Sprint pattern analysis of professional female soccer players on artificial and natural turf (Análisis del patrón de carrera en jugadoras de fútbol femenino en césped artificial y natural)

Abstract

Abstract. Introduction: There is few evidence that details the behavior of each spatiotemporal variable of the running pattern of female soccer players using different surfaces. Objective: To describe the spatiotemporal variables of the sprint pattern developed on natural and artificial turf by professional female soccer players. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on nineteen (n=19) professional athletes with an average age of 22.3 years, who´s sprint spatiotemporal variables were evaluated in a natural (Bermuda 419) and artificial (Star 2) playing field through an optical measurement system (Opto Gait, Italy). The analysis of the differences of the space and time variables by turf was done with the Wilcoxon test for paired data and the differences in speed and acceleration by playing position was done using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The Spearman test was used to compare the correlation between speed, acceleration and anthropometric variables. Finally, an alpha level of 5% was considered for the whole analysis. Results: On the natural turf, the speed and cadence of the players were higher; on the artificial turf, the energy, flight time, contact phase and step angle were higher (p<0.05). On the other hand, an indirect relationship was observed between speed, contact time, percentage and fat weight (p=0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the natural turf, Bermuda 419, allows for a faster sprinting patterns, characterized by lower energy use, flight time, contact phase and step angle. 
 Resumen. Introducción: Existe poca evidencia que detalle el comportamiento de cada variable espaciotemporal del patrón de carrera de mujeres futbolistas utilizando diferentes superficies. Objetivo: describir las variables espacio temporales del patrón de carrera desarrollado en superficie natural y artificial por mujeres futbolistas profesionales. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en diecinueve (n=19) deportistas profesionales con un promedio de edad de 22.3 años, a quienes se les evaluaron las variables espacio temporales de la carrera en césped natural (Bermuda 419) y artificial (Star 2) a través de un sistema de medición óptico (Opto Gait). El análisis de las diferencias de las variables espacio temporales fue realizado con el test de Wilcoxon para datos pareados y las diferencias en la velocidad y aceleración fue realizados usando el test Kruskal-Wallis. El test de Spearman se usó para comparar la correlación entre las variables de velocidad, aceleración y antropométricas. Finalmente, un nivel de alpha de 5% fue considerado para el análisis total. Resultados: en la superficie natural, la velocidad y cadencia de las futbolistas fueron superiores; sobre superficie artificial, la energía, el tiempo de vuelo, la fase de contacto y el ángulo de paso fueron más altas (p<0.05). De otra parte, se observó una relación indirecta entre la velocidad, tiempo de contacto, porcentaje y peso graso (p=0.01). Conclusión: nuestros resultados sugieren que la superficie natural, Bermuda 419, permite un patrón de carrera más rápido, caracterizado por un menor uso de energía, tiempo de vuelo, fase de contacto y ángulo de paso.

Bilateral asymmetries and sex differences in the kinematics of running gait cycle of a group of Andalusian recreational runners (Asimetrías y diferencias por sexo en la cinemática del ciclo de carrera en un grupo de corredores recreativos andaluces)

“…Our participants were not professional runners and at the moment the study was carried out they ran two/three times per week and not much more than 10 km per week, so our testing speeds were lower than those used in most investigations with runners and, as it is well known, the swing phase becomes proportionately longer and the stance phase shorter as the speed increases (Deflandre, et al, 2016;Kharb, et al, 2011;Muñoz, et al, 2018;Nicola & Jewison, 2012;Novacheck, 1998;Rubinstein, et al, 2017;Smith & Hanley, 2013). However, our results are similar to those calculated with the data provided by López-Gómez et al (2020) even if their soccer players run at a higher speed but it may be explained by the different running pattern due to the different running surfaces (Ariza-Viviescas, et al, 2021;López-Gómez, et al, 2020) or by the fact that they were children with a lower height which undoubtedly reduces the stance phase.…”