Physical Performance Changes in Season are Associated with GPS Data
                    in Soccer Players

Laura A. Zandavalli; Rafael Grazioli; Mikel Izquierdo; Ibai Garcia-Tabar; Filipe Veeck; Igor Setuain; Giovanni S. Ramirez; André L. Aroni; Ronei Silveira Pinto; Eduardo L. Cadore

doi:10.1055/a-2367-6289

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2024; 45(14): 1047-1054
DOI: 10.1055/a-2367-6289

Training & Testing

Physical Performance Changes in Season are Associated with GPS Data in Soccer Players

Laura A. Zandavalli

¹Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

,

Rafael Grazioli

¹Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

²Department of Physical Education, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil

³Department of Physiology and Athletic Performance, Guarani Football Club, Campinas, SP, Brazil

,

Mikel Izquierdo

⁴Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona (Spain)

⁵CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain

,

Ibai Garcia-Tabar

⁶Society, Sports and Exercise Research Group (GIKAFIT), Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

⁷Bioraba Health Research Institute, Physical Activity, Exercise, and Health Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

,

Filipe Veeck

¹Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

,

Igor Setuain

⁴Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona (Spain)

⁸TDN Orthopedic Surgery and Advanced Rehabilitation Center, Clinical Research Department, Pamplona, Spain

,

Giovanni S. Ramirez

¹Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

,

André L. Aroni

²Department of Physical Education, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil

,

Ronei Silveira Pinto

¹Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

,

Eduardo L. Cadore

¹Exercise Research Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy, and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

This study investigated the associations between pre-season and in-season performance with external workload in professional soccer players. Twenty-one players completed hamstring strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests before (pre-season) and after 8 weeks (in-season). External workload (total distance, high-intensity running distance, number of sprints, and power plays) was quantified during this period, and used to divide the average above and below subgroups outcome by outcome for further analyses. Significance was accepted when P≤0.05. Hamstring strength declined from pre- to in-season [− 6%; p=0.014; effect size (ES): − 0.41], while Yo-Yo performance improved (46%; p=0.001; ES: 1.31). When divided by high-intensity running distance, only the below-average subgroup improved CMJ performance (5%; p=0.030). For minutes played, the above-average subgroup improved Yo-Yo performance (41%; p<0.001), but not the below-average subgroup. Furthermore, playing time correlated with improved Yo-Yo performance (p=0.040; r=0.534). Improved 20-m sprint performance associated with more sprints performed (p=0.045; r=− 0.453). Physical capabilities changed over a competitive season and were related to, and differentiated by, external workload. Because hamstring strength decreased and CMJ only improved in players exposed to less high-intensity external load, practitioners should individualize approaches to counteract these conditions when high external workload is performed over the season.

Keywords

game analysis - performance - strength - team sport - testing

Full Text

References

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Supplementary Material

Supplementary Material