A Reduction in Match-to-match Variability Using Maximal Mean Analyses in Sub-elite Soccer

Abstract

The match-to-match variability of external loads in National Premier League soccer competition was determined. Global positioning systems (GPS) data were collected from 20 sub-elite soccer players over 2–10 matches from a single season. Match data were collected from during one season. Twenty-six matches were recorded and 10 were utilised within final match-to-match analysis based on stringent data selection criteria. A symmetric moving average algorithm was applied to GPS data over specific time windows (1, 5, 10, 60, 300 and 600 s), and maximal speed and metabolic power values then calculated at each time interval during each match. Match-to-match coefficients of variation (CV) were greatest for sprint-speed running distance (36.3–43.6%) when comparing 2 vs. 10 matches. CVs for maximal mean speed (4.9–7.0%) and metabolic power (4.4–9.6%) ranged from good to moderate. As the variability of absolute high-speed distance values are greater, and therefore less reliable, their use as indicators of performance is reduced, suggesting that maximal mean analyses could be used as an alternative in the assessment of match running performance during competitive matches.

Metabolic Power in Team and Racquet Sports: A Systematic Review with Best-Evidence Synthesis

“…Concerning sex, 10 studies did not specify [ 36 – 45 ], whereas 3 studies investigated males [ 35 , 46 , 47 ]. Adults were examined in 8 studies [ 35 , 37 – 39 , 42 , 45 – 47 ] and 5 studies were based on youth players [ 36 , 40 , 41 , 43 , 44 ]. Regarding the playing level, professional players were investigated by 10 studies [ 35 – 39 , 41 , 42 , 45 – 47 ].…”

“…Regarding the playing level, professional players were investigated by 10 studies [ 35 – 39 , 41 , 42 , 45 – 47 ]. Two studies addressed sub-elite players [ 43 , 44 ], while 1 study did not specify the playing level [ 40 ].…”

“…Two studies addressed sub-elite players [ 43 , 44 ], while 1 study did not specify the playing level [ 40 ].…”

“…Further gold standards were the critical speed approach with 2 studies [ 43 , 46 ] and the use of relative and absolute running speed based on first and second ventilatory thresholds with 1 study [ 47 ]. Furthermore, the metabolic power approach was examined regarding intraindividual [ 42 ] and match-to-match variability [ 44 ] in 1 study each. As tracking technologies, 10–15 Hz GPS devices [ 36 – 47 ] and a 25 Hz video camera system [ 35 ] were used in 12 and 1 studies, respectively.…”

“…Comparison to the critical speed approach revealed a very large correlation between critical speed and GPS derived critical metabolic power [ 46 ] and a very large correlation of GPS derived critical metabolic power between different field tests [ 43 ] in 1 study each. Two further studies discovered a moderate correlation of GPS derived metabolic power between different matches [ 42 , 44 ].…”