The study aimed to determine the influence of functional asymmetry on the kinematic parameters of the 50 m run and its significance in shaping maximum speed in sprinters at various sports levels. The analysis included 18 Polish sprinters (elite: ≤ 10.40 s, sub-elite: ≤ 11.10 s per 100 m) who performed four 50 m runs with 5-minute breaks. Kinematic parameters were recorded using the OptoJumpNEXT system and WittyGate photocells. The fastest and slowest run of each athlete was selected for analysis. The results showed that kinematic asymmetry has a significant impact on sprint performance. Elite sprinters had less asymmetry in stride length, frequency, and ground contact time, which correlated with better results. The key findings indicate that in the acceleration phase (0-20 m), stride length and contact time symmetry were crucial, while in the maximal speed phase (20-50 m), the symmetry of stride frequency was important. A higher sports level was associated with a more optimized running technique, as evidenced by lower kinematic asymmetry. The results suggest that minimizing kinematic asymmetry may be a crucial factor in optimizing the sprinting technique and enhancing performance, offering practical insights for coaches and athletes and empowering them to make informed decisions in their training programs.
Overpacing is frequently observed in high-intensity functional training modalities such as CrossFit, where athletes exceed sustainable intensity domains early and subsequently fail to recover performance within the same exercise bout. This study examined whether exercising above the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) induces distinct reoxygenation patterns in active and inactive muscles and aimed to develop a mathematical method for quantifying these intensity-dependent effects. Fifty-four healthy men performed two incremental cycling tests, one above and one below VT2, while SmO2 of the vastus lateralis and triceps brachii was continuously measured. Heart rate served as a systemic reference to align local SmO2 values, yielding the new metric M U S C L E Δ S m O 2 HRrel , defined as the largest exercise-to-recovery difference at identical relative heart rates. Brachial artery diameter was additionally assessed in a subsample. Only above VT2 did the inactive muscle continue to deoxygenate into early recovery, whereas the active muscle reoxygenated immediately. When plotting both muscles against each other, this produced a distinct circular overload loop, not observed below VT2. M U S C L E Δ S m O 2 HRrel confirmed this asymmetry statistically, showing a large effect in the triceps brachii (p < 0.001) and no meaningful difference in the vastus lateralis. Above VT2, brachial artery diameter decreased and subsequently increased during recovery, supporting intensity-dependent vascular regulation. Exceeding VT2 triggers an asynchronous reoxygenation response between muscle groups. The overload loop and its quantification using the newly developed metric provide a novel tool for analyzing intensity-driven SmO2 dynamics and offer new insight into the coordination of local and systemic vascular regulation under conditions of unsustainable exercise intensity.
Although there is a trend toward outdoor activities, limited research has examined the effects of outdoor exercise on blood pressure. This study aimed to compare the Systolic (sBP) and Diastolic (dBP) Blood Pressure, Heart Rate (HR) response, Post-Exercise Hypotension (PEH) and Rate Pressure Product (RPP) following indoor and outdoor activities. Thirty-seven participants (18 females = age: 24.7 ± 0.7 years, BMI: 21.1 ± 2.1 kg/m2, MET*week: 3779 ± 3037; 19 males = age: 24.9 ± 0.5 years, BMI: 24.1 ± 2.6 kg/m2, MET*week: 3000 ± 730) completed an outdoor hike (H) (~3800 m) and an indoor maximal walking test (MWT). During both sessions, sBP, dBP and HR were measured 15-min before (PRE), immediately after (POST), 15-min (POST-15) and 30-min (POST-30) after the sessions. Mean differences and standard deviations of all variables, along with PEH and RPP, were determined. Repeated-measures mixed models evaluate the effects of indoor and outdoor sessions on hemodynamic variables. Paired t-tests compared PEH between settings. Regardless of sessions PRE measurements were higher (p < 0.0001) than POST-30 for sBP (H: 10.4 ± 2.1 mmHg; MWT: 12.3 ± 2.3 mmHg), dBP (H: 4.3 ± 1.9 mmHg; MWT: 4.5 ± 1.7 mmHg), HR (H: -5.4 ± 2.2 bpm; MWT: -7.8 ± 2.5 bpm) and RPP (H: 140.6 ± 296.6 mmHg*bpm; MWT: 38.6 ± 323.5 mmHg*bpm). No significant difference in PEH (0.9 ± 11.3 mmHg) was found between sessions. PEH occurred regardless of PRE values, confirming the positive effect of physical activity on reducing BP.
Evidence regarding the training characteristics of professional cyclists is limited, particularly for female athletes. We aimed to compare the week-by-week training characteristics of female and male professional road cyclists of the highest competitive level. We analysed data from 16 female (age 26 ± 5 years) and 16 male WorldTour cyclists (age 29 ± 6 years). Power output (PO) and heart rate (HR) were registered during the 10 weeks preceding the first competition of the season, and different measures of training load (e.g., total time, training stress score [TSS], training impulse [eTRIMP]) and training intensity distribution (i.e., time spent in each intensity zone) were determined. Female and male cyclists completed a similar number of training sessions (5.9 ± 0.9 vs 6.0 ± 0.9 sessions/week, respectively; p = 0.760), although the latter trained more hours (16.7 ± 2.6 vs 19.1 ± 2.7 hours/week; p = 0.016). A significant reduction of training volume was observed during the last week before the competitive phase, particularly in females (11.2 ± 4.6 vs 17.7 ± 4.9 hours; p < 0.001). Most cyclists (> 90%) followed a pyramidal training intensity distribution through the study period regardless of sex, although females spent less absolute and relative time in low-intensity zones measured by both PO (p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.009), with more time in higher-intensity zones. No differences were found in relative training load indicators such as TSS (p = 0.986) or eTRIMP (p = 0.612) during the study. Female cyclists show lower training volumes-particularly at low intensity-than male cyclists. However, similar relative training loads are found in both sexes, likely due to the higher relative training intensity of female cyclists.
This randomized parallel-group study examined the effects of curvilinear sprint (CS) training with different radii on linear sprint (LS) performance, CS ability, change of direction (COD), and horizontal force-velocity (FV) profile in youth soccer players. Eighteen male youth soccer players from the same academy were randomly assigned to a narrow CS group (NCSG; 5.15 m radius) or a wide CS group (WSCG; 11.15 m radius). Both groups completed 12 CS sessions over 6 weeks (2 sessions/week), integrated into their regular team training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included LS (5-30 m), CS tests on both the good and weak sides over two radii (7.15 m and 9.15 m), modified 505 COD test, and sprint mechanical variables from the FV profile (F0, V0, Pmax, RFmax, Drf). No significant time × group interactions were found for any variable (p > 0.05), indicating that narrow and wide CS training produced similar adaptations. However, within-group analyses revealed significant improvements (p ≤ 0.05) in most CS tests (except for the good side on 9.15 m), in 5 m and 20 m LS times and COD performance. Additionally, the NCSG and WCSG showed small to moderate significant enhancements (p ≤ 0.05) in Pmax and RFmax after the training intervention. In conclusion, 6 weeks of CS training improved LS, CS ability, COD performance, and key sprint mechanical outputs in youth soccer players. These findings suggest that CS training is a specific and effective method for enhancing multidirectional speed and sprint mechanics in this population.
To evaluate the growth, maturity and performance characteristics of select youth soccer players grouped by subsequent playing status as adults. Height, weight, skeletal and pubertal maturity status, and performances on jumping, speed and aerobic endurance tasks were measured in 1998-1999 for 135 players 11-12 (n=29), 14-15 (n=61) and 16-17 (n=45) years. Based on records of the Portuguese Soccer Federation for the 2018-2019 season, 63 of the players were not involved in soccer as adults, while 47 played at the amateur level and 25 played professionally. Among players 11-12 years, those playing professionally as adults performed significantly better in the jump and sprint compared to peers no longer playing, while among players 14-15 years, those playing professionally as adults were significantly taller and performed better in the sprint as youth. Among players 16-17 years, in contrast, those playing soccer as an amateur or professionally and those no longer involved as adults did not differ as youth in body size, skeletal and pubertal maturity status, and performances. Comparisons of the youth characteristics of those playing soccer as adults and those no longer involved indicated no consistent pattern in the three competitive age groups considered. Unfortunately, information on soccer-specific skills and coach perceptions of skills and characteristics of youth players was not available.
In this cross-sectional investigation, we aimed to compare impulse-derived (iDSI) and forcederived (fDSI) dynamic strength indices to determine their consistency in guiding individualized training recommendations. It also assessed the agreement between training prescriptions based on these indices and analyzed individualized neuromuscular profiles through case study comparisons. Twenty male skeleton and bobsled athletes performed countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) assessments in a counterbalanced order. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to examine differences between fDSI and iDSI. Spearman correlation coefficients quantified intra-group relationships, and linear regression analysis evaluated the model fit between indices. Cohen's kappa (κ) was applied to assess agreement in training classifications derived from fDSI and iDSI. Both indices showed limitations in representing lower-limb neuromuscular function (Z = -3.72, p < 0.01, large effect). A moderate correlation was observed between iDSI and fDSI (rs = 0.47, p < 0.05), with moderate agreement in their training recommendations (κ = 0.52, 95% CI: [0.38, 0.66]). Case-study analyses revealed substantial inter-athlete variability in CMJ force-time characteristics, highlighting the need for individualized interpretation within performance profiling. Incorporating phase-specific, multi-metric evaluations of force-time variables may improve the precision of training decisions and better inform athletespecific programming.
This study investigated the effects of a 10-week powerlifting-style bench press resistance training program, with (EBD) and without an elastic bench press device (RAW), on one-repetition maximum (1-RM), body mass (BM), muscle mass (MM), fat-free mass (FFM), and muscle thickness of the triceps brachii and pectoralis major. Twenty-two trained males (EBD: n = 10, age 25.1 ± 4.5 years, relative 1-RM 1.05 ± 0.31; RAW: n = 12, age 24.9 ± 3.9 years, relative 1-RM 1.07 ± 0.31) performed training three times weekly, with the EBD group training at 10% higher intensity than the RAW group. Analysis revealed significant time effects for 1-RM (EBD: +8.5 ± 2 5.3%, d = 0.34, p ≤ 0.001; RAW: +7.8 ± 28%, d = 0.28, p ≤ 0.001) and pectoralis major muscle thickness (EBD: +15.5 ± 23.9%, d = 0.65, p = 0.007; RAW: +17.2 ± 13.2%, d = 1.31, p = 0.001). Despite significant time effects, BM revealed no relevant post hoc changes (EBD: +1.0 ± 23.8%, d = 0.04, p = 0.406; RAW: 0.0 ± 19.5%, d = 0.00, p = 1.000). No significant interaction effects emerged for any outcome, and triceps thickness, MM, FFM, and fat mass did not show statistically significant changes. EBD and RAW training produced comparable strength and hypertrophic adaptations. Although the RAW group showed slightly greater gains in pectoralis major thickness, the difference was not statistically significant. This study highlights that while EBD provides a viable alternative to conventional resistance training, it does not confer superior gains.
This study aimed to examine quarter-to-quarter variations in external and internal loads, the relationships between RPE and external loads, and the effects of contextual factors on external and internal loads in backcourt and frontcourt players. 16 professional male basketball players (8 backcourt, 8 frontcourt) from the Chinese National Basketball League were recruited. External load was quantified using Catapult S7 devices to record PlayerLoadTM (PL) and Inertial Movement Analysis (IMA) metrics, while internal load was assessed via rating of perceived exertion (RPE). From the first to the fourth quarter, frontcourt players displayed significant reductions in change of direction to the right (Q1: 0.48 ± 0.29 vs. Q4: 0.33 ± 0.16; p < 0.05) and explosive efforts (Q1: 1.49 ± 0.40 vs. Q4: 1.04 ± 0.35; p < 0.01). In contrast, backcourt players reported higher RPE (Q1: 4.28 ± 1.04 vs. Q4: 5.13 ± 1.05; p < 0.05) and recorded higher PL (Q1: 103.10 ± 44.59 vs. Q4: 123.21 ± 57.66; p < 0.01) in the fourth quarter. Frontcourt players showed higher RPE, PL, and PL · min-1, especially in the second quarter, but lower jump-related (IMA jump low, medium, total) and acceleration metrics than backcourt players. RPE correlated moderately to largely with PL and high-intensity jumps (r = 0.41-0.72, all p < 0.05). Backcourt players reported higher RPE in wins compared with losses (ES = 0.42; p < 0.05). These findings reveal notable positional differences in game load profiles, underscoring the need for contextspecific load management to optimize position-specific recovery.
This study examined relationships between running load, possession metrics, and team success (points per game (PPG)), across five English Premier League (EPL) seasons (2019/20-2023/24). Comparison of running and possession demands when facing top six (T6) versus lower-ranked (7-20) opponents was also explored. Analysis of 1675 matches, using Second Spectrum® optical tracking system, to measure running load variables (total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HID), high-speed running (HSR), sprint distance (SprD), expressed as totals, in-possession per minute (TIP), out-of-possession per minute (TOOP), and TOOP/TIP ratios. Pearson's correlations assessed relationships between running load, possession, ball-in-play (BiP), and PPG. Differences between T6 and lower-ranked teams were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. PPG correlated very largely with possession (r = .74, p < 0.001), and largely with TOOP/TIP ratios and BiP (r = .50-.65, p < 0.001). Moderate positive correlations with PPG were observed with TOOP metrics (r = .34-.45, p < 0.001), while SprD showed a small positive relationship (r = .25, p=0.01). TIP metrics correlated negatively with PPG (r = -.22 to -.57, p = 0.001-0.023). Against T6 teams, clubs ran more in total and TIP (ES = 0.11-0.41, p < 0.02), but less TOOP and lower TOOP/TIP ratios (ES = -0.11 to -0.54, p < 0.006), alongside reduced possession (ES = -0.96 to -1.04, p < 0.001) and PPG (ES = -0.61 to -0.66, p < 0.001). EPL success is very largely associated with possession and greater out-of-possession running, while in-possession running relates negatively. Only SprD correlated with PPG, suggesting total running load is less influential than possession and defensive running efficiency.
Endurance exercise exerts profound physiological effects on non-elite athletes, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study investigated transcriptomic changes induced by running a marathon and their progression during recovery. Blood samples were collected from 60 non-elite athletes (42 men, 18 women) at three time points: baseline (START), immediately after the marathon (FINISH), and 24 hours post-race (24REST). Differential gene expression analyses, along with Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment, were performed for three comparisons: C1 (START vs FINISH), C2 (FINISH vs 24REST), and C3 (START vs 24REST). The analysis identified 9,874 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in C1, indicating widespread gene expression changes following the marathon. GO and KEGG analyses highlighted significant enrichments in biological processes such as immune function, oxidative stress response, and lipid metabolism. At 24REST, gene expression had not fully returned to baseline, with 279 DEGs observed in C3. These genes were predominantly associated with mitochondrial function and energy production pathways, suggesting differences in mitochondrial and energy associated gene expression compared with baseline. Clustering analyses identified two clusters of recovered genes and three clusters of differentially expressed genes at 24REST, reflecting distinct temporal expression trajectories. These findings underscore the substantial impact of endurance exercise on gene expression in non-elite athletes, providing a foundation for understanding transcriptomic regulation in non-elite athletes and may inform strategies to optimize recovery. Future research is necessary to explore the long-term physiological and health implications of these transcriptional changes.
This study aimed to examine the associations between physical activity (PA) of different domains and intensities with the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) and all-cause mortality among adults aged 40 years and older. A total of 13,960 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018 were included. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between PA and PD prevalence. Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank tests were applied to compare mortality across PA categories, and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess the joint effects of PA and PD on all-cause mortality. Sex-stratified subgroup analyses and multiple sensitivity analyses were also performed to confirm the robustness of the findings. After adjustment for potential confounders, vigorous occupational PA (OPA) (OR = 0.349, 95% CI: 0.181-0.674) and total vigorous PA (OR = 0.471, 95% CI: 0.260-0.853) were inversely associated with PD prevalence. Survival analyses demonstrated that higher levels of PA, regardless of domain or intensity, were significantly associated with lower mortality. Consistent results were observed in Cox regression models, where adherence to moderate or vigorous PA was associated with a 29.5% (HR = 0.705, 95% CI: 0.638-0.7781) and 29.0% (HR = 0.710, 95% CI: 0.610-0.826) reduction in mortality risk, respectively. Among participants with PD, those not engaging in vigorous OPA (HR = 1.483, 95% CI: 1.134-1.940) or total vigorous PA (HR = 1.504, 95% CI: 1.150-1.968) had significantly higher mortality than non-PD individuals, whereas those who were physically active exhibited mortality risks comparable to their non-PD counterparts. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results, supporting the robustness of these associations. Vigorous occupational and total vigorous physical activity were inversely associated with both PD prevalence and all-cause mortality among adults aged ≥ 40 years. Moreover, adherence to vigorous PA among individuals with PD may mitigate the excess mortality risk associated with the disease. Nevertheless, prospective cohort studies are warranted to confirm these findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms.
This study investigated the differences in physical and technical performance between players in Spain's First and Second Division professional men's football leagues, with a specific focus on playing positions and phases of play (in and out of possession). Drawing on data from 1,608 official matches across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, involving 44 teams, the research employed advanced tracking technologies (TRACAB and Mediacoach) and technical event analysis (OPTA) to provide a comprehensive assessment of physical demands and technical actions. In possession phases, First Division central midfielders (CM) and forwards (FW) covered significantly more distance at high speeds (p = 0.010 and 0.027; ES = -0.49) and during sprints (p = 0.041 and 0.025; ES = -0.45 and -0.59), whereas wide defenders (WD) demonstrated greater high-intensity efforts in both possession and defensive phases (p = 0.002-0.009; ES = -0.50 to -0.59). Conversely, central defenders (CD) and wide midfielders (WM) did not show significant differences in physical demands between divisions. Technically, FW in the First Division recorded higher values in total passes, forward passes, attacking zone passes, successful dribbles, and crosses, while WM showed significantly greater totals in passes, forward passes, and attacking zone passes compared to their counterparts in the Second Division. In contrast, Second Division players, particularly CD and WD, executed longer passes (p = 0.025 and 0.001; ES = 0.29 and 0.20), suggesting a more direct style of play. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that competitive level and playing position significantly influence the physical and technical demands of professional football. The findings suggest that technical proficiency, particularly in offensive play, complements position-specific physical demands in highintensity actions as a key differentiator between divisions.
To examine match running performance recovery trajectories following muscle strain injuries of varying severity in professional male football players upon RTP. Forty-nine outfield players from a professional football team were prospectively monitored over four consecutive seasons (n=168 non-contact lower-limb muscle strain injuries). Injuries were classified by severity (time loss) as mild (1-7 days), moderate (8-28 days), or severe (> 28 days). GPS-derived match metrics were analysed across the four matches preceding injury and across 14 matches following RTP (i.e., POST 1-to-14) to characterise the recovery trajectory. Generalised additive mixed models were fitted to describe nonlinear recovery patterns. Recovery trajectories differed significantly between severity groups (R2 95%IC = 0.360 to 0.425, p < 0.001). Mild injuries caused short impairments with reductions of -19 to -27% in match running metrics at POST1 (ES: 0.25 to 1.05) that persisted up to POST2; per-minute intensities remained largely preserved. Moderate injuries caused large impairments, in sprinting, high-speed running, and accelerating/braking actions (-62% to -92% at POST1), and remained below baseline at POST3 (ES: 0.24 to 3.12); per-minute metrics revealed some residual neuromechanical deficits beyond minutes restriction. Severe injuries caused similar pronounced acute impairments (-60 to -100% at POST1) but the longest persistent deficits up to POST4 in absolute metrics and up to POST7 for high-speed running (ES: 0.28 to 2.31). Match running performance in the RTP after muscle strain injury follows a clear severity-dependent recovery: mild injuries recovered within two matches, moderate in three, severe injuries after four or more, particularly in high-speed and accelerating/braking actions.
This observational longitudinal study examined the impact of six contextual on the match demands of professional soccer players using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Data were collected from 17 male players across 37 official matches (September 2023-May 2024) of a Tier 3 Spanish team, utilizing 10 Hz GPS units. PCA, combined with hierarchical cluster analysis, effectively reduced the 17 initial external load metrics to eight representative variables, optimizing relevant information and minimizing redundancy inherent in performance monitoring systems. Six contextual factors (match outcome, location, player position, goal difference, halftime score evolution, and competitive block) were analyzed for their influence using ANOVA. Results indicated that player position was the most influential variable (p ≤ 0.001, large effect sizes), significantly affecting all external load metrics, with distinct profiles for forwards, midfielders, and defenders. Specifically, forwards excelled in high-intensity actions; midfielders recorded higher values in medium-intensity distances and decelerations, while defenders consistently exhibited the lowest overall physical demands. Match location significantly influenced high-intensity distance and decelerations (higher at home, small effect sizes). The competitive block showed a significant effect only on low-intensity distance, peaking during intermediate periods, suggesting that effective load management strategies mitigated fluctuations in high-intensity activity. Conversely, match outcome, goal difference, and score difference evolution had no significant effects on most physical demands. This study confirms player position as the predominant contextual factor and highlights the utility of PCA in refining load monitoring. Practical applications include individualized training regimens tailored to positional demands and optimized monitoring strategies for efficient performance analysis.
Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized for its physical and mental health benefits, but the effects of different PA domains on delayed biological aging remain inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the specific effects of occupational PA (OPA), transportation PA (TPA), and leisure-time PA (LTPA) on delayed biological aging, as well as the heterogeneity and joint interactions of these effects. We analyzed data from 18,362 adults in NHANES 2007-2010 and 2015-2018. Biological aging was assessed using Klemera-Doubal Method Biological Age (KDM-BA), Phenotypic Age (PhenoAge), and Homeostatic Dysregulation (HD). Delayed aging was defined as biological age acceleration < 0 for KDM-BA and PhenoAge, and as values below the median for HD. Logistic regression models were applied to estimate associations of PA domains and levels with delayed aging, and joint analyses were conducted to examine combined effects. Results showed that high OPA was associated with a lower likelihood of delayed aging (KDM, OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.78-0.91; PhenoAge, OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.79-0.94), whereas high LTPA (PhenoAge, OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.22-1.49; HD, OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.09-1.29) was associated with a higher likelihood, while associations for TPA were not significant after adjustment. Joint analysis showed that combinations with high OPA were associated with lower likelihood of delayed aging, whereas those with high LTPA were associated with higher likelihood. These findings highlight the distinct roles of different PA domains and levels in delaying biological aging, providing important evidence for public health strategies to promote healthy aging.
This study investigated the influence of defensive player positioning on the external and internal loads experienced during small-sided transition games (TGs) and the subsequent effects on sprint and jump performance. Twenty male youth players (age 15.7 ± 0.2 years; height 175.3 ± 7.5 cm; mass 67.1 ± 6.8 kg) completed two 7-min bouts, with 2 minutes of passive recovery, of 2 vs. 2 TGs under three defensive configurations: defenders in front of attackers (TGFront), behind attackers (TGBehind), and parallel to attackers (TGParallel). During each TG, we recorded total distance covered (DC), distance covered in running (18.0-20.9 km · h-1), high-intensity running (21.0-23.9 km · h-1), and sprinting (> 24.0 km · h-1), peak speed, mechanical load, and the number of accelerations and decelerations > 1.0 m · s-2 and > 2.5 m · s-2. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were also collected. Sprint (30 m) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered immediately before and after each session. The results showed that TGParallel and TGBehind elicited significantly greater DC, distances in running, high-intensity running, and sprinting zones, mechanical load, accelerations > 2.5 m · s-2, and RPE compared to TGFront (p < 0.05). Moreover, TGParallel produced higher DC in high-intensity running, sprinting, mechanical load, and accelerations > 2.5 m · s-2 than TGBehind (p < 0.05). No TG format induced significant changes in sprint or CMJ performance (pre- vs. post-test, p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that positioning defenders behind or parallel to attackers increases both external and internal loads across running, high-intensity, and sprinting zones during TGs, without compromising subsequent sprint or jump performance.
The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the prevalence of hip and groin injuries (HGIs) among male and female athletes. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search for related studies published from inception to February 2025 was conducted using the following databases: Cochrane, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and Scopus. A total of nine clinical trials, cohort or case-control studies were included. Data recorded from each study included authors, year of publication, study design, number of participants, sport played, age, number of injured athletes, injury prevalence, and type of injury (time-loss (TL) and/or non-time-loss (NTL)). Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. The risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated with the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. The pooled results of 3133 athletes (1955 males and 1178 females) showed no differences in HGIs between both sexes with an OR of 1.39 (95% CI: 0.99-1.96; PI: 0.48-3.99; p = 0.06). No differences were observed for TL (OR = 1.55) and NTL (OR = 0.97) injuries. Male football players showed higher odds of suffering groin problems (OR = 2.25). This systematic review and meta-analysis reveal a similar prevalence of HGIs in both males and females. The results highlight the importance of establishing screening measures for all athletes.
This study aimed to determine how contextualized physical performance metrics influence offensive and defensive outcomes in professional football. We examined external load and high-intensity actions over two seasons, adopting a dual-team approach including a reference team and its opponent. Positional data from all outfield players in 760 matches were collected using a video-based tracking system, capturing sprinting, accelerations, decelerations, and high-intensity efforts across in-possession, out-of-possession, and out-of-play phases. Sprinting distance in possession was associated with a higher number of goals scored (β = 0.308, standard error [SE] = 0.057, p < 0.001). High metabolic power distance during out-of-play phases was also a positive predictor of offensive effectiveness (β = 1.274, SE = 0.218, p < 0.001). High-intensity deceleration distance in possession was negatively related to goals scored (β = -0.257, SE = 0.089, p = 0.004). Defensively, higher opponent intensity-such as sprinting distance in possession and high metabolic power distance during out-of-play phases-was associated with a higher number of goals conceded (β = 0.212, SE = 0.052, p < 0.001; β = 1.379, SE = 0.207, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas high metabolic power distance of the reference team during out-of-play phases was negatively associated (β = -0.966, SE = 0.241, p < 0.001). The influence of in-possession decelerations differed between seasons, indicating that timing and tactical context modulate how these actions affect goals conceded. A focused set of contextualized physical metrics critically shape offensive and defensive outcomes and can guide training and tactical strategies to enhance team performance.
