual variables, with increased fatigue (ES = 1.79) and reduced vigor (ES = - 0.97) at 12 h post-match, while muscle soreness was increased immediately post (ES = 1.63) and at 24 h post-match (ES = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Acute fatigue exists following female soccer matches, and the performance, physiological, and perceptual parameters showed distinctive recovery timelines. Importantly, physical performance was recovered at 72 h post-match, whereas muscle damage markers were still increased at this time point. These timelines should be considered when planning training and match schedules. However, some caution should be advised given the small number of studies available on this population. REGISTRATION: The protocol for this systematic review was pre-registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Registration Number: CRD42021237857).

Preseason Training Improves Perception of Fatigue and Recovery From a Futsal Training Session.

PURPOSE: To compare the posttraining recovery timeline of elite Brazilian futsal athletes before (Pre-PS) and after 10 weeks of the preseason (Post-PS) period of high-intensity technical-tactical training. METHODS: At the start (n = 13) and at the end of the preseason (n = 7), under-20 male futsal players undertook fitness testing for maximal aerobic power, the countermovement jump (CMJ), and the 10-m sprint with change of direction. Furthermore, at both Pre-PS and Post-PS, the players participated in a training session where performance and psychophysiological measures were recorded before, immediately, 3, 24, and 48 hours postsession. The measures included CMJ, 10-m sprint, creatine kinase, Total Quality Recovery Scale, and Brunel Mood Scale. Effect size (ES) analyses compared fitness and posttraining recovery values for each parameter at Pre-PS versus Post-PS. RESULTS: Only trivial ES (-0.02 to 0.11) was evident in maximal aerobic power, CMJ, and 10-m sprint at Post-PS compared with Pre-PS. For the timeline of recovery, only trivial and small ESs were evident for the 10-m sprint (-0.12 to 0.49), though CMJ recovery was improved at 3 hours (0.87) and 48 hours (1.27) at Post-PS and creatine kinase was lower at 48 hours (-1.33) at Post-PS. Perception of recovery was improved in Post-PS at 3 hours (1.50) and 24 hours postsession (0.92). Furthermore, perception of effort was lower immediately after the session (-0.29), fatigue was lower at 3 hours (-0.63), and vigor responses were improved in all postseason assessments (0.59 to 1.13). CONCLUSION: Despite minimal changes in fitness, preseason training attenuated players' perception of effort and fatigue and improved their recovery profile following a high-intensity technical-tactical training session.

The effect of post-match resistance training on recovery in female footballers; when is best to train?

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of resistance training (RT) performed at 24 or 48h post-match on recovery in female soccer players. METHODS: In a randomized cross-over design, 10 professional female soccer players undertook matches followed by three conditions: Control (no RT), RT-24h and RT-48h post-match. RT was a high-speed and low-load session, consisting of 3 sets of 6 repetitions of lower-body exercises at 50%1RM. During training, one exercise (half-squat) was performed on a force platform to determine mean and peak forces. Tests were undertaken pre, 24, 48 and 72h post-match including countermovement jump (CMJ), 20m sprint, C-reactive protein (CRP) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Effect size (ES) analyses compared the time-course of recovery. RESULTS: Despite no significant differences between conditions, ES for changes from pre to 72h were larger for CMJ, 10 and 20m sprint time, and DOMS in RT48h (ES=0.38-2.13) than in RT24h (ES=0.08-0.66) and in Control (ES=0.09-0.36). No differences in forces of half-squat exercise existed between conditions (p>0.05; ES=0.05-0.06). CONCLUSION: The trend for suppressed recovery of speed, power and perceptual responses at 72h post-match suggests RT48h is less ideal in female soccer players, particularly during congested micro-cycles.

Post-Match Recovery in Soccer with Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Material or Cold-Water Immersion.

We investigated the effects of two common recovery methods; far-infrared emitting ceramic materials (Bioceramic) or cold-water immersion on muscular function and damage after a soccer match. Twenty-five university-level soccer players were randomized into Bioceramic (BIO; n = 8), Cold-water immersion (CWI; n = 9), or Control (CON; n = 8) groups. Heart rate [HR], rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and activity profile through Global Positioning Satellite Systems were measured during the match. Biochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive species [TBARS], superoxide dismutase [SOD], creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), neuromuscular (countermovement [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ], sprints [20-m]), and perceptual markers (delayed-onset muscle soreness [DOMS], and the perceived recovery scale [PRS]) were assessed at pre, post, 24 h, and 48 h post-match. One-way ANOVA was used to compare anthropometric and match performance data. A two-way ANOVA with post-hoc tests compared the timeline of recovery measures. No significant differences existed between groups for anthropometric or match load measures (P > 0.05). Significant post-match increases were observed in SOD, and decreases in TBARS in all groups (p < 0.05), without differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Significant increases in CK, LDH, quadriceps and hamstring DOMS (p < 0.05), as well as decreases in 20-m, SJ, CMJ, and PRS were observed post-match in all groups (p < 0.05), without significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Despite the expected post-match muscle damage and impaired performance, neither Bioceramic nor CWI interventions improved post-match recovery.

Compression Stockings Used During Two Soccer Matches Improve Perceived Muscle Soreness and High-Intensity Performance.

ABSTRACT: Gimenes, SV, Marocolo, M, Pavin, LN, Pagoto Spigolon, LM, Neto, OB, Côrrea da Silva, BV, Duffield, R, and Ribeiro da Mota, G. Compression stockings used during two soccer matches improve perceived muscle soreness and high-intensity performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 2010-2017, 2021-Evidence on the use of compression stockings (CS) during soccer matches is limited. Thus, we evaluated the acute effects of CS on match-based physical performance indicators and perceptual responses during 2 consecutive soccer matches with 72-hour recovery. Twenty outfield players were randomly allocated to the CS group (20-30 mm Hg) or control group (non-CS) and performed 2 matches (5 players using CS or regular socks per team/match). Match loads {rating of perceived exertion × minutes; CS ∼830 vs. control 843 (arbitrary units [AU])} and heart rate (HR) responses (both CS and control ∼86% HRpeak) did not differ (p > 0.05) between CS and control groups. Although total distance covered did not differ (p > 0.05) between groups, CS increased distances (effect size [ES] = 0.9-1.32) in higher-speed zones (>19 km·h-1 CS ∼550 m vs. control ∼373 m) alongside an increased number of accelerations (-50.0 to -3.0 m·s-2) than control (CS: 33.7 ± 11.2 vs. control: 23.8 ± 7.9; p = 0.003; ES = 1.04). Perceived recovery did not differ (p > 0.05) between groups for either match but was worse in the second match for both groups. Perceived muscle soreness increased in control after match 2 (from 3.1 ± 1.9 to 6.3 ± 1.6 AU; p < 0.0010) but did not in CS (from 2.8 ± 1.4 to 4.1 ± 1.9 AU; p = 0.6275; ES = 1.24 CS vs. control after match). Accordingly, CS use during 2 soccer matches with 72-hour recovery reduces perceived muscle soreness in the second match and increases higher-speed match running performance.

Poor Sleep Quality's Association With Soccer Injuries: Preliminary Data.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between sleep quality and quantity and injuries in elite soccer players and to compare sleep-wake variables and injury characteristics. METHODS: The current investigation was a prospective cohort study of 23 elite male soccer players competing for 2 teams over 6 mo in the highest-level Brazilian competition. The players' sleep behavior was monitored for 10 d in the preseason using self-reporting sleep diaries and wrist activity monitors to determine sleep duration and quality. Furthermore, injuries were recorded by the respective club's medical teams into a specific database. Details of injuries recorded included the type, location, and severity of each injury. The results were expressed as descriptive statistics, and the significance level was set at 5%. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare the sleep variables between groups. Spearman correlation coefficient and linear-regression analysis were used. RESULTS: The results indicated a moderate negative correlation between sleep efficiency and particular injury characteristics, including absence time, injury severity, and amount of injuries. The linear-regression analysis indicated that 44% of the total variance in the number of injuries can be explained by sleep efficiency, 24% of the total variance in the absence time after injury (days) can be explained by sleep efficiency, and 47% of the total variance in the injury severity can be explained by sleep efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Soccer players who exhibit lower sleep quality or nonrestorative sleep show associations with increased number and severity of musculoskeletal injuries.

Recovery following Rugby Union matches: effects of cold water immersion on markers of fatigue and damage.

We investigated the effect of postmatch cold-water immersion (CWI) on markers of muscle damage, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceptual responses within 72 h after a rugby match. Twenty-two professional male rugby players were randomized into CWI (10 °C/10 min; n = 11) or control (CON: 30 min seated; n = 11) groups. Activity profile from Global Positioning Satellite systems and postmatch rating of perceived exertion were measured to determined match load. Biochemical (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6), neuromuscular performance (squat (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), peak power output (PPO), rate of force development (RFD), stiffness, 10- and 30-m sprint time, and perceptual markers (soreness, perceived recovery) were obtained before and immediately after the match, and then at 30 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the match. Magnitude-based inference and Cohen's effect size (ES) were used to analyze change over time and between groups. Thus, the higher/beneficial, similar/trivial, or lower/harmful differences were evaluated as follows: <1%, almost certainly not; 1% to 5%, very unlikely; 5% to 25%, unlikely; 25% to 75%, possible; 75% to 95%, likely; 95% to 99%, very likely; >99%, almost certainly. Changes were unclear for the match loads, sprint times, and perceptual markers between groups. Higher %ΔSJ at 24 h (very likely (ES = 0.75)) and in %ΔPPO_SJ at 48 h (likely (ES = 0.51)) were observed in CWI than in CON. Values in %ΔRDF_CMJ were higher immediately after (likely (ES = 0.83)), 30 min after (very likely (ES = 0.97)), and 24 h after the match (likely (ES = 0.93)) in CWI than in CON. Furthermore, %Δlog TNF-α were lower in the CWI group than in the CON group immediately after (almost certainly (ES = -0.76)), 24 h after (very likely (ES = -1.09)), and 72 h after the match (likely (ES = -0.51)), and in Δstiffness_SJ at 30 min after (likely (ES = -0.67)) and 48 h after the match (very likely (ES = -0.97)). Also, different within-groups effects throughout postmatch were reported. Implementing postmatch CWI-based strategies improved the recovery of markers of inflammation and fatigue in rugby players, despite no change in markers of speed or perceptual recovery.

Effects of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Material Clothing on Recovery after Maximal Eccentric Exercise.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials worn as Bioceramic pants would improve neuromuscular performance, biochemical and perceptual markers in healthy individuals after maximal eccentric exercise. Twenty-two moderately active men were randomized into Bioceramic (n = 11) or Placebo (n = 11) groups. To induce muscle damage, three sets of 30 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the quadriceps were performed at 60°·s-1. Participants wore the bioceramic or placebo pants for 2 hours immediately following the protocol, and then again for 2 hours prior to each subsequent testing session at 24, 48 and 72 hours post. Plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, delayed-onset muscle soreness, perceived recovery status, and maximal voluntary contraction were measured pre-exercise and 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. Eccentric exercise induced muscle damage as evident in significant increases in delayed-onset muscle soreness at 24 - 72 hours (p < 0.05) and creatine kinase between Pre to 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours (p < 0.05). Despite the increased delayed-onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase values, no effect of Bioceramic was evident (p > 0.05). Furthermore, decreases in maximal voluntary contraction between Pre and immediately, 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours post (p < 0.05) were reported. However, the standardized difference was moderate lower for lactate dehydrogenase at 24 h (ES = 0.50), but higher at 48 h (ES = -0.58) in the Bioceramic compared to the Placebo group. Despite inducing muscle damage, the daily use of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials clothing over 72 hours did not facilitate recovery after maximal eccentric exercise.