Relationships between performance test and match-related physical performance parameters

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between performance test parameters and match-related physical performance in professional soccer players.

Methods

To determine physical capacity, 28 male soccer players underwent several performance tests at the start of the seasons 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016. The following parameters were assessed: maximum running velocity (v_max), fixed (v_4mmol/l) and individual anaerobic threshold (v_IAS) during an incremental treadmill test; 30-m sprint time in a linear sprint test (LS_30m); in a repeated-sprint test, the 30-m sprint time (RST_30m) and performance decrement (RST_decr); and countermovement jump height (CMJ). Match physical performance was quantified during the first ten official matches of each season using a computerized, camera-based tracking system. The following measures of match physical performance were considered: top running speed (TS), mean running speed (v_Ø), total distance covered (TD), number of sprints (SP), number of high-intensity running (HIR), and aerial duels won (AD+). Pearson correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Moderate to very large correlations were found between the majority of performance test parameters and match performance variables, with a variability of correlations across the three seasons. Large relationships across all three seasons were only observed between v_max and TD, v_max and v_Ø, LS_30m and TS as well as RST_30m and TS.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the relationship between several performance test parameters and match-related physical performance in professional soccer players, thereby supporting the test parameters’ criterion validity. v_max, LS_30m, and RST_30m seem to be the most consistent parameters.

     

Relationships between rigging set-up, anthropometry, physical capacity, rowing kinematics and rowing performance

The general aim of this study was to examine the relations between rigging set up, anthropometry, physical capacity, rowing kinematics and rowing performance. Fifteen elite single scullers participated in the experiment. Each sculler's preferred rigging set-up was quantified using measurements that included oar length, inboard, span, gearing ratio, swivel-seat height, footstretcher-seat height and distance, and footstretcher angles. Rowing performance was assessed using 2000 m race times from the Australian National Selection trials. Selected anthropometric, physical capacity and kinematic variables were also quantified. Several rigging variables were significantly correlated with each other, and with various anthropometric, physical capacity and kinematic variables. The individual variables that had the highest correlations with race time were 2 km ergometer time (r=0.90), mass (r=-0.87), height (r=-0.86), oar length (r = -0.85) and strength (r = -0.84). Overall results of this study indicated that the fastest rowers tend to be the largest and strongest, and that these larger body dimensions are reflected in the choice of rigging settings. Rigging set-up by itself should not be considered to be a primary determinant of rowing performance, but rather a consequence of faster rowers being larger and stronger and scaling their rigging set-up accordingly. To maximise rowing performance it appears important to tune the rigging of the boat to match the rower's size and strength.     

Circadian rhythm effect on physical tennis performance in trained male players

To determine the effect of circadian rhythm on neuromuscular responses and kinematics related to physical tennis performance, after a standardised warm-up, 13 highly competitive male tennis players were tested twice for serve velocity/accuracy (SVA), countermovement vertical jump (CMJ), isometric handgrip strength (IS), agility T-test (AGIL) and a 10-m sprint (10-m RUN). In a randomised, counter-balance order, tennis players underwent the test battery twice, either in the morning (i.e., AM; 9:00 h) and in the afternoon (i.e., PM; 16:30 h). Paired t-tests were used to analyse differences due to time-of-day in performance variables. Comparison of morning versus afternoon testing revealed that SVA (168.5 ± 6.5 vs. 175.2 ± 6.1 km · h^?1; P = 0.003; effect size [ES] = 1.07), CMJ (32.2 ± 0.9 vs. 33.7 ± 1.1 cm; P = 0.018; ES = 1.46), AGIL (10.14 ± 0.1 vs. 9.91 ± 0.2 s; P = 0.007; ES = 1.23) and 10-m RUN time (1.74 ± 0.1 vs. 1.69 ± 0.1 s; P = 0.021; ES = 0.67) were significantly blunted during the morning testing. However, IS was not affected by time-of-day (P = 0.891). Thus, tennis performance may be reduced when competing in the morning in comparison to early evening. Therefore, coaches and tennis players should focus on schedule the SVA, power, speed and agility training sessions in the afternoon.     

Relationships between functional movement screen scores,maturation and physical performance in young soccer players

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between functional movement screen scores, maturation and physical performance in young soccer players. Thirty males (11–16 years) were assessed for maturation, functional movement screen scores and a range of physical performance tests (squat jump, reactive strength index protocol and reactive agility cut). Older players significantly outperformed younger participants in all tests (P < 0.05; effect sizes = 1.25–3.40). Deep overhead squat, in-line lunge, active straight leg raise and rotary stability test were significantly correlated to all performance tests. In-line lunge performance explained the greatest variance in reactive strength index (adjusted R² = 47%) and reactive agility cut (adjusted R² = 38%) performance, whilst maturation was the strongest predictor of squat jump performance (adjusted R² = 46%). This study demonstrated that variation of physical performance in youth soccer players could be explained by a combination of both functional movement screen scores and maturation.     

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on time-trial performance in trained cyclists

We evaluated the effects of specific inspiratory muscle training on simulated time-trial performance in trained cyclists. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 16 male cyclists (VO 2max = 64 - 2 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ; mean - sx ¥ ) were assigned at random to either an experimental (pressure-threshold inspiratory muscle training) or sham-training control (placebo) group. Pulmonary function, maximum dynamic inspiratory muscle function and the physiological and perceptual responses to maximal incremental cycling were assessed. Simulated time-trial performance (20 and 40 km) was quantified as the time to complete pre-set amounts of work. Pulmonary function was unchanged after the intervention, but dynamic inspiratory muscle function improved in the inspiratory muscle training group ( P h 0.05). After the intervention, the inspiratory muscle training group experienced a reduction in the perception of respiratory and peripheral effort (Borg CR10: 16 - 4% and 18 - 4% respectively; compared with placebo, P h 0.01) and completed the simulated 20 and 40 km time-trials faster than the placebo group [66 - 30 and 115 - 38 s (3.8 - 1.7% and 4.6 - 1.9%) faster respectively; P = 0.025 and 0.009]. These results support evidence that specific inspiratory muscle training attenuates the perceptual response to maximal incremental exercise. Furthermore, they provide evidence of performance enhancements in competitive cyclists after inspiratory muscle training.     

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on time-trial performance in trained cyclists

We evaluated the effects of specific inspiratory muscle training on simulated time-trial performance in trained cyclists. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 16 male cyclists (VO2max = 64 +/- 2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); mean +/- s(x)) were assigned at random to either an experimental (pressure-threshold inspiratory muscle training) or sham-training control (placebo) group. Pulmonary function, maximum dynamic inspiratory muscle function and the physiological and perceptual responses to maximal incremental cycling were assessed. Simulated time-trial performance (20 and 40 km) was quantified as the time to complete pre-set amounts of work. Pulmonary function was unchanged after the intervention, but dynamic inspiratory muscle function improved in the inspiratory muscle training group (P < or = 0.05). After the intervention, the inspiratory muscle training group experienced a reduction in the perception of respiratory and peripheral effort (Borg CR10: 16 +/- 4% and 18 +/- 4% respectively; compared with placebo, P < or = 0.01) and completed the simulated 20 and 40 km time-trials faster than the placebo group [66 +/- 30 and 115 +/- 38 s (3.8 +/- 1.7% and 4.6 +/- 1.9%) faster respectively; P = 0.025 and 0.009]. These results support evidence that specific inspiratory muscle training attenuates the perceptual response to maximal incremental exercise. Furthermore, they provide evidence of performance enhancements in competitive cyclists after inspiratory muscle training.     

Relationships between anthropometric measures and athletic performance,with special reference to repeated-sprint ability,in the Qatar national soccer team

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine potential relationships between anthropometric parameters and athletic performance with special consideration to repeated-sprint ability (RSA). Sixteen players of the senior male Qatar national soccer team performed a series of anthropometric and physical tests including countermovement jumps without (CMJ) and with free arms (CMJwA), straight-line 20 m sprint, RSA (6 × 35 m with 10 s recovery) and incremental field test. Significant (P < 0.05) relationships occurred between muscle-to-bone ratio and both CMJs height (r ranging from 0.56 to 0.69) as well as with all RSA-related variables (r < –0.53 for sprinting times and r = 0.54 for maximal sprinting speed) with the exception of the sprint decrement score (S_dec). The sum of six skinfolds and adipose mass index were largely correlated with S_dec (r = 0.68, P < 0.01 and r = 0.55, P < 0.05, respectively) but not with total time (TT, r = 0.44 and 0.33, P > 0.05, respectively) or any standard athletic tests. Multiple regression analyses indicated that muscular cross-sectional area for mid-thigh, adipose index, straight-line 20 m time, maximal sprinting speed and CMJwA are the strongest predictors of S_dec (r² = 0.89) and TT (r² = 0.95) during our RSA test. In the Qatar national soccer team, players’ power-related qualities and RSA are associated with a high muscular profile and a low adiposity. This supports the relevance of explosive power for the soccer players and the larger importance of neuromuscular qualities determining the RSA.     

Echocardiographic dimensions in trained and untrained 12-year-old boys and girls

The purpose of this study was to compare echocardiographically measured left ventricular (LV) dimensions of 85 trained 11-12-year-old athletes with 106 untrained children matched for skeletal age and fat-free mass. Training status for each group applied to the 3 years prior to the measurements. It was found that 12 min and 100 m runs demonstrated the superior athletic ability of the trained children, but there were no significant differences in LV internal diameters at diastole and systole, in LV posterior wall thickness, or in LV end-diastolic volume and LV mass. These data indicate that little difference occurs in LV size between moderately trained and untrained 11-12-year olds or between boys and girls matched for fat-free mass and skeletal age. It is also evident that consistent but moderate training during late pre-adolescence has little effect on LV development.     

The relationship between mechanical stiffness and athletic performance markers in sub-elite footballers

This study investigated the relationship between several measures of lower-body stiffness and physical performance variables in 22 sub-elite male football players (mean ± SD; 21.9 ± 1.5 yr; 1.79 ± 0.06 m; 72.2 ± 7.2 kg). The participants were assessed for individual muscle stiffness of the Rectus Femoris (RF), Biceps Femoris (BF) and Medial Gastrocnemius (MG) muscles and vertical stiffness (Kvert) was also assessed assessed running acceleration, maximal sprint speed, agility, vertical jumping and muscular strength. Pearson’s correlations quantified the relationships and participants were also separated into relatively stiff (SG) and compliant groups (CG) for each variable. When ranked by Kvert the SG exhibited superior performance during sprinting, agility, jumping and strength (p ≤ 0.05) and when ranked by RF stiffness, SG exhibited superior sprint, agility and drop jump performance (p ≤ 0.05), while MG and BF stiffness were not related to performance. Higher stiffness appears to be beneficial to athletic performance for football players and therefore it may be beneficial for practitioners working with athletes that are required to perform dynamic activities to consider the contribution of stiffness to athletic performance.     

Power laws and athletic performance

In a previous study,we showed that the 1992 men's world record running times in the 100 m to 200 km could be represented accurately by the equation T= cDn, where T is the calculated record time for distance D, and c and n are positive constants. Here, we extend that to cover the years 1925-65 at 10-year intervals and 1970-95 in 5-year intervals for distances of 100 m to 10 km. Values of n for all years lie along a straight line with a small negative slope. A regression analysis yields an equation for values of n covering the period 1925-95. Values of c from 1925 to 1995 were fitted by a quadratic equation. These two equations define a surface in three-dimensional space log(T), log(D), date for all men's world record runs over the 70-year period for distances of 100 m to 10 km. We also demonstrated previously that event times, t, do not scatter randomly with respect to the values of T but form a consistent pattern about the straight lines in log(T) versus log(D) plots. In this study, we show that the pattern of (t-T)/t as a function of date has remained constant for the past 70 years.     

The association between fundamental athletic movements and physical fitness in elite junior Australian footballers

This study investigated the associations between fundamental athletic movement and physical fitness in junior Australian football (AF). Forty-four under 18 players performed a fundamental athletic movement assessment consisting of an overhead squat, double lunge, single leg Romanian deadlift and a push up. Movements were scored on three assessment criterions using a three-point scale. Additionally, participants performed five physical fitness tests commonly used for talent identification in AF. A Spearman’s nonparametric correlation matrix was built, with correlation coefficients being visualised using a circularly rendered correlogram. Score on the overhead squat was moderately positively associated with dynamic vertical jump height on left (r_s = 0.40; P ≤ 0.05) and right (r_s = 0.30; P ≤ 0.05) leg take-off, stationary vertical jump (r_s = 0.32; P ≤ 0.05) and negatively associated with 20-m sprint time (r_s = ?0.35; P ≤ 0.05). Score on the double lunge (left/right side) was moderately positively associated with the same physical fitness tests as well as score on the multistage fitness test. Results suggest that improvements in physical fitness qualities may occur through concurrent increases in fundamental athletic movement skill, namely the overhead squat and double lunge movements. These findings may assist with the identification and development of talent.     

Relationships among field-test measures and physical match performance in elite-standard soccer referees

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which measures derived from the new FIFA referees’ fitness tests can be used to monitor a referee's match-related physical capacity. Match-analysis data were collected (Prozone®, Leeds, UK) from 17 soccer referees for 5.0 (s = 1.7) FA Premier League matches per referee during the first 4 months of the 2007–08 season. Physical match performance categories included total distance covered, high-intensity running distance (speed >5.5 m · s^?1), and sprinting distance (>7.0 m · s^?1). The two tests were a 6 × 40-m sprint test and a 150-m interval test. Heart rate demand was correlated with total match distance covered (r = ?0.70, P = 0.002) and high-intensity running (r = ?0.57, P = 0.018) in the interval test. The fastest 40-m sprint was related to total distance covered (r = ?0.69, P = 0.002), high-intensity running (r = ?0.76, P < 0.001), and sprinting distance (r = ?0.75, P = 0.001), while mean time for the 40-m sprints was related to total distance covered (r = ?0.70, P = 0.002), high-intensity running (r = ?0.77, P < 0.001), and sprinting distance (r = ?0.77, P < 0.001). The referees who recorded the best interval-test heart rate demand and fastest 40-m time produced the best physical match performances. However, only the sprint test and in particular the fastest 40-m time had appropriate construct validity for the physical assessment of soccer referees.     

Generic anthropometric and performance characteristics among elite adolescent boys in nine different sports

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Flemish Sports Compass (FSC), a non-sport-specific generic testing battery. It was hypothesised that a set of 22 tests would have sufficient discriminant power to allocate athletes to their own sport based on a unique combination of test scores. First, discriminant analyses were applied to the 22 tests of anthropometry, physical fitness and motor coordination in 141 boys under age 18 (16.1 ± 0.8 years) and post age at peak height velocity (maturity offset = 2.674 ± 0.926) from Flemish Top Sport Academies for badminton, basketball, gymnastics, handball, judo, soccer, table tennis, triathlon and volleyball. Second, nine sequential discriminant analyses were used to assess the ability of a set of relevant performance characteristics classifying participants and non-participants for the respective sports. Discriminant analyses resulted in a 96.4% correct classification of all participants for the nine different sports. When focusing on relevant performance characteristics, 80.1% to 97.2% of the total test sample was classified correctly within their respective disciplines. The discriminating characteristics were briefly the following: flexibility in gymnastics, explosive lower-limb strength in badminton and volleyball, speed and agility in badminton, judo, soccer and volleyball, upper-body strength in badminton, basketball and gymnastics, cardiorespiratory endurance in triathletes, dribbling skills in handball, basketball and soccer and overhead-throwing skills in badminton and volleyball. The generic talent characteristics of the FSC enable the distinction of adolescent boys according to their particular sport. Implications for talent programmes are discussed.     

Modelling mood states in athletic performance

The ability to recognize patterns of play is fundamental to performance in team sports. While typically assumed to be domain-specific, pattern recognition skills may transfer from one sport to another if similarities exist in the perceptual features and their relations and/or the strategies used to encode and retrieve relevant information. A transfer paradigm was employed to compare skilled and less skilled soccer, field hockey and volleyball players' pattern recognition skills. Participants viewed structured and unstructured action sequences from each sport, half of which were randomly represented with clips not previously seen. The task was to identify previously viewed action sequences quickly and accurately. Transfer of pattern recognition skill was dependent on the participant's skill, sport practised, nature of the task and degree of structure. The skilled soccer and hockey players were quicker than the skilled volleyball players at recognizing structured soccer and hockey action sequences. Performance differences were not observed on the structured volleyball trials between the skilled soccer, field hockey and volleyball players. The skilled field hockey and soccer players were able to transfer perceptual information or strategies between their respective sports. The less skilled participants' results were less clear. Implications for domain-specific expertise, transfer and diversity across domains are discussed.     

Power laws and athletic performance.

In a previous study, we showed that the 1992 men's world record running times in the 100 m to 200 km could be represented accurately by the equation T = cDn, where T is the calculated record time for distance D, and c and n are positive constants. Here, we extend that to cover the years 1925-65 at 10-year intervals and 1970-95 in 5-year intervals for distances of 100 m to 10 km. Values of n for all years lie along a straight line with a small negative slope. A regression analysis yields an equation for values of n covering the period 1925-95. Values of c from 1925 to 1995 were fitted by a quadratic equation. These two equations define a surface in three-dimensional space (log(T), log(D), data) for all men's world record runs over the 70-year period for distances of 100 m to 10 km. We also demonstrated previously that event times, t, do not scatter randomly with respect to the values of T but form a consistent pattern about the straight lines in log(T) versus log(D) plots. In this study, we show that the pattern of (t-T)/t as a function of date has remained constant for the past 70 years.     

Relationships between kinematics and undulatory underwater swimming performance

Undulatory underwater swimming (UUS) is one of the major skills contributing to performance in competitive swimming. UUS has two phases– the upbeat is performed by hip extension and knee flexion, and the downbeat is the converse action. The purpose of this study was to determine which kinematic variables of the upbeat and downbeat are associated with prone UUS performance in an elite sample. Ten elite participants were filmed performing three prone 20 m UUS trials. Seven landmarks were manually digitised to calculate eighteen kinematic variables, plus the performance variable– horizontal centre of mass velocity (V_COM). Mean V_COM was significantly correlated with body wave velocity (upbeat r = 0.81, downbeat r = 0.72), vertical toe velocity (upbeat r = 0.71, downbeat r = 0.86), phase duration (upbeat r = ?0.79), peak hip angular velocity (upbeat r = 0.73) and mean knee angular velocity (upbeat r = ?0.63), all significant at P < 0.05. A multiple stepwise regression model explained 78% of variance in mean V_COM. Peak toe velocity explained 72% of the variance, and mean body wave velocity explained an additional 6%. Elite swimmers should strive for a high peak toe velocity and a fast caudal transfer of momentum to optimise underwater undulatory swimming performance.     

男子青少年运动员心率拐点与心率变异阈的实验研究

通过对青少年心率拐点和心率变异阈的研究,发现心率拐点和心率变异阈可以做为推测无氧阈的重要指标.其中,心率拐点简便易行,但与通气阈的相关性较小,精确度较差,在一定程度上可以做为评价机体最大有氧能力的指标;心率变异阈较心率拐点更为敏感,可以作为评价机体最大有氧运动能力的有效指标之一.     

Leg muscle recruitment in highly trained cyclists

In this study, we examined patterns of leg muscle recruitment and co-activation, and the relationship between muscle recruitment and cadence, in highly trained cyclists. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus, gastrocnemius lateralis and soleus was recorded using intramuscular electrodes, at individual preferred cadence, 57.5, 77.5 and 92.5 rev . min(-1). The influence of electrode type and location on recorded EMG was also investigated using surface and dual intramuscular recordings. Muscle recruitment patterns varied from those previously reported, but there was little variation in muscle recruitment between these highly trained cyclists. The tibialis posterior, peroneus longus and soleus were recruited in a single, short burst of activity during the downstroke. The tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis were recruited in a biphasic and alternating manner. Contrary to existing hypotheses, our results indicate little co-activation between the tibialis posterior and peroneus longus. Peak EMG amplitude increased linearly with cadence and did not decrease at individual preferred cadence. There was little variation in patterns of muscle recruitment or co-activation with changes in cadence. Intramuscular electrode location had little influence on recorded EMG. There were significant differences between surface and intramuscular recordings from the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis, which may explain differences between our findings and those of previous studies.