Biology of Sport最新文献

This study aimed to benchmark the match demands of specialised positions at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. With FIFA's official approval, all sixty-four games at the tournament were analysed using an optical tracking system alongside FIFA's Enhanced Football Intelligence metrics. During a typical match, defensive and central midfielders covered 5-15% more total distance than centre backs, wide defenders and centre forwards (P < 0.01; Effect Size [ES]: 0.6-1.8). The distances covered at higher intensities (≥19.0 and ≥23.0 km · h^-1) were 18-89% and 88-163% greater in attacking midfielders, wide midfielders, wide forwards and centre forwards than other positions (P < 0.01; ES: 0.5-2.0 and ES: 1.0-1.3, respectively). Regarding offers made to receive the ball, defensive and central midfielders, attacking midfielders and centre forwards moved more between the lines than centre backs, wide defenders and wide midfielders (P < 0.01; ES: 1.0-1.9). Movements in behind lines were more common for offensive roles such as attacking midfielders, wide midfielders, wide forwards and centre forwards than other positions (P < 0.01; ES: 0.9-2.3). Regarding pressing events, direct pressure was highest for defensive and central midfielders compared to other positions (P < 0.05; ES: 0.5-1.3) and indirect pressure was greater for central midfielders, attacking midfielders, wide midfielders and centre forwards compared to centre backs and wide defenders (P < 0.01; ES: 0.9-2.3). A basic within tournament positional comparison revealed that centre backs and centre forwards demonstrated pronounced changes in their relative sprint distances from Canada 2015, France 2019 through to Australia and New Zealand 2023. These findings could be valuable to benchmark the contemporary positional demands of women's international football, while also providing a framework to design role-specific training drills.

To identify the incidence of injury time-out due to field injuries in highest level professional football (soccer) international tournaments and to compare the features of these incidents between men's and women's football. The incidence of stoppage time due to incidents and the resulting injury characteristics of professional football players participating in the 2018 FIFA Men's World Cup (MWC) in Russia and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup (WWC) in France were examined retrospectively through video analysis. In the 2018 MWC, a total of 123 injury time-outs with 132 treatments occurred in 64 matches, while in the 2019 WWC, 142 incidents with 150 injured players were recorded in 52 matches. The incidence of stoppage time was higher in women than in men (81.2 vs. 56.8 per 1000 match hours, respectively, p = 0.004), and accordingly, women had a higher overall incidence of injury (IRR = 1.4 [95%CI = 1.1-1.8], p = 0.005). Despite women required more medical care during games, the substitution rate after the incidents was higher for men (27.3% to 15.3%, p = 0.02). Almost three-quarters of incidents for both sexes were sudden-onset contact injuries and the most common site was the lower limb. Although more frequent match incidents were seen in women's football, the rate of completing the game without being substituted was higher than that of men. Obtaining insight into the medical intervention requirements of players during the course of a game will aid in the identification of injury-related behavioral patterns among players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8-week intervention of recreational soccer (SCG) and basketball (BCG) conditioned games, as compared to self-exercise (SECG) and inactive (ICG) control groups, on aerobic capacity, vertical (VJ) and horizontal jump (SLJ) performance, and handgrip maximal strength (HG) in sedentary overweight and obese men and women. Ninety male and female sedentary overweight and obese volunteers (19.8 ± 1.5 years; 27.9 ± 1.8 m/kg²) participated in this experimental parallel controlled design study and were examined on three occasions. Within-group analysis revealed that SCG and BCG significantly (p < 0.05) improved the performances after 8 weeks in the multistage fitness test (MFT) (23.3 and 19.6%, respectively), HG in right (1.6% and 2.9%) and left hands (1.3 and 1.7%), SLJ (5.8 and 1.4%) and VJT (27.4% and 33.9%). Between-group analysis revealed significantly greater post-intervention improvements in SCG (p < 0.001) and BCG (p = 0.043) than ICG in MFT. Improvements in SLJ were greater in SCG (p < 0.001) and BCG (p < 0.001) than ICG, being also better in SCG in comparison to SECG (p = 0.033). VJ performance was significantly better in SCG (p < 0.001), BCG (p < 0.001) and SECG (p = 0.002) than ICG. Only the improvements in HG right (p = 0.042), and SLJ (p = 0.016) showed interactions with sex. This study showed that both SCG and BCG are effective interventions for enhancing health-related physical fitness, specifically in terms of aerobic capacity and strength. Similar benefits in aerobic capacity could be attained through an 8-week self-regulated activity programme, engaging in activity 3 days per week following a supportive lecture on lifestyle change. Considering sex differences, men demonstrated greater improvements in strength and jumping variables when participating in recreational soccer and basketball. On the other hand, women exhibited more significant enhancements in self-selected activities compared to men, particularly in terms of aerobic capacity.

This study aimed to examine physical match performance and the effects of opponent ranking and positional differences in both the English Championship League (ECL) and the English Premier League (EPL) over five consecutive seasons. Fifty-four professional outfield soccer players (average age 24.6 ± 5.4 years, weight 76.6 ± 6.9 kg, height 1.79 ± 0.09 m) from an English club were involved. Physical data obtained with the 18 Hz GPS technology tracking system from 213 regular-season matches spanning the complete 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons were examined. The results showed that, considering the level of the opponent, total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HSR), and the number of decelerations (DEC) significantly varied in both EPL and ECL (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 respectively). Additionally, opponent level influenced sprint distances (Spr) and accelerations (ACC) in the EPL (p < 0.05, p < 0.05) but not in the ECL. The highest running metrics were noted when the team played against a high-ranked opponent. Concerning positional roles, more physical metrics were influenced by opponent level in the ECL (centre-backs (TD, ACC), full-backs (TD, DEC), centre midfielders (TD, HSR, Spr, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, Spr, DEC), centre forwards (TD)) than in the EPL (centre midfielders (TD, HSR, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, DEC), centre forwards (TD)). These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how players from different positions perform in elite soccer match-play against varying opposition rankings. Coaches may then tailor tactical approaches, positional, and individualized training regimens to address the specific physical demands associated with matches against different-ranked opponents.

Increasing physical activity (PA) is recognised as an efficacious approach for preventing and treating cardiometabolic diseases. Recently, the composition of microorganisms living within the gut has been proposed as an important appropriate target for treating these diseases. Whether PA is related to faecal microbiota diversity and composition in humans remains to be ascertained. Thus, we examined the association of the time spent in objectively measured PA with faecal microbiota diversity and composition in young adults. A cross-sectional study enrolled 88 young adults aged 22.0 ± 2.3 years (72.7% women), whose time spent in PA at different intensities was objectively measured with a wrist-worn accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Faecal microbiota diversity and composition were analysed with hypervariable tag sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The mean Euclidean Norm of the raw accelerations Minus One (mg) during waking time, considered as overall PA, and the time spent in vigorous PA were positively correlated with alpha diversity indexes (all rho ≥ 0.23, P ≤ 0.034). Regarding faecal microbiota composition, participants with low time spent in vigorous PA had higher relative abundance of the Gammaproteobacteria class (q = 0.021, FDR = q-value) compared to the participants with high time spent in vigorous PA, and lower relative abundance of the Porphyromonadaceae family (q = 0.031) and the Alistipes genus (q = 0.015) compared to the individuals with high and intermediate time spent in vigorous PA, respectively. Our results suggest that PA, especially of vigorous intensity, is related to faecal microbiota diversity and the Gammaproteobacteria class and Porphyromonadaceae family in young adults.

The aim of this study was to compare external match load, according to match outcome, match location, and opponent quality across five competitive seasons. Forty-six professional outfield soccer players from the same English Premier League club across the complete 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons were involved in the study. For each match, the outcome (win, draw, loss), match location (home, away) and quality of opponent (top or bottom six teams, remaining mid-table teams) were recorded. Players covered significantly more m/min and performed more decelerations when playing against the top six compared to mid-table or bottom six teams (p < 0.001; d = 0.213-0.322). There were no differences in external match load depending on match outcome. There were significant opponent × outcome × match location interactions for each position across most of the external match load measures, but these differed in magnitude for specific metrics and positions (p = 0.001-0.048; d = 0.300-1.741). The present study provided novel information on external match load and the influence of match outcome, match location and opponent quality. This may support and contribute to understanding how to improve training methods to physically prepare players to cope with varying contexts.

This study compared the effects of a sled push priming session on performance in 20 m sprint times, vertical jump, and perceived recovery, in comparison to a control condition, during competitive microcycles. Sixteen young semi-professional football players completed two conditions: priming (heavy sled pushes and MD-1 training) and control (only MD-1 regular training), in a crossover design. Twenty-metre sprint times and countermovement jump (CMJ) were assessed 24 hours following the completion of the experimental sessions. The distribution of training load (TL) was similar between the two microcycles on each training day (p > 0.506). At 24 hours, 20 m sprint times were lower (p < 0.001; ES = -1.41), and jump height increased (p = 0.001; ES = 1.11) in the priming condition compared to the control. Individual response analysis showed that 62.5% of the participants ran faster, and 81.3% jumped higher 24 h after priming compared to the control. Furthermore, the added sled push priming exercise did not alter the recovery values perceived by players at 24 hours (p = 0.310). These findings support the use of priming exercises within competitive microcycles by incorporating these sessions on MD-1, as they appear to improve 20 m sprint time and vertical jump without impacting perceived recovery. These results contribute to the understanding of the effects of a low-volume priming session based on heavy sled push on delayed potentiation in sprint and CMJ.

Rugby training and competition both impose a stress or training load (TL) affecting athlete well-being. Current understanding of the TL dose-response and time-lagged changes (i.e., delayed effects) in well-being is limited. We addressed these gaps using data from a 3-week international series. Twenty-two elite male rugby players were assessed 4-5 days a week for daily TL and well-being (i.e., mood, stress, soreness, fatigue, sleep quality). A distributed lag non-linear model was used to estimate the TL effect, at the within-person mean (358 A.U), +1SD (576 A.U) and +2SD (794 A.U), on well-being at 0-5 lag days. Average daily TL declined by -38% and -45% in weeks two and three (vs. week 1), respectively, with weekly fluctuations of +27% to -58% (vs. Monday training). The well-being subscales oscillated around a stable baseline. Compared to mean-centered scores, a significant decline in mood and sleep quality (-0.6 to -2.0 units; -9 to -30%) emerged at all TLs, with a delayed shift at higher loads. Elevated stress, soreness, and fatigue responses (up to 3.7 units; 76%) emerged with increasing daily TLs, including a biphasic rise in stress and fatigue at higher loads. In conclusion, we gained detailed insight into physical stress and the temporal sequence of well-being during an international rugby series. Different daily TLs predicted adverse well-being responses (i.e., declining mood and sleep quality, rise in stress, soreness, fatigue) that varied in lag timing, duration, and magnitude. Explicating these associations can assist weekly planning and strategies to optimize recovery, performance, and team success.

This study aimed to determine the effect of complex training (CT) on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect magnitude, 5- and 30-m linear sprint, 5-0-5 change-of-direction (COD), back squat (BS) and hip thrust (HT) one-repetition maximum [1RM], and jumping performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jump [DJ], and broad jump [BJ]). The PAPE effect was elicited before and after each intervention by 3 BS repetitions at 90% 1RM and verified by CMJ performance. Twenty-four soccer players were randomly and equally assigned to 6 weeks of either medium (MED; [65-70%1RM]) or high-intensity (HIGH; [80-85%1RM]) CT performed twice a week. The HIGH group significantly improved their 5-m time (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.91), 30-m time (p = 0.001; ES = 0.66), BS 1RM (p = 0.019; ES = 0.19) and HT 1RM (p = 0.035; ES = 0.26), BJ length (p = 0.012; ES = 0.62) and DJ height (p = 0.002; ES = 0.57) from pre- to post-intervention. The MED group significantly improved their 5-m time (p = 0.004; ES = 0.52), BS 1RM (p = 0.019; ES = 0.36) and BJ length (p = 0.012; ES = 0.7). Significantly shorter 5-m sprint time (p = 0.001; ES = 1.63) and greater DJ height percentage increase (p < 0.001; ES = 1.81) were found in the HIGH group compared to the MED group. Moreover, a significant main effect of the group, indicating a higher PAPE response in the MED group compared to the HIGH group for CMJ peak power output, was observed at both pre- and post-CT intervention (p = 0.045; η ² = 0.171). Six weeks of either medium or high-intensity CT could be used to enhance jumping performance, linear speed and lower-body maximum strength among soccer players. Superior improvements in acceleration and DJ might be expected after high-intensity CT than medium intensity. Medium-intensity CT can improve PAPE response.

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare, both individually and multivariately, the technical-tactical similarities and differences associated with the offensive phase between the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 and the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. Following an observational follow-up design, 4,669 ball possessions were analysed in both tournaments (FWWC19: n = 2,323; FWWC23: n = 2,346). Differences between the two editions were examined using the chi-square statistic (p < .05) and Student's t-test for categorical and continuous criteria, respectively. The effect size was calculated using the contingency coefficient and Cohen's d, respectively. Lastly, a decision tree model was implemented with FWWC as the objective criterion. Statistically significant differences were found between the two tournaments for the criteria Match Status, Match Outcome, Defensive Intention, Interaction Context, MD, MO, Possession Time, and Passes. At the multivariate level, the predictor criteria introduced by the decision tree model were Match Status, Time, MO, Start Zone (width), Passes, Defensive Intention, and Possession zone. Between the two tournaments, increases in average possession time and the number of passes were observed, conditioned by greater technical and tactical efficiency of the teams. Similarly, in the latest edition, there was greater parity among the analysed teams, justifying the inclusion of more teams in the FWWC23. The results of this study demonstrate that in the last 4 years, elite women's football has undergone a change characterized by ball possession and game control.