The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of strength training (ST) and plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SportDiscus databases revealed 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Effect sizes (ES) were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). The magnitude of the main effect was small to moderate (vertical jump (ES 0.53 (95% CI—0.11, 0.95), Z = 2.47 (p = 0.01); linear sprint (ES −0.66 (95% CI—2.03, −0.21), Z = 2.20 (p = 0.03); COD (ES −0.36 (95% CI—0.68, −0.03), Z = 2.17 (p = 0.03)). Subgroup analyses were performed (i.e., ST and PT duration, frequency, session duration and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.12–0.88). In conclusion, PT provides better benefits than ST to improve vertical jump, linear sprint and COD performance in female soccer players. However, significant limitations in the current literature prevent assured PT and ST prescription recommendations being made.

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Background The aim of this study was to analyse the physical demands and technical-tactical actions for each playing position according to game location and final outcome in professional soccer players. Methods A convenience sample was obtained from twenty-one professional male soccer players, belonged to same soccer team of the Spanish Second Division. Players’ physical demands were monitored during each match using a portable 18 Hz GPS unit and 600 Hz triaxial accelerometer. These analysed demands were total distance, moderate speed running distance (>14.4 km·h-1), high-speed running distance (>19.8. km·h-1), sprint distance (>25.0 km·h-1), number of accelerations between 2 and 4 m·s-2 and above 4 m·s-2, and number of decelerations between 2 and 4 m·s-2 and above 4 m·s-2. The data related to technical-tactical actions were obtained from WyScout®, a computerized multiple-camera tracking system based on the OPTA® track analysis tool. The obtained indicators were general, defensive and offensive. Results For all players, higher total distance (p = 0.045; effect size [ES] = 0.24, small effect) was covered and greater deceleration 2-4 m·ss-2 (p = 0.001; ES = 0.68, medium effect) was performed when the team plays at home and lose and for all players, playing at home and winning demanded higher defensive volume (p =0.014; ES = − 1.49, large effect) and nº interceptions (p =0.031; ES = − 1.40, large effect) in comparison to playing at home and losing. Conclusions The physical demands and technical-tactical actions vary when contextual game factors (i.e., match location and final outcome) are considered. We can confirm that, although the training of physical demands does not influence the final result of the match, the training of technical tactical actions could help to achieve an optimal performance of the team to win matches.

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Injuries to the knee ligaments can be particularly disabling in young patients, given the risk of long-term disability if adequate fixation is not achieved during initial repair. The TWINFIX™ titanium (Ti) suture anchor with ULTRABRAID™ Suture (Smith and Nephew, London, UK) was designed to secure tendon and ligament reconstructions with increased boney ingrowth at the anchor site with minimal invasive technique. This retrospective analysis looked at 33 patients (41 implants) operated with this device between 2015 and 2019 at a single institution. The average age of patients was 33.18 years (standard deviation [SD], 15.26), with an average body mass index of 24.88 (SD, 3.49). The indications were lateral extra-articular tenodesis during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, quadriceps or patellar tendon repair and medial collateral ligament repair. After an average follow up of 24.3 + 6.53 months, there was no reports of clinical failure or radiographic evidence of implant failure or loosening. One patient experienced a complication unrelated to the study device, requiring manipulation under anesthesia with resolution of symptoms. This case series supports the safety and performance of this implants for the knee procedures in which its use is indicated. Additional follow-up will be required to determine whether these effects are sustained at medium- and long-term durations.