Applied Physiology of Female Soccer: An Update

Abstract

The popularity and professionalism of female soccer has increased markedly in recent years, with elite players now employed on either a professional or semi-professional basis. The previous review of the physiological demands of female soccer was undertaken two decades ago when the sport was in its relative infancy. Increased research coupled with greater training and competition demands warrants an updated review to consider the effect on physical performance and injury patterns.The physical demands of match-play along with the influence of factors such as the standard of competition, playing position and fatigue have been explored. Total distance covered for elite female players is approximately 10 km, with 1.7 km completed at high-speed (>18 km.h -1 ). Elite players complete 28% more high-speed running and 24% more sprinting than moderate level players. Decrements in high-speed running distance have been reported between and within halves, which may indicate an inability to maintain highintensity activity. Although physical capacity of female players is the most thoroughly researched area comparisons are difficult due to differing protocols. Elite players exhibit maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values of 49.4 -57.6 ml.kg -1 .min -1 , Yo Yo Intermittent Endurance test level 2 (YYIE2) scores of 1774 ± 532 m (mean ± SD) and 20 m sprint times of 3.17 ± 0.03 s (mean ± SD). Reasons for the increased prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in females (2-6 times greater than males) are discussed with anatomical, biomechanical loading and neuromuscular activation differences being cited in the literature. This review presents an in-depth contemporary examination of the applied physiology of the female soccer player.Applied Physiology of Female Soccer 2 1) Introduction The last review of the physiological demands of female soccer was undertaken two decades ago [1] . At the time of that review, women's soccer was in its relative infancy with the inaugural Women's World Cup having taken place in 1991. The popularity of women's soccer has increased markedly in recent years with 29 million participants recorded in 2011, an increase of 34% from 2000 [2]. The 2015 Women's World Cup will have 24 participating nations, an increase of eight from the previous tournament.Since the previous review, increasing attention in the scientific literature has focused on women's soccer with over two thousand scientific articles published. There has been a drive towards professionalism in the sport with players at the highest level now employed on a professional or semi-professional basis. Current elite players are exposed to greater training volumes and competition demands than ever before, consequently these increased physical demands may have implications for both physical performance levels and injury patterns. Inline with these changes, advances in technology available for monitoring athletes has led to greater opportunities to scientifically support players and thus information regarding the modern elite female player...

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