COVID-19 Confinement Effects on Game Actions during Competition Restart in Professional Soccer Players

García-Aliaga, Abraham; Marquina, Moisés; Refoyo, Ignacio; Solana, Diego Muriarte; Madrona, Juan A Piñero; Campo, Roberto López-Del; Garrosa, Fabio Nevado; Mon‐López, Daniel

doi:10.3390/ijerph19074252

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 41 publications

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“…As can be seen from our results, there were not always improvements in the second half of the match. These data may be due, firstly, to the COVID-19 situation itself, during which the training methods were changed and led to a reduction in intensity in general terms compared to the second half of the competition [ 32 , 49 , 50 ]. On the other hand, the improvement in some of the data found in the first set of rounds concerning the second rounds could be related to the fact that the analysis of match days 32 to 34 comprised the first matches after league matches were paused, so the rhythm of the competition was not yet fully established [ 51 , 52 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Increasing the Number of Substitutions on Physical Performance during Periods of Congested Fixtures in Football

García-Aliaga

Martín-Castellanos

Marquina

et al. 2023

Sports

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(I) This study aimed to evaluate the impact on physical demands induced by FIFA’s new rule implemented based on the number of substitutions caused by COVID-19. (II) Sixty-six matches were analysed in peak periods (microcycles of three matches in a week) in the competition period before and after the pandemic. The variables collected were organised by team (22 from LaLigaTM SmartBank 2019–2020) for a total of 132 team records and 1077 player performance reports using a multi-camera tracking system and Mediacoach® software. Physical performance variables were analysed in the first half, second half and whole match, thus determining the individual and collective performances of the team. (III) This study shows how, despite the increase in substitutions allowed with the new rule, physical performance increased in some variables in the congested periods (e.g., total distance run and distance run in the first and second halves). Additionally, the players’ physical performance involved in a substitution was greater than it was for players who completed the game. (IV) The new substitution rule helps to maintain and even improve physical performance. This measure could improve intensity levels in both individual and team performance. It could even safeguard the physical integrity of the players by reducing the risk of injury, as fewer players have to play the full match.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Increasing the Number of Substitutions on Physical Performance during Periods of Congested Fixtures in Football

García-Aliaga

Martín-Castellanos

Marquina

et al. 2023

Sports

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Training Practices of Football Players During the Early COVID-19 Lockdown Worldwide

Washif¹,

Mujika

DeLang³

et al. 2023

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

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The COVID-19 lockdown challenged the training options of athletes worldwide, including players from the most popular sport globally, football/soccer. Purpose: The authors explored the training practices of football players worldwide during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: Football players (N = 2482, 30% professional, 22% semipro, and 48% amateur) completed an online survey (May–July 2020) on their training practices before versus during lockdown (March–June 2020). Questions were related to training frequency and session duration, as well as training knowledge and attitudes. Results: Before lockdown, more professional (87%) than semipro (67%) and amateur (65%) players trained ≥5 sessions/wk, but this proportion decreased during the lockdown to 55%, 35%, and 42%, respectively. Players (80%–87%) trained ≥60 minutes before lockdown, but this proportion decreased to 45% in professionals, 43% in amateurs, and 36% in semipros during lockdown. At home, more than two-thirds of players had training space (73%) and equipment (66%) for cardiorespiratory training, while availability of equipment for technical and strength training was <50% during lockdown. Interactions between coach/trainer and player were more frequent (ie, daily) among professional (27%) than amateur (11%) and semipro (17%) players. Training load monitoring, albeit limited, was mostly performed by fitness coaches, more so with professionals (35%) than amateurs (13%) and semipros (17%). The players’ training knowledge and attitudes/beliefs toward training were relatively modest (50%–59%). Conclusion: COVID-19 lockdown negatively affected training practices of football players worldwide, especially amateurs and semipros, for example, in training frequency, duration, intensity, technical, recovery, and other fitness training and coaching-related aspects. During lockdown-like situations, players should be monitored closely and provided appropriate support to facilitate their training.

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Monitoring load, wellness, and psychological variables in female and male youth national team football players during international and domestic playing periods

Andersen,

Kästner,

Arvig

et al. 2023

Front. Sports Act. Living

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AimTo study differences in total load exposure, wellness, and psychological variables in youth female (N = 19) and male (N = 20) national team football players during domestic and international playing periods, respectively.ProceduresThe players filled out questionnaires on well-being, stress, and resilience before and after both playing periods lasting 8 days each. The Hooper index was used to monitor daily wellness levels during both playing periods. The number of training sessions and matches were recorded, and the session rating of perceived exertion was collected. Training load, monotony, and strain were calculated. Daily measurements were used to evaluate in-period changes, and composite scores were used to describe differences between periods.ResultsThe international compared to the domestic playing period was for both groups characterized by more matches played, longer field training session durations, and of fewer gym-based sessions (P < 0.05). The male players increased total exposure time (25%; P < 0.05), monotony (P < 0.001), and strain (P < 0.001), which was not changed in the female players. Well-being decreased (P < 0.05) during the international playing period in male players. Stress levels were higher (P < 0.05) for both genders during the international compared to the domestic playing period. During the international playing period, positive correlations were found between the initial levels of stress, and the change in stress (P = 0.03; r2 = 0.12), and between the changes in total load and changes in well-being (P = 0.02; r2 = 0.12), whereas a negative correlation was found between the changes in wellness and stress (P = 0.03; r2 = 0.14).ConclusionA playing period characterized by increased match focus, longer field training sessions, and fewer gym-based training activities may lead to changes in the physical and mental profiles of youth national team football players. Alterations to load exposure and wellness may influence mental health. Players with high initial stress levels may be subjected to greater changes compared to other players. Sports scientists and medical staff may benefit from initiating structured monitoring systems to track alterations in physical load and mental health in youth national team players.

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COVID-19 Confinement Effects on Game Actions during Competition Restart in Professional Soccer Players

Cited by 3 publications

References 41 publications

Effect of Increasing the Number of Substitutions on Physical Performance during Periods of Congested Fixtures in Football

Effect of Increasing the Number of Substitutions on Physical Performance during Periods of Congested Fixtures in Football

Training Practices of Football Players During the Early COVID-19 Lockdown Worldwide

Monitoring load, wellness, and psychological variables in female and male youth national team football players during international and domestic playing periods

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