Comparison of Running Distance Variables and Body Load in Competitions Based on Their Results: A Full-Season Study of Professional Soccer Players

Abstract

The aims of this study were to compare the external workload in win, draw and defeat matches and to compare first and second halves in the Iranian Premier League. Observations on individual match performance measures were undertaken on thirteen outfield players (age, 28.6 ± 2.7 years; height, 182.1 ± 8.6 cm; body mass, 75.3 ± 8.2 kg; BMI, 22.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2) competing in the Iranian Premier League. High-speed activities selected for analysis included total duration of matches, total distance, average speed, high-speed running distance, sprint distance, maximal speed and GPS-derived body load data. In general, there were higher workloads in win matches when compared with draw or defeat for all variables; higher workloads in the first halves of win and draw matches; higher total distance, high-speed running distance and body load in the second half in defeat matches. Specifically, lower average speed was found in matches with a win than with draw or defeat (p < 0.05). Sprint distance was higher in the first half of win than defeat matches and high-speed running distance was lower in draw than defeat matches (all, p < 0.05). In addition, first half presented higher values for all variables, regardless of the match result. Specifically, high-speed running distance was higher in the first half of matches with a win (p = 0.08) and total distance was higher in the first half of matches with a draw (p = 0.012). In conclusion, match result influences the external workload demands and must be considered in subsequent training sessions and matches.

Effects of 14-weeks betaine supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines and hematology status in professional youth soccer players during a competition season: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

“…First, although we instructed subjects to consume the same quantity and type of foods, we cannot discount that within subject differences in micronutrient intake may have influenced inflammatory and hematological parameters. Second, although we were able to track internal workload and indices of recovery, we did not have access to tools to measure external workloads, such as Global Positioning System devices [ 65 – 67 ]. Future research is necessary to investigate more closely the temporal changes in markers of inflammation over time with betaine supplementation, and to determine if the changes in inflammatory cytokines are sustainable with longer supplementation periods.…”

Influence of contextual factors on physical demands and technical-tactical actions regarding playing position in professional soccer players

“…Despite both studies consider the same competitive standards, such discrepancies might be explained in relation with temporal factors given that there is a span of period of 11 seasons between the aforementioned study and the current work. It is well known that today soccer is more physically demanding than before and, therefore, a higher number of sprints in each game is shown [ 38 , 39 ].…”

Comparison of Official and Friendly Matches through Acceleration, Deceleration and Metabolic Power Measures: A Full-Season Study in Professional Soccer Players

“…Before starting the match, belts were placed on the players’ shoulders and chest based on previous studies [ 18 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. After each cool-down session at the end of the training, the belts were collected from the players.…”