This study aimed to assess the impact of a 5-week intervention that combined foam rolling (FR) and static stretching (SS) on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM). Furthermore, the study evaluated the influence of the intervention on leaping ability utilizing the counter movement jump test (CMJ). Random assignment was used to allocate fifty-one amateur sports enthusiasts to either the foam rolling + static stretching (FR-SS) group ( n = 22; age: 19.3±6.87 years; height: 171±7.91 cm; weight: 66.7±9.52 kg) or the static stretching (SS) group ( n = 29; age: 18.5±4.60 years; height: 171±11.5 cm; weight: 68.3±16 kg). A baseline assessment (T0) and an assessment following the 5-week intervention (T1) were carried out. An inertial sensor was used to quantify the ankle joint ROM, and an optical detecting system was used to measure the CMJ performance. Significant differences were found between T0 and T1 in the FR-SS group. Significant group-by-time interaction effects (F = 14.44; p < 0.001, η 2 p = 0.128) and between-subject effects (F = 53.5; p < 0.001, η 2 p = 0.353) were found. Significant enhancements in CMJ performance ( p < 0.01) were noted after the intervention in the FF-SS group. A similar trend was not observed in the SS group. Our findings suggest that a 5-week intervention combining FR with SS leads to greater improvements on ROM and angular velocity of the ankle joint, and on CMJ performance compared to SS alone. If further research confirms these results, FR and SS could be widely used in sports and rehabilitation.

Fear of falling (FoF) is a disabling condition due to different factors. The present study assessed potential FoF predictors, among sociodemographic, physical, and mental health domains, and explored their structural patterns. This cross-sectional study is part of the Physical Activity Promotion & Domestic Accidents Prevention (PAP & DAP) project, and was targeted to a sample of 229 independent older people (M 14.0%, F 86.0%) aged over 60 (mean 70.5 ± 5.96), both normal and overweight (median BMI 25.8 kg/m2, Interquartile Range 5.24). Standardized tools were used to assess the variables: the Short Falls Efficacy Scale International for the FoF; an information questionnaire for the socio-demographic variables, the presence of diseases, and previous falls; the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for the PA level; the Senior Fitness Test for physical fitness data; the Short Form 12 questionnaire for variables in the mental domain; and the Psychological Well-Being Scale 24 for the psychological well-being. Correlation/regression analyses were used to explore relationships between FoF and the considered variables. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was conducted to show graphical patterns projected into space dimensions. A percentage of 59.0 of the sample showed moderate/high concern of falling. The multiple regression model showed the following variables being significant predictors (p < 0.05) of the FoF: BMI (coeff 0.44, SE 0.104), musculoskeletal disease (1.55, 0.681), upper body strength (0.33, 0.117), mobility and balance (0.76, 0.320), perceived physical health (- 0.21, 0.047), and self-acceptance (- 0.52, 0.190). MCA evidenced two dimensions: the first one explained 41.8% of the variance and was described mostly by FoF (square residuals 0.721), gender (0.670), leg strength (0.617), perceived mental health (0.591), musculoskeletal diseases (0.572), and PA level (0.556); the second dimension (12.3% of the variance), was characterized mainly by perceived physical health (0.350), life objectives (0.346), education (0.301), upper body strength (0.278), and living in family/alone (0.260). The pattern elicited by MCA was characterized by older subjects with moderate/high FoF having low education or no occupation, being overweight and inactive, suffering from different diseases, having low physical fitness, and declaring low perceived physical and mental health. These results suggest that interventions aimed at reducing FoF should be addressed to this specific profile of older people.

Background The pressures on the saddle depend on several factors and can compress specific neurovascular tissues, leading to acute and chronic genital pathologies. Based on the pelvic differences between males and females, the aim of this study was to explore any differences on saddle pressures distribution according to sex.Methods Twenty young off-road cyclists (10 m, 10 f) were recruited. Each participant was evaluated on own bike installed on a specific bike roller with a magnetic resistance. Firstly, each participant was asked to warm-up for 10 min at a self-selected cadence and intensity. Then, saddle pressures distribution was measured at three different pedaling intensities (100, 140, 180 W) with a pedaling cadence of 90 rpm, using a device equipped with sensors capable of acquiring pressures.Results A significant difference in the ischial distance was found between males and females (p = 0.007). As pedaling intensity increased, results showed a significant higher pressure in the pubic region (p = 0.004) in males and a significant higher pressure in the posterior region in females (p = 0.034). Post hoc multiple comparisons test revealed a significant increase from 100 to 180 W (p = 0.003) in the pubic region pressure in males, while no significant differences were detected in the posterior region pressure in females.Conclusions In male off-road cyclists, the pressure in the pubic region is higher with increasing pedaling intensity. Hence, to prevent acute and chronic genital pathologies, it would be advisable to fix the saddle in the best possible way during the bike fitting.

This study verified the relationship between internal load (IL) and external load (EL) and their association on injury risk (IR) prediction considering machine learning (ML) approaches. Studies were included if: (1) participants were male professional soccer players; (2) carried out for at least 2 sessions, exercises, or competitions; (3) correlated training load (TL) with non-contact injuries; (4) applied ML approaches to predict TL and non-contact injuries. TL included: IL indicators (Rating of Perceived Exertion, RPE; Session-RPE, Heart Rate, HR) and EL indicators (Global Positioning System, GPS variables); the relationship between EL and IL through index, ratio, formula; ML indicators included performance measures, predictive performance of ML methods, measure of feature importance, relevant predictors, outcome variable, predictor variable, data pre-processing, features selection, ML methods. Twenty-five studies were included. Eleven addressed the relationship between EL and IL. Five used EL/IL indexes. Five studies predicted IL indicators. Three studies investigated the association between EL and IL with IR. One study predicted IR using ML. Significant positive correlations were found between S-RPE and total distance (TD) (r = 0.73; 95% CI (0.64 to 0.82)) as well as between S-RPE and player load (PL) (r = 0.76; 95% CI (0.68 to 0.84)). Association between IL and EL and their relationship with injuries were found. RPE, S-RPE, and HR were associated with different EL indicators. A positive relationship between EL and IL indicators and IR was also observed. Moreover, new indexes or ratios (integrating EL and IL) to improve knowledge regarding TL and fitness status were also applied. ML can predict IL indicators (HR and RPE), and IR. The present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021245312).

IntroductionCharcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is an inherited neuropathy that affects the sensory and motor nerves. It can be considered the most common neuromuscular disease, with a prevalence of 1/2500.MethodsConsidering the absence of a specific medical treatment and the benefits shown by physical activity in this population, a systematic review was completed using several search engines (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) to analyze the use, effectiveness, and safety of a training program performed in telecoaching (TC). TC is a new training mode that uses mobile devices and digital technology to ensure remote access to training.ResultsOf the 382 studies identified, only 7 met the inclusion criteria. The effects of a TC training program included improvements in strength, cardiovascular ability, and functional abilities, as well as gait and fatigue. However, the quality of the studies was moderate, the size of the participants in each study was small, and the outcome measured was partial.DiscussionAlthough many studies have identified statistically significant changes following the administration of the TC training protocol, further studies are needed, with appropriate study power, better quality, and a higher sample size.

Background Padel has spread rapidly in several countries around the world. Although this racket sport seems to have several health benefits, the number of scientific papers on this sport is still very few. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the evidence regarding injuries in Padel players by identifying, synthesizing, and assessing the studies currently existing in the scientific literature. Methods This scoping review was conducted following the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and the Population, Concept, Context framework was adopted. Articles were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results A total of seven studies were included in this review. The most frequent injury location is in the elbow, followed by shoulder, and low back. As for lower limbs, knee represents the most affected body region. Although not all the studies included described the type of injuries, tendon, joint, and muscle are the body structure most injured. Conclusion This scoping review can aid in a better comprehension of the location and type of injuries that occur in Padel players. However, it is worth noting that all the studies existing concerns nonprofessional athletes. Hence, these findings could be useful to coaches as they add knowledge on the risk of injury in padel that can allow the planning of suitable training programs for amateur and recreational players in order to prevent injuries.

Background The movement of the barbell has been detected as success factor for the snatch and the clean and jerk events. As the barbell’s movement has been shown to be related to the athlete’s body movement, we hypothesized that the latter could be a success factor also for the back squat (BS) event. Hence, this study aimed to investigate postural control during the execution of the BS at different load intensities in powerlifters and weightlifters.Methods Seventeen powerlifters and weightlifters were enrolled and the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) of the BS of each participant was measured. Afterwards, the assessment of postural control during the execution of the BS at different load intensities (i.e. 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) of the 1-RM of each participant was carried out through a posturographic platform to measure the displacement of the centre of pressure (CoP). The following parameters were considered: sway path length (SPL), sway ellipse surface (SES), length/surface (LFS ratio), sway mean speed (SMS), CoP coordinates along X and Y planes.Results We found a significant increase in SPL and LFS ratio, and a significant decrease in SMS as the load intensity increased. In detail, we detected a significant difference in: (a) SPL between the BS at 60% and 80%, 60% and 90%, 60% and 100%; between the BS at 70% and 90%, 70% and 100%; between the BS at 80% and 100%; and between the BS at 90% and 100%; (b) SMS between the BS at 60% and 80%, 60% and 90%; (c) LFS ratio between the BS at 60% and 90%, 60% and 100%.Conclusions These results suggest that powerlifters and weightlifters adopt different postural control strategies depending on the load intensity when performing the BS. Our findings showed that higher effort could affect postural control during the BS. Thus, postural control could be considered a success factor for the BS.

Acute effects of static stretching (SS) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on local and non-local range of motion (ROM) were assessed in 29 participants. Three evaluations were performed one week apart: week-1 Control session (CS); weeks 2-3 either SS or PNF interventions (randomized). Dominant and non-dominant limbs, local (hamstring extensibility) and non-local ROMs (Shoulder extension-ShE) were collected at baseline (T0), immediately after (T1), and fifteen minutes post-intervention (T2). No differences were found between time-points during the CS. Local-ROM significantly increased (p=0.0002, ES=0.74 and 0.0079, 0.56, for dominant and non-dominant lower limbs, respectively) after both SS and PNF. No interaction between time and treatment was detected for ShE in both limbs. However, post-hoc analysis revealed a significant increase in dominant upper limb ShE between T0 and T1 only after SS (p=0.002; +6.5%). Acute bouts of SS and PNF can increase local-ROM, however, no clear effects were observed for non-local ROM.

Background: Quarantine was one of the strategies adopted by governments against the spread of COVID-19. This restriction has caused an increase in sedentary behaviors and a decrease in the practice of physical activity (PA), with a consequent negative impact on lifestyle both in healthy people and in those who need constant practice of PA to combat diseases, such as patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). Hence, this study aimed to compare PA levels among patients with NMD during and after quarantine. Methods: An adapted version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form and the Short-Form Health Survey were administered during COVID-19 quarantine (T0) and after 3 years (T1) to 91 Italian patients with NMDs. Results: We found a significant increase in the total PA level at T1, with no significant changes in vigorous-intensity PA. Moreover, a significant decrease in the PA level was found among the patients with different NMDs. No significant changes in physical component scores and mental component scores were detected. Conclusions: Our results suggest that it would be necessary to provide alternative indoor exercise settings to prevent the adoption of sedentary behaviors.

Background: The social restriction measures during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreasing physical activity levels. We aimed to evaluate whether the interventions reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown on people with sedentary behavior were effective. Methods: We searched several databases from their inception until 1 April 2023, including RCTs evaluating the effects of any physical activity intervention in increasing the physical activity level in people with sedentary behavior during COVID-19 confinement, based on evidence derived from intervention studies with a control group. Studies were excluded if they (i) did not include humans; (ii) did not include sufficient information regarding the interventions or regarding the outcomes of interest; (iii) did not have a control group. We used the Rayyan systematic review platform for the selection of the studies to include based on the title/abstract information. Results: Starting with 2461 records from the original literature search, and after reviewing them according to the latest PRISMA recommendations, 11 RCTs including a total of 1770 participants were available and were included in the systematic review. We found that most of the studies examined (73%) reported the beneficial effects of the proposed interventions on improving the physical activity, reducing the sedentary time, and positively contributing to the psychological well-being of the participants. Conclusions: The results of the present systematic review on RCTs of interventions to increase physical activity in sedentary people during the COVID-19 lockdown show the beneficial effects of diverse online-delivered strategies, which can be applied even after the pandemic in conditions in which access to in-person activities is not possible.

The COVID-19 lockdown and the consequent distance school learning made epochal changes in children’s lifestyles; however, little is known about the lockdown effects on school teacher habits. The aim of this observational study is to examine differences in the lifestyle of nursery (NS) and primary (PS) school teachers after one of the COVID-19 lockdowns and investigate the relationship between perceived physical/mental health and demographics, weight status and lifestyle determinants, such as adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and physical activity level (PAL). A total sample of 265 participants (49.22 ± 6.95 years) filled out an online information questionnaire and standardized questionnaires to collect data on the Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS), PAL and MD-adherence. A t-test or ANOVA analysis was used to assess differences between quantitative variables: Mann–Whitney U or Kruskal–Wallis tests for qualitative variables. Spearman’s correlations and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to identify categorical factors associated with classes of PCS and MCS. Teachers showed sufficient/high PAL, with a significantly higher level in the PS group (p < 0.05). This last showed a higher PCS score (p < 0.05). No differences between groups were found for MD-adherence, which was moderate/fair in both groups, and MCS, which was sufficient/good. Logistic regression showed that the only positive predictor of a high PCS was being physically active (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.05–4.2, p < 0.05), while MCS was positively associated with normal weight status (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.33–0.78, p = 0.020). This study highlights that PS teachers are more active than the NS group and perceive a higher physical health level. Mere predictors of physical and mental well-being are PA practice and being normal weight, respectively. This suggests that interventions to improve perceived health in this work category should be focused on the promotion of physical activity practice and on the maintenance of an optimal weight status.

Background The numerous restrictive measures implemented during the recent COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the levels of physical activity (PA) carried out by elderly people and telecoaching (TC) could be a training method to maintain the recommended levels of PA. In fact, TC uses information and digital communications technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access training services remotely. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review the scientific literature to verify the application, efficacy, and safety of TC training programs. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases were used for this review, and randomized controlled trials analyzing TC training programs for elderly people were included. Only articles written in English and published in the last decade were considered. Results 3 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis including 194 elderly people. The sample size ranged from 12 to 117 and the TC training program from 8 to 12 weeks. The TC training programs were applied to elderly people with metabolic diseases and respiratory diseases. TC training program was effective in elderly people with metabolic diseases while the benefits for respiratory diseases have yet to be clarified. Conclusion TC seems to be a safe, effective, and injury-free training method, despite its limited application in elderly population. Future studies should better investigate this training method in elderly people in order to evaluate the effectiveness in a wider range of diseases.

Practicing physical activities or sports that involve frequent jumping and landing can strain the muscles and joints of the lower limbs, especially in those who do not have adequate physical preparation. The objective of this study was to (a) determine the correlation between ankle range of motion (ROM) and landing stability following jumps; (b) assess the association between the jump height in a counter-movement jump (CMJ) test and ankle ROM; and (c) examine the connection between stabilometry during specific jumps movements present in many sports and in ankle stabilization. Sixty-two healthy amateur volleyball players participated in the study (age: thirty-seven females and twenty-five males; age (years): 16.5 ± 4.25; height (cm): 166 ± 11.4; weight (Kg): 61.6 ± 13.7). Participants were recruited for the study in collaboration with student sports associations. The evaluations encompassed the measurement of ankle joint mobility for both lower limbs using an inertial sensor, a static baropodometric and stabilometric analysis using a pressure platform, and the CMJ test using the Microgate system. After the assessments, participants performed a “specific jump landing task”. Significant correlations were found between foot range of motion (ROM) and counter-movement jump (CMJ) performance. Specifically, the ROM of the right foot had a strong correlation with the CMJ (r = 0.81, p < 0.001), while the left foot ROM showed a moderate correlation (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). The specific jump task revealed substantial changes in stabilometry parameters, particularly during forward hops compared to lateral jumps. Dorsiflexion ROM significantly impacts jumping ability. Evaluating landing patterns and stabilometry during targeted activities can help optimize training, improve dynamic balance, and reduce ankle injury risk.

IntroductionWhile pedaling, cyclists rest their pelvis on the saddle, generating pressures on it. The pressures generated on the saddle are influenced by several factors. This study aimed to evaluate whether the flexibility of hamstring and lower back muscles could be considered a predictor of pressures in the anterior region (PAR) on the saddle.MethodsFor this study, 15 young off-road Italian cyclists (11m, 4f) aged 13–16 (Italian Federation categories: ES1, ES2, AL1, AL2) were recruited. Each participant was administered the V sit-and-reach (VSR) to measure the hamstring and lower back muscles flexibility. Subsequently, after performing a bike fitting, the saddle pressures during pedaling at three different intensities (100, 140, 180 W), with participants on their own bike installed on specific bike roller, were recorded. The parameters considered for statistical analysis were front pressure (%) and back pressure (%).ResultsThe hamstring and lower back muscles flexibility, as result of the VSR test, was a predictor of saddle PAR at 100 W (R2 = 0.362, p = 0.018), at 140 W (R2 = 0.291, p = 0.038), and at 180 W (R2 = 0.349, p = 0.020) of pedaling intensity.ConclusionHigher values of the VSR could predict lower values of the pressures exerted in the front region of the saddle. The hamstring and lower back muscles flexibility may be considered a predictor of PAR on the saddle.

The decrease in functional abilities can negatively influence quality of life and autonomy in elderly people, and physical exercise plays a crucial role regardless of the type. Among the latter, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor exercise and telecoaching are settings that have been widely implemented. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a sustainable training program combining supervised outdoor exercise with telecoaching on physical performance in elderly people. A total of 60 participants were recruited and divided into two groups: a trained group (TG) and an untrained group (UG), based on their participation in an 8-week sustainable training program consisted of five sessions/week, which included two sessions/week of supervised outdoor exercise and three sessions/week of telecoaching. Participants were evaluated before and at the end of the training program using the handgrip test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, short physical performance battery (SPPB), and Tinetti scale. In the TG, we found a significant improvement in the following tests: right handgrip (p < 0.001); left handgrip (p < 0.001); TUG (p < 0.001); SPPB (p = 0.01); and Tinetti scale (p = 0.006). A detailed analysis of the SPPB and Tinetti scale showed the lack of significant changes in walking ability: gait speed (p > 0.05) and walking parameters in the Tinetti scale (p > 0.05). Based on our results, we suggest that a sustainable training program combining supervised outdoor exercise with telecoaching could be effective in the elderly population for improving balance capacity and strength.

Background: Prismatic adaptation (PA) is a visuomotor technique using prismatic glasses that are capable of moving the visual field and to affect the excitability of certain brain areas. The aim of this pilot study was to explore potential acute effects of PA on penalty kick accuracy and postural control in youth soccer players. Methods: In this randomized crossover study, seven young male soccer players performed three PA sessions (rightward PA, r-PA; leftward PA, l-PA; sham PA, s-PA) with a washout period of 1-week between them. Immediately before and after each PA session, penalty kick accuracy and postural control were assessed. Results: We detected an increase in penalty kick accuracy following PA, regardless of the deviation side of the prismatic glasses (F1,5 = 52.15; p = 0.08; eta p2 = 0.981). In detail, our results showed an increase in the penalty kick accuracy toward the right target of the football goal following r-PA and toward the left target of the football goal following l-PA. We detected a significant effect on the sway path length (F2,12 = 10.42; p = 0.002; eta p2 = 0.635) and the sway average speed (F2,12 = 9.17; p = 0.004; eta p2 = 0.605) parameters in the stabilometric test with open eyes following PA, regardless of the deviation side of the prismatic glasses. In detail, our results showed a significant difference in both the stabilometric parameters (p = 0.016 and p = 0.009, respectively) only following l-PA. Conclusion: The findings of this pilot study indicate that PA could positively affect penalty kick accuracy and postural control suggesting that PA could be used as a visual training technique in athletes.

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Abstract Thomas, E, Ficarra, S, Nunes, JP, Paoli, A, Bellafiore, M, Palma, A, and Bianco, A. Does stretching training influence muscular strength? A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1145–1156, 2023—The aim of this study was to review articles that performed stretching training and evaluated the effects on muscular strength. Literature search was performed using 3 databases. Studies were included if they compared the effects on strength following stretching training vs. a nontraining control group or stretching training combined with resistance training (RT) vs. an RT-only group, after at least 4 weeks of intervention. The meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model with Hedges' g effect size (ES). A total of 35 studies (n = 1,179 subjects) were included in this review. The interventions lasted for a mean period of 8 weeks (range, 4–24 weeks), 3–4 days per week, applying approximately 4 sets of stretching of approximately 1-minute duration. The meta-analysis for the stretching vs. nontraining control group showed a significant small effect on improving dynamic (k = 14; ES = 0.33; p = 0.007) but not isometric strength (k = 8; ES = 0.10; p = 0.377), following static stretching programs (k = 17; ES = 0.28; p = 0.006). When stretching was added to RT interventions, the main analysis indicated no significant effect (k = 17; ES = −0.15; p = 0.136); however, moderator analysis indicated that performing stretching before RT sessions has a small but negative effect (k = 7; ES = −0.43; p = 0.014); the meta-regression revealed a significant negative association with study length (β = −0.100; p = 0.004). Chronic static stretching programs increase dynamic muscular strength to a small magnitude. Performing stretching before RT and for a prolonged time (>8 weeks) can blunt the strength gains to a small-to-moderate magnitude. Performing stretching in sessions distant from RT sessions might be a strategy to not hinder strength development.

Upright bipedal posture is the physiological human posture; however, it is not the only possible form of human standing; indeed, an inverted position, a handstand, is required during gymnastics or other sports. Thus, this study aimed to understand the differences between the two standing strategies from a postural and neuromuscular perspective. Thirteen gymnasts with at least three years of sports experience underwent a baropodometric assessment and a surface electromyography (sEMG) examination in a standard upright bipodalic stance and during a handstand. The sEMG examination was performed on the gastrocnemius during an upright stance and on the flexor carpi radialis during the handstand. Limb weight distribution presented differences between the two vertical stances (p < 0.01). During the handstand, the weight ratio was prevalently observed on the palm of the hand for both hands with a significant difference between the front and rear aspect of the hand compared to the standing tasks (p < 0.01). Normalized sEMG amplitude showed significant differences during bipedal standing and hand standing; however, over a 5 s period, the normalized median frequency (MDF) value was similar for the two tasks. Both standing tasks presented similar postural weight managing patterns when analysed on the frontal plane, but they were different on the sagittal plane. In addition, the neuromuscular patterns during a 5 s window differ in amplitude but not for the frequency domain.

Background: Wearable inertial sensors are poorly used in soccer to monitor external load (EL) indicators. However, these devices could be useful for improving sports performance and potentially reducing the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the EL indicators (i.e., cinematic, mechanical, and metabolic) differences between playing positions (i.e., central backs, external strikers, fullbacks, midfielders, and wide midfielder) during the first half time of four official matches (OMs). Methods: 13 young professional soccer players (Under-19; age: 18.5 ± 0.4 years; height: 177 ± 6 cm; weight: 67 ± 4.8 kg) were monitored through a wearable inertial sensor (TalentPlayers TPDev, firmware version 1.3) during the season 2021–2022. Participants’ EL indicators were recorded during the first half time of four OMs. Results: significant differences were detected in all the EL indicators between playing positions except for two of them (i.e., distance traveled in the various metabolic power zones (<10 w) and the number of direction changes to the right >30° and with speed >2 m). Pairwise comparisons showed differences in EL indicators between playing positions. Conclusions: Young professional soccer players showed different loads and performances during OMs in relation to playing positions. Coaches should consider the different physical demands related to playing positions in order to design the most appropriate training program.