The Effects of Training Stimulus on the Time Course of Recovery in Central and Peripheral Fatigue in a Group of Elite Youth Male Footballers

Purpose: To discover the effect of different training stimuli on the time course of recovery of fatigue from competitive youth football matches and the role that the Central Nervous System plays in this. Method: Ten participants from a Premier League football academy were recruited. Each participant completed preliminary trial testing prior to six testing sessions completed for each of the two different training weeks. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, femoral nerve stimulation and electromyography were used to measure electrical activity within the vastus lateralis during maximal voluntary contractions of an isometric knee extension. The results were recorded to assess neuromuscular function pre-match, post-match and during prior to each training session in the following week. Results: There were significant differences dependent on the day of testing for MVC (p = <0.001), TMS %VA (p = 0.020), PS deficit (p = 0.043) and PS %VA (p = 0.030). Central and peripheral fatigue were reduced in participants in comparison to previous studies. However, peripheral fatigue was significantly lower than central fatigue for the following values: Post-match deficit in TW-A (p = 0.008); Tuesday deficit in TW-A (p = 0.044); Post-match deficit in TW-AN (p = 0.043), Tuesday deficit in TW-AN (p = 0.047); Post-match %VA in TW-A (p = 0.026); Tuesday %VA in TW-AN (p = 0.031). There were no significant differences between the two training weeks for deficit or %VA for either TMS or PS, suggesting that both methods of training elicited similar central and peripheral recovery. Conclusion: These results agree with previous research that individuals recover from both central and peripheral fatigue as time passes from a previous match. This study finds that the effects of peripheral fatigue were less than central fatigue which opposes previous studies, possibly due to the elite level and the age of the athletes

Bio-banding in academy football: Player’s perceptions of a maturity matched tournament

Background: Individual differences in biological maturation impact player selection and development in youth football. Aim: To evaluate players perceptions of competing in a football tournament where they were matched by maturity rather than chronological age. Subjects: Participants included male junior footballers from three professional academies (n = 115). Methods: The study employed multiple methods of analysis, including one sample mean t-tests, equivalence tests, ANOVAs, and thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from open-ended questions. Results and conclusions: Player’s perceived the bio-banding format as providing two main benefits. Early maturing players perceived greater physical and technical challenge, and in turn new opportunities and challenges. Late maturing players perceived less physical and technical challenge, yet greater opportunity to demonstrate technical and tactical abilities. The players reported that they enjoyed and understood the purpose of the bio-banded format, and perceived less risk for injury. Players in all three maturity groups reported more opportunity to engage in leadership behaviours, influence game-play, and express themselves on the ball in the bio-banded format. Bio-banding may facilitate development for both early and late maturing academy players by presenting new learning environments and challenges

Bio-banding in Academy Football:Player's Perceptions of a Maturity Matched Tournament

Background: Individual differences in biological maturation impact player selection and development in youth football.Aim: To evaluate players perceptions of competing in a football tournament where they were matched by maturity rather than chronological age.Subjects: Participants included male junior footballers from three professional academies (n = 115).Methods: The study employed multiple methods of analysis, including one sample mean t-tests, equivalence tests, ANOVAs, and thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from open-ended questions.Results and conclusions: Player’s perceived the bio-banding format as providing two main benefits. Early maturing players perceived greater physical and technical challenge, and in turn new opportunities and challenges. Late maturing players perceived less physical and technical challenge, yet greater opportunity to demonstrate technical and tactical abilities. The players reported that they enjoyed and understood the purpose of the bio-banded format, and perceived less risk for injury. Players in all three maturity groups reported more opportunity to engage in leadership behaviours, influence game-play, and express themselves on the ball in the bio-banded format. Bio-banding may facilitate development for both early and late maturing academy players by presenting new learning environments and challenges