Comparing external total load, acceleration and deceleration outputs in elite basketball players across positions during match play

The aim of this study was to compare external load, calculated by an accelerometer training load model, the number and intensity of accelerations and decelerations, and the acceleration:deceleration ratio between playing positions during basketball matches. Twelve elite male basketball players (mean±SD, age: 25.5±5.2 years; (range: 19-36 years); body height 201.4±8.6 cm; body mass: 98.4±12.6 kg) were monitored during two official matches. An accelerometer training load model and the number of accelerations and decelerations were used to assess physical demands imposed on basketball players. Magnitude-based inferences and effect sizes (ES) were used to assess possible differences between positions: point guards (PG), shooting guards (SG), small forwards (SF), power forwards (PF) and centers (C). Elite basketball players in all positions presented higher maximal decelerations than accelerations (ES=2.70 to 6.87) whereas the number of moderate accelerations were higher than the number of moderate decelerations (ES=0.54 to 3.12). Furthermore, the acceleration:deceleration ratio (>3 m∙s-2) was significantly lower in players on the perimeter (PG and SG) than in PF and C (ES=1.03 to 2.21). Finally, PF had the lowest total external load (ES=0.67 to 1.18). These data allow us to enlarge knowledge of the external demands in basketball matches and this information could be used in the planning of training programs

The influence of the floater position on the load of soccer players during a 4 vs 4 + 2 game

The purpose of this study was to examine the load of regular players and floater players in a specific small-sided game. Twenty semi-professional soccer players performed one 4 vs 4+2, modifying the position of the floaters (internal, external, zone, square and without floaters). Total distance covered, distance covered at speeds between 7-13.9 km·h−1, 14-17.9 km·h−1, and ≥18 km·h−1, accelerations and decelerations between 2.5-4 m·s−2, maximal and mean heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were analyzed. Internal floaters achieved greater total distance covered, accelerations and RPE than in any other position. Internal and external floaters achieved more distance covered at 7-13.9, 14-17.9, >18 km·h-1 and HR than zone and square floaters. With internal floaters, regular players covered more distance covered >18 km·h-1 than in any other 4vs4+2 format, and with internal and external floaters regular players covered greater total distance and distance at 14-17.9 km·h-1 than without floaters or with zone or square floaters. Regular players showed greater total distance covered, distance covered at 7-13.9, 14-17.9, >18 km·h-1, accelerations and RPE than floaters in all 4vs4+2. These data showed that floater position in 4vs4+2 game influenced the internal and external load of both the regular players and the floaters

The effects of detraining and retraining periods on fat-mass and fat-free mass in elite male soccer players

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a detraining period (DTP) (i.e., offseason) with an individually prescribed training program, and a retraining period (RTP) (i.e., pre-season) combining soccer and flywheel-based strength training on fat-free mass (FFM) and fat-mass (FM) in 10 elite professional male soccer players. The present study used a controlled repeated-measures research design to investigate the changes in FFM and FM using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Whole body %FM increased (effect size (ES) = 0.87 ± 0.46) and FFM reduced after DTP (ES = -0.30 ± 0.19), returning to values comparable to the end of the previous season after RTP. At regional levels, arms, legs, and trunk %FM increased (ES = from 0.42 to 1.29) while trunk-FFM was reduced (ES=-0.40±0.26) after DTP, returning to the values observed at the end of the previous season after RTP. Legs-FFM did not change after DTP, with a substantial increase after RTP in comparison with pre-season values (ES = 0.34 ± 0.29 and 0.53 ± 0.36 for the right and left leg, respectively). Despite the small sample size of the present study, the findings indicate that elite soccer players can be allowed 2 weeks of rest during a five-week DTP, since the changes in %FM and FFM were relatively small, and FM and FFM returned to the optimal initial values for competition after the proposed RTP during the pre-season

Individualized speed threshold to analyze the game running demands in soccer players using GPS technology (Umbral de velocidad individualizado para analizar en jugadores de fútbol mediante tecnología GPS las exigencias de sus desplazamientos en competici

The aim of the study was to compare the relative running demands (m·min-1), among different soccer players positions, coded by an absolute threshold vs. an individualized threshold based on splits of 10% of peak velocity, during friendly games, with the same tactical system and monitoring with a GPS. To this end he had 20 players on a semiprofessional soccer team. All players were monitored with a unit GPS (15 hz SPI-pro W2b, GPSport, Canberra, Australia).  They are measured peak velocity with a sprint of 40 m, and its activity in 4 friendly matches. The player’s activities were coded into five absolute speed thresholds and ten individualized speed thresholds. The absolute speed thresholds were: Very low intensity running (VLIR: 0-7 km·h-1), Low intensity running (LIR: 7-13 km·h-1), medium intensity running (MIR: 13-18 km·h-1), high intensity running (HIR: 18-21 km·h-1), and very high intensity running (VHIR: >21 km·h-1). The individualized thresholds were from 90% of peak velocity (PV). Variables are presented as the mean (± SD), and the estimated precision is indicated with 90% confidence limits (CL). In addition to the analyses for statistical significance (i.e., paired t-tests), possible differences between players’ position was analysed (pairwise comparisons) for practical significance using magnitude-based inferences. The 30% of players get 80-90% of its peak velocity in match and 2.5% reaches 90-100% of its peak velocity. Resumen. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las demandas de carrera ent jugadores de fútbol con diferentes roles empleando tecnología GPS, analizando y comparando sus desplazamientos durante partidos amistosos en base a un umbral absoluto, frente a un umbral individualizado al perfil locomotor del jugador. Para ello se les valoró su pico máximo de velocidad realizando un sprint de 40 m, así como su actividad locomotora en 4 partidos amistosos. Los desplazamientos de los jugadores codificaron en cinco umbrales de velocidad absolutos y diez umbrales de velocidad individualizados. Los umbrales de velocidad absolutos fueron: carrera de muy baja intensidad (VLIR: 0-7 km·h-1), carrera de baja intensidad (LIR: 7-13 km·h-1), carrera de intensidad media (MIR: 13-18 km·h-1), carrera de alta intensidad  (HIR: 18-21 km·h-1), y carrera de muy alta intensidad (VHIR: >21 km·h-1). Los umbrales individualizados en base a su pico de velocidad máxima (PV) fueron:  90% del PV. El 30% de los jugadores consiguen el 80-90% de su pico de velocidad en partidos y el 2.5 % alcanza el 90-100 % de su pico de velocidad

Individualized thresholds to analyze acceleration demands in soccer players using GPS (Umbrales individualizados para analizar las demandas en la aceleración en futbolistas usando GPS)

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to analyze the number and the % of maximum accelerations, and the distance covered among different soccer players’ positions, classifying them with GPS technology according to an individual threshold based on the maximum acceleration capacity. 20 players were observed during four matches (n=80). All players undertook a maximal running speed test to determine the maximal acceleration. Players’ activities during the matches were classified into four individual acceleration thresholds: acceleration starting from 0 to 13 km·h-1 and never reaching 18 km·h-1 (A1); acceleration starting from 0 to 13 km·h-1 and reaching 18 km·h-1 (A2); acceleration starting from 13 to 18 km·h-1 (A3); and acceleration starting above 18 km·h-1 (A4). During A1, Full-Backs performed a higher number of accelerations compared to other playing positions and reached a ~95% of the maximum acceleration. During A2, Full-Backs and Wide Midfielder performed a higher number of accelerations than Central Defenders and Forwards, and Central Midfielders reached an estimated intensity of 95% of the maximum acceleration. During A3, CM performed the highest number of accelerations compared to the rest of the groups, while F reached an estimated intensity of 78% of their maximum acceleration. This individualized threshold could help coaches assess players’ physical performance and improve it, or to avoid injuries. Resumen. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar el número, % de la aceleración máxima y la distancia recorrida por las diferentes posiciones de juego, clasificándolos según un umbral individual para cada jugador basado en la máxima capacidad de aceleraración usando la tecnología GPS. Un total de 20 jugadores fueron evaluados durante 4 partidos (n=80). Todos los participantes realizaron un sprint a la máxima velocidad de carrera para determinar su capacidad máxima de aceleración. La actividad de los jugadores durante los partidos fue dividida en 4 categorías individuales de aceleración: A1, aceleración de 0 a 13 km·h-1 y sin llegar a 18 km·h-1; A2, aceleración desde 0 hasta 13 km·h-1 y alcanzando 18 km·h-1; A3, aceleración que inicia desde los 13 km·h-1 hasta los 18 km·h-1; A4, aceleración que comienza a una velocidad >18 km·h-1. En A1, los defensas laterales realizaron un mayor número de aceleraciones en comparación con las otras demarcaciones de juego y logrando una intensidad ~ 95% de su aceleración máxima. En A2, los defensas laterales y centrocampistas laterales realizaron un mayor número de aceleraciones que los defensas centrales y delanteros, consiguiendo los centrocampistas una intensidad aproximada del 95% de su máxima aceleración. En A3, los centrocampistas realizaron una cantidad superior de aceleraciones que el resto de grupos, mientras que los delanteros lograron una intensidad aproximada del 78% de su máxima aceleración. Estos umbrales individualizados podrían ser de gran utilidad para permitir evaluar a los técnicos de forma más precisa el rendimiento físico de los jugadores, permitiéndoles con ello mejorar su rendimiento y prevenir lesiones en futbolistas

Comparación de la carga interna entre partidos amistosos y un juego condicionado en jugadores profesionales de fútbol

The aim of the present study was to compare internal load between friendly matches (FM) and a small-sided game (SSG) with a tactical component (STG: 6 vs. 6 + 2 neutral players) in professional football players. Ten players were assessed by Heart Rate (HR) monitors in 5 FM and 3 sessions of a SSG. The relative internal training load (ITLR) was quantified in accordance with the proposal of Stagno (TRIMP modified/minute). The results showed that the ITLR obtained in FM was substantially greater than in the STG (3.75 ± 0.45 vs. 3.44 ± 0.61 TRIMPMOD/min, respectively). The inter-subject variability in physiological response was similar in both situations (CV: 12.35 ± 4.62% vs. 11.13 ± 2.56%, respectively). Moreover, significant large relationships were found between TRIMPMOD/min obtained in the STG sessions and the values recorded in FM (CC: 0.61 [0.09 a 0.87] and CCI: 0.62 [0.15 a 0.86]). The STG would not appear to be an appropriate training stimulus to provide the players with similar physiological demands to those required in the most intense phases of the competition. The high physiological variability suggests advising against use of the STG to provide the players with a sufficiently unified ITL, to ensure most of them receive an appropriate training stimulusEl objetivo de la investigación fue comparar la carga interna demandada entre partidos amistosos (PA) y una situación de juego reducida con orientaciones tácticas (JR: 6 vs. 6 + 2 neutrales) en jugadores profesionales de fútbol. Diez futbolistas fueron monitorizados mediante pulsómetros en 5 PA y 3 sesiones de JR, en las que se cuantificó la carga interna relativa (CIR) según la propuesta de Stagno (TRIMP modificados/minuto). Los resultados reflejaron que la CIR soportada en los PA fue sustancialmente mayor a la CIR del JR (3.75 ± 0.45 vs. 3.44 ± 0.61 TRIMPMOD/min, respectivamente), con una variabilidad inter-sujeto en la respuesta fisiológica similar, en ambas situaciones (CV: 12.35 ± 4.62% vs. 11.13 ± 2.56%, respectivamente). Además, existieron grandes y significativas relaciones entre los TRIMPMOD/min obtenidos en las sesiones de JR y los registrados durante el transcurso de los PA (CC: 0.61 [0.09 a 0.87] y CCI: 0.62 [0.15 a 0.86]). No parece por tanto el JR un estímulo de entrenamiento apropiado para proporcionar a los jugadores unas demandas fisiológicas similares, a las exigidas en las fases más intensas de la competición. Además, la elevada variabilidad en la respuesta fisiológica podría desaconsejar su uso para proporcionar a los jugadores una CI suficientemente unificada, que asegure a la mayoría de jugadores recibir un estímulo de entrenamiento apropiado y similarActividad Física y Deport

Current guidelines for the implementation of flywheel resistance training technology in sports:a consensus statement

BackgroundFlywheel resistance training has become more integrated within resistance training programs in a variety of sports due to the neuromuscular, strength, and task-specific enhancements reported with this training.ObjectiveThis paper aimed to present the consensus reached by internationally recognized experts during a meeting on current definitions and guidelines for the implementation of flywheel resistance training technology in sports.MethodsNineteen experts from different countries took part in the consensus process; 16 of them were present at the consensus meeting (18 May 2023) while three submitted their recommendations by e-mail. Prior to the meeting, evidence summaries were developed relating to areas of priority. This paper discusses the available evidence and consensus process from which recommendations were made regarding the appropriate use of flywheel resistance training technology in sports. The process to gain consensus had five steps: (1) performing a systematic review of systematic reviews, (2) updating the most recent umbrella review published on this topic, (3) first round discussion among a sample of the research group included in this consensus statement, (4) selection of research group members—process of the consensus meeting and formulation of the recommendations, and (5) the consensus process. The systematic analysis of the literature was performed to select the most up-to-date review papers available on the topic, which resulted in nine articles; their methodological quality was assessed according to AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Review 2) and GRADE (Grading Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation). Statements and recommendations scoring 7–9 were considered appropriate.ResultsThe recommendations were based on the evidence summary and researchers’ expertise; the consensus statement included three statements and seven recommendations for the use of flywheel resistance training technology. These statements and recommendations were anonymously voted on and qualitatively analyzed. The three statements reported a score ranging from 8.1 to 8.8, and therefore, all statements included in this consensus were considered appropriate. The recommendations (1–7) had a score ranging from 7.7 to 8.6, and therefore, all recommendations were considered appropriate.ConclusionsBecause of the consensus achieved among the experts in this project, it is suggested that practitioners and researchers should adopt the guidelines reported in this consensus statement regarding the use of flywheel resistance technology in sports

Luis Suarez Arrones' Quick Files

The Quick Files feature was discontinued and it’s files were migrated into this Project on March 11, 2022. The file URL’s will still resolve properly, and the Quick Files logs are available in the Project’s Recent Activity

Luis Suarez Arrones' Quick Files

The Quick Files feature was discontinued and it’s files were migrated into this Project on March 11, 2022. The file URL’s will still resolve properly, and the Quick Files logs are available in the Project’s Recent Activity