Variations in Accumulated-Training Load Parameters and Locomotor Demand with Consideration of Puberty in Elite Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The study’s purposes were to examine the associations of training load parameters with locomotor demand and puberty status in elite young soccer players and to predict the percentage of changes in their performance ability with adjustments to the training load parameters, using multivariate regression analysis, while considering PHV and maturity offset. Seventeen male players (15–16 years old) participated in this study. Anthropometrics, body composition, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and puberty status (for calculating PHV) and maturity offset were assessed. The results demonstrated substantial differences between the PHV, VO2max, and load parameters (acute and chronic workload (CWL)) over a soccer season. A substantial relationship existed between the workload parameters (VO2max, CWL, and training monotony (TM)) and maturity offset. All of the variables, except for training strain, demonstrated significant variances in relation to the differences between the first and second halves (p < 0.05). Aerobic performance can be estimated using the CWL, TM, and maturity offset values (R2 = 0.46). On the contrary, aerobic power performance can be explained using the acute:chronic workload, TM, and PHV values (R2 = 0.40). In conclusion, the biological maturity state of young soccer players has a substantial impact on their functional potential. Variations in accumulated load contribute significantly to aerobic resistance, whereas weight and height contribute significantly to sprint and vertical-jump performance, respectively.

Which training load indicators are greater correlated with maturation and wellness variables in elite U14 soccer players?

“…Based on the acquired results, great correlations were found between TM and ACWR ( r = 0.669 ) in the first season. In a similar study by Nobari and colleagues [ 50 ], which examined the accumulated- training load parameters of young soccer players, no meaningful relationship between these factors was observed ( p = -0.29).…”

Assessing the effects of targeted soccer exercises on the physical fitness of 15-16-year-old schoolchildren

“…An important aspect of the study was also the confirmation of the role of biological maturity and aerobic endurance in the physical fitness of young footballers [7,16,17]. This emphasizes the need to consider individual physiological characteristics when developing training programs.…”

“…Accumulated workload greatly affects aerobic endurance. In this context, height and weight significantly influence speed and vertical jump outcomes [7]. Research findings indicate that the performance of an intermittent progressive multistage test correlates with neuromuscular and speed abilities.…”

The effect of three different pre-match warm-up structures on male professional soccer players’ physical fitness

“…Per match, soccer players typically cover a total distance of 10–13 km ( Modric et al, 2022 ), in which players might cover a distance of 190–185 m at sprint and reach a maximum velocity of 31 km h −1 . Additionally, soccer players cover near to 418–568 m per match at high-speed running ( i.e., 21–24 km h −1 ) ( Nobari et al, 2022 ; Rey et al, 2023 ) and perform around 100–150 accelerations ( Varley & Aughey, 2013 ). These results support the notion that soccer is a highly demanding sport ( Modric et al, 2022 ), with variations in demands based on playing position or age ( Sal de Rellán-Guerra et al, 2019 ).…”