Study aim This study evaluated the effects of active recovery (AR), cold-water immersion (CWI), contrast-water therapy (CWT), and a no-recovery control (CWR) on creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb), and pain pressure thresholds (PPT) in national-level basketball players across three time points: immediately post-match, 24 h, and 48 h post-match. Materials and methods Twenty professional players participated in a randomized crossover trial in which each underwent all four conditions. A single intervention was applied post-match, with CK and Mb levels assessed at each time point, and PPT measured on the quadriceps and triceps surae. Results All conditions showed peak CK and Mb levels at 24 h post-match, followed by a decline at 48 h. Significant time effects were observed (p < 0.001), with condition & times; time interactions for all variables (eta(2 )= 0.26-0.94). Unexpectedly, the CWR condition had the lowest CK and Mb concentrations and highest PPT values at 48 h, indicating better biochemical and nociceptive recovery. CWI resulted in significantly lower PPT compared to AR, CWT, and CWR (p < 0.001). After accounting for baseline differences using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), condition effects remained significant at both 24 h and 48 h post-match (all p < 0.01, eta( 2)(p) = 0.15-0.91). Conclusion While AR, CWI, and CWT affected muscle damage and pain sensitivity, CWR led to the most favorable outcomes, suggesting that a single recovery intervention may not outperform rest. Notably, CWI was less effective for pain sensitivity despite moderating biomarkers.

This scoping review and meta-analysis synthesised current evidence on energy and macronutrient intake and energy expenditure in elite male and female soccer players. Despite established nutritional guidelines, concerns persist regarding chronic low energy availability and its implications for both performance and health. A total of 57 studies involving professional and semi-professional athletes aged 16 years and older were included. Meta-analyses were conducted for energy intake and total energy expenditure, with analyses performed separately for male and female players. Evidence was also synthesised for dietary intake, including carbohydrate, protein, and fat consumption. Energy intake and expenditure comparisons were based on 11 studies in male players and 6 in female players. Across both sexes, findings consistently demonstrated negative energy balance. Male players exhibited significant intake deficits relative to expenditure, averaging up to − 741 kcal.day⁻1, while female players showed deficits of − 544 kcal.day⁻1 (both p < 0.01). Even after adjustment for estimated underreporting ( 19

Purpose: Our study aims to 1) characterize and analyze food intake and typical external load in young soccer players over a normal microcycle; 2) correlate energy and macronutrient intake with external training load parameters. Methods: Eighteen high-level junior male soccer players (17.61 ± 0.49 years old) had their nutritional intake and training load assessed during a typical mid-season competitive week in November 2022, which included two matches and a structured training schedule. Anthropometric measurements, following ISAK methodology, were taken by a certified technician. Dietary intake using self-reported food diaries for all days was analyzed. Players wore a GPS device during training and matches to measure various performance metrics (distance covered, player load, accelerations, decelerations, maximal speed, and metabolic power). Results: The results revealed no significant within-week variations of carbohydrate (p = 0.747), protein (p = 0.199), lipid (p = 0.747), and calorie (p = 0.241) intake. Significant differences were observed between training days on total distance (p = 0.001), total distance standardized to minutes (p < 0.001), player load (p = 0.007), player load standardized to minutes (p < 0.001), and meta energy (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Players maintained a consistent diet throughout the week, while training load measures varied significantly across the same microcycle, indicating a lack of nutritional periodization. This highlights the need for better nutritional strategies to support varying training loads. It is crucial to reflect on the importance of this apparently insufficient intake for the health and performance of young athletes. Future investigations should explore the development of tailored nutritional plans to enhance their overall well-being and athletic performance.

Skeletal muscle (SM) injuries are a very common occurrence among athletes during training and/or competitive periods, resulting in time loss and absence from sports. Of several existing interventions to improve SM recovery, the nutritional approach has emerged as integral part to improve the physiological response and maintain the body composition to promote a rapid and safe return to play. Growing evidence supports that the physiological response to SM injuries results in a number of changes, suggesting the relevance of a personalized nutritional approach, according to the degree of immobilization, SM mass loss, strength and function. Therefore, we aimed to review the current evidence of the nutritional approach applied to SM injuries recovery in athletes, highlighting energy intake, use the main nutrients and elements for the SM recovery, such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Currently, evidence from injured athletes is scarce, and so specific guidelines cannot be established, calling from greater research into nutritional interventions in SM injury recovery in athletes.

Abstract Introduction Nutrition is vital in health and sports performance by improving anthropometric-related parameters and dietary habits, especially in the youngest ages. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been highly recognized for its positive health effects and low adverse environmental impact. Objectives We aimed to characterize adherence to the MD and analyze its association with anthropometric parameters in young soccer players. Methodology In the present study, 132 male young soccer players from under 9 to under 15 categories (aged 7 to 15 years) from a Portuguese football club participated. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) questionnaire was applied to assess adherence to the MD. Anthropometric-related parameters, including body mass, height, triceps skinfold thickness (TSKF), suprailiac skinfold thickness (SISKF), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF), were determined. The differences between groups were performed accordingly to normal and non-normal distribution. Spearman’s correlations were performed to analyze the hypothetical correlation between KIDMED and BMI. Results Players reached an average KIDMED score of 8.36 ± 1.92, showing that 68.2% (n = 90) reached high adherence to the MD, 31.1% (n = 41) had moderate adherence to the MD, and 0.78% (n = 1) had poor adherence to the MD. When the analysis was made for age group and BMI classification, no significant differences were observed in adherence to the MD. Considering the main characteristics of the MD, 50.8% consumed fruit (vs. 49,2%), 52.3% consumed vegetables (vs. 47,7%), and only 20% consumed oleaginous dried fruits (vs. 80%). Dairy consumption throughout the day was 49,2% (vs. no: 50,8%). Conclusion Data from the present study showed that many soccer players adhered to the MD, and no differences were observed for age group or BMI classification.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport is often observed in athletes, especially women, and can negatively affect exercise performance by reducing power output, recovery capacity, neuromuscular function, and/or increasing injury risk. PURPOSE: we aimed to evaluate the energy availability (EA) of female football players from the highest Female Football Portuguese League across a typical in-season microcycle. METHODS: from a professional female football club competing in the highest Female Football Portuguese League, 14 players completed the study (mean ± SD, 22.50 ± 4.38y, 57.23 ± 8.61 kg, 164 ± 6.00 cm, 18.33 ± 2.48 % of body fat and 46.34 ± 6.05 kg of fat-free mass). Participants played for 4.79 ± 4.47 years at a professional level. The load was monitored using a portable 18-Hz global positioning system (GPS) device for 7 consecutive days during a typical mid-season microcycle (one match day (MD), 4 training sessions and 2 rest days). To assess energy intake (EI), the 7-day dietary food recording method was used. Exercise energy expenditure (EEE) was estimated applying the proper METs for their exercise activities and corrected for the resting metabolic rate. The EA (kcal/kg fat-free mass/day) was estimated by using the following equation: (EI-EEE)/fat-free mass. Players with values <30 were classified as low EA, [30 - 44] as reduced EA and ≥ 45 as optimal EA. RESULTS: energy intake for rest days, training days and MD was 1661.52 ± 584.45, 1719.30 ± 441.25 and 2125.07 ± 348.60 kcal/day, respectively, with significant differences between rest days and MD (p = 0.045; ES = 1.02). The EEE for training days was lower than MD (545.16 ± 164.50 vs. 703.90 ± 297.57 kcal/day; p = 0.045; ES = 0.66). The EA for training days was lower than rest days (56.78 ± 15.24 vs. 26.31 ± 13.15; p = 0.04; ES = 2.14) and MD (37.77 ± 11.49 vs. 26.31 ± 13.15; p = 0.017; ES = 0.96), representing a large effect. According to the EA classification, rest days and MD were characterized mainly by a reduced EA while training days were low EA. CONCLUSIONS: reduced or low EA is prevalent among players of the highest Female Football Portuguese League, during a typical mid-season microcycle. As an adequate energetic intake is critical for maximal exercise performance, recovery, and health, athlete screening and proper nutritional intervention when needed is strongly advised.

IntroductionThere has been an abundance of dietary analysis research conducted on adult male soccer players, while studies on youth players are lacking. Furthermore, the daily distribution of energy and macronutrient intake throughout the day has been reported to influence training adaptations, but this is often not considered in the literature. This study aims to quantify daily energy and macronutrient intake and assess their distribution over 5 days, and compare daily energy intakes and predicted daily energy expenditure in under-16 male soccer players.MethodsThe sample included 25 soccer participants aged 14.8–15.7 years. Five-day self-reported food diaries were used to record the food/drink consumption. Intake was analyzed for total daily energy, macronutrient intakes, and distribution among meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks). Daily energy expenditure was predicted by resting energy expenditure and physical activity levels developed for youth sports participants.ResultsThe mean total energy intake was 1,928 ± 388 kcal∙day−1, whereas the estimated daily energy expenditure was 3,568 kcal∙day−1. Relative daily protein intakes were lower at breakfast, morning snack, afternoon snack, and night snack compared to lunch and dinner.DiscussionYouth soccer players do not appear to meet energy requirements and daily CHO guidelines. Fluctuations in protein intake throughout the day were noted and may influence training adaptations (i.e., muscle protein synthesis and recovery).

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of a novel tool to assess skinfolds and to compare the muscle mass measured through dual-x-ray-absorptiometry (DXA) and estimated using the Lee equation from the values of the skinfolds and girths in a healthy young adult population. Methods: The present study followed a cross-sectional design, including 38 participants, with 27 males (22.04 ± 5.20 years) and 11 females (21.55 ± 2.39 years). The measurement protocol included a DXA evaluation, basic measurements of body mass and stature, eight skinfolds with two skinfold calipers of different brands (Harpenden and Lipowise), and three girths. The order in which the skinfold calipers were used was randomized. The muscle mass was then calculated using the formula established by Lee et al. Results: No significant differences were found between the two skinfold calipers considering all the outcomes (p > 0.05). The correlation coefficients were between 0.724 and 0.991, which suggest very-large to nearly perfect correlations. The correlations performed revealed that muscle mass estimated from DXA is nearly perfectly correlated with both muscle mass estimated from the data obtained with the Harpenden skinfold caliper (r = 0.955) and muscle mass estimated from the data obtained with the Lipowise skinfold caliper (r = 0.954). From the results, we conclude that Lipowise caliper is an accurate skinfold caliper and it can be an alternative tool for the technician that need to assess body fat or muscle mass in precise, valid and time efficient evaluation. It should be noted that the caution to use skinfold calipers interchangeable with each other when evaluating skinfolds remains a necessity and is advisable to perform the measurements with the same brand and model of skinfold caliper when the purpose is to perform follow-up assessments.

Football (soccer) is a high-intensity intermittent sport with large energy demands. In a repeated-measures design, we analysed the nutritional intake and training load of fourteen female football players (22.50 ± 4.38 y; 57.23 ± 8.61 kg; 164 ± 6.00 cm; 18.33 ± 2.48% of fat mass and 23.71 ± 2.51 kg of muscle mass) competing in the highest female Football Portuguese League across a typical mid-season microcycle. The microcycle had one match day (MD), one recovery session (two days after the MD, MD+2), three training sessions (MD-3, MD-2, MD-1) and two rest days (MD+1). Energy intake and CHO (g.kg.BW−1) intake were lower on the days before the competition (MD+2, MD-3, MD-2 and MD-1 vs. MD; p < 0.05; ES: 0.60–1.30). Total distance, distance covered at high-speed running (HSRD) and the high metabolic distance load (HMLD) were lower on MD+2, MD-3 and MD-1 compared with MD (p < 0.05; ES: <0.2–5.70). The internal training load was lower in all training sessions before the competition (MD+2, MD-3, MD-2 and MD-1 vs. MD; p ≤ 0.01; ES: 1.28–5.47). Despite the small sample size and a single assessment in time, the results suggest that caloric and CHO intake were below the recommendations and were not structured based on the physical requirements for training sessions or match days.

Purpose . Our study is aimed at analyzing the relationships between water loss and a professional soccer team’s internal and external training load throughout the first three months of a season, covering all the preseason and the first two months of the competitive season. Methods . This study followed an observational analytic design. Twenty-seven athletes (age: 25.5 ± 4.1 years, height: 180.7 ± 8.2 cm, and body mass: 78.4 ± 8.7 kg) were included in the study, conducted over the first three months of the season. Players were weighed at the beginning and end of all training sessions to estimate fluid losses. They were asked to complete a wellness questionnaire and indicate the color of the first urine of the day upon their arrival at the practice session. Additionally, all sessions were monitored for locomotor demands. Results . We found a positive correlation between urine color and sprint distance ( r = 0.46, p = 0.01) and a positive correlation between dehydration and rating of perceived exertion ( r = 0.44, p = 0.015), whereas a negative correlation between dehydration and number of acceleration ( r = −0.39, p = 0.034). Conclusions . Dehydration increased perceived physical exertion. Regularly monitoring training load and changes in body mass, as well as raising awareness about hydration, can contribute to cognitive and physical performance.

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the weekly variations of well-being and training/match intensity measures in youth soccer players, and (ii) test relations between well-being and training intensity outcomes. The study followed a descriptive case study design. Twenty-seven under-17 male soccer players were monitored for well-being and training intensity parameters over seventeen consecutive weeks. An adjusted version of the Hooper questionnaire was used to monitor the perceptive sleep quality, readiness, fatigue, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) early in the morning. The CR-10 Borg’s scale was also used for monitoring the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of players after training sessions. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was executed to test the between-week variations of both well-being and training intensity outcomes. Moreover, Pearson product moment correlation was used to test the relations between well-being and training intensity outcomes. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between weeks in the sleep quality (F = 0.422; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.140), readiness (F = 0.8.734; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.251), fatigue (F = 4.484; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.147), DOMS (F = 3.775; p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.127), RPE (F = 7.301; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.219), and session-RPE (F = 17.708; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.405). Correlations between well-being and training intensity outcomes in the same week revealed moderate correlations between fatigue and session-RPE (r = 0.325). As conclusions, it was found that well-being and training intensity fluctuates over the season, while well-being outcomes seems to be related with training intensity, although with a small magnitude.

PurposeThe objectives were to analyse differences of static and dynamic balance between sexes and test the correlations between static and dynamic balance measures.MethodsThe study involved 77 physically active adults, university students (age: 19.1 ± 1.1 years; height: 170.2 ± 9.2 cm; body mass: 64.1 ± 10.7 kg). Static balance was assessed with a force platform under Romberg conditions: a foam surface, eyes open (EOFS); eyes closed (ECFS); challenging the visual-vestibular system (CVVS). The Y Balance Test (YBT) evaluated dynamic balance in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. One-way ANOVA examined potential differences between sexes, and the Pearson product-moment test verified the correlations between YBT and static balance measures.ResultsSex differences were found for all conditions in static balance variables: ellipse area (EA), centre of pressure displacement anteroposterior (DAP) and mediolateral (DML), mean velocity anteroposterior (VAP) and mediolateral (VML), total mean velocity (TV). Females presented a better stability index than males for EOFS (25% DAP, 20% DML, 30% VAP, 21% VML, 19% TV), ECFS (26% DAP, 32% DML, 28% VAP, 32% VML, 32% TV), and CVVS (27% EA, 26% DAP, 19% DML, 17% VAP, 20% VML, 18% TV). Males demonstrated 6% better performance on YBT posterolateral. Correlation tests revealed small to moderate correlations between static and dynamic balance, except for a large positive correlation between YBT anterior and sway area under the CVVS condition [r = 0.54 (0.19; 0.77)] for women.ConclusionsThe findings indicate a weak relationship between static and dynamic balance in controlling posture.

The aim of the present study was to compare electrical bioimpedance variables, blood markers and functional tests based on Body Mass Index (BMI) in older women. Associations between Phase Angle (PhA) with functional tests and blood markers were also analyzed. A total of 46 independent elderly people participated in the study, and they were divided into four groups according to BMI values: Group 1 (G1, BMI < 25 kg/m2); Group 2 (G2, BMI > 25–30 kg/m2); Group 3 (G3, BMI > 30–35 kg/m2); Group 4 (G4, BMI > 35 kg/m2). In addition to the weight and height used to calculate the BMI, the following body composition variables were collected: fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW) and PhA (50 kHz) through InBody S10 equipment. Functional capacity was assessed using the Fullerton battery of tests: arm-curl; chair-stand; 6 min walking test (6MWT); time up-and-go test (TUG); standing on one leg (SOOL) and take 10 foot-lines (10FL). The main results showed differences between groups in the tests: 6MWT, SOOL and 10FL between G1 vs. G3 and G2 vs. G3 (p < 0.05); ACT, AIC and AEC between G1 vs. G4 (p < 0.05); FM among all groups (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found between PhA and the agility test in G1 (r = −0.848; p = 0.008) and G4 (r = −0.909; p = 0.005); PhA and chair-stand in G3 (r = 0.527; p = 0.044); PhA and forearm flexion in G3 (r = 0.641; p = 0.010) and G4 (r = 0.943; p = 0.001); PhA and 6MWT in G4 (r = 0.771; p = 0.042). This study found that there is a clear trend towards better functional capacities with better parameters of body composition. Although there were no differences between groups in PhA, associations were found between different functional tests with PhA, which reveals the importance of this variable as a marker of health status.

This study aimed to: (i) analyze fat mass and physical fitness variations among age-groups and playing positions, and (ii) explore the relationship between fat mass and physical fitness in youth male soccer players. A total of 66 players from under-16, under-17, and under-19 were tested. Body mass, skinfolds, countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg triple hop jump (SLTH), bilateral triple hop jump (BTH), and yo-yo intermittent recovery Level 2 (YYIR-2) were assessed. A two- and one-way ANOVA were conducted, and the effect size was measured. Interactions were found in skin folds and fat mass. The under-19 group was taller, heavier, with a greater BMI and muscle mass than the under-16 group. They also exceeded the under-16 and under-17 in SLTH, BTH, and YYIRT-2. The under-17 group jumped higher and longer than under-16 group. Goalkeepers were taller and heavier than the midfielders. Central defenders were taller and had more muscle mass than midfielders and were heavier than the midfielders and wingers. The wingers jumped higher than the midfielders and showed better YYIRT-2. BMI was small correlated with YYIRT-2 and moderately with CMJ. Fat mass had a moderate negative correlation with CMJ and YYIRT-2. Muscle mass largely correlated with CMJ, UTH, very large with BTH and moderate with YYIRT-2. Summarily, with increasing age, better performances and body compositions were registered. Muscle mass better influences performance than body fat. Body composition can distinguish players positions.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of a nine-week unstable vs stable bodyweight neuromuscular training programme on balance control. Seventy-seven physically active universitarians were randomly distributed into an unstable training group (UTG), a stable training group (STG), and a control group (CG). The intervention was conducted three times a week for nine weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included static balance control under an unstable surface (eyes open (EOFS), eyes closed (ECFS), challenging visual-vestibular system (CVVS)), assessed as centre-of-pressure fluctuations with a force plate. A mixed ANOVA was performed to test the within- and between-subjects factors. After the intervention, no significant differences were found between groups. All groups presented significant improvements in balance measurements in EOFS (p = 0.01), ECFS (p = 0.01; p = 0.02), and CVVS (p = 0.01) conditions. The training groups tended to have significantly better balance control (antero-posterior) than the CG on EOFS. In the CVVS condition, the UTG tended to have better balance control than the CG. There was no overall significant training advantage gained by using unstable or stable surfaces in terms of the improvement in static balance control in active universitarians. Both training groups exhibited similar training adaptations.

Abstract Study aim: To assess changes in physical fitness of amateur soccer players after a pre-season training period and baseline fitness dependencies. Material and methods: Twenty-one amateur soccer players were assessed during the pre-season. The following physical variables were assessed before and after a two-month pre-season training period: (i) cardiorespiratory fitness, (ii) strength and power, and (iii) change of direction (COD). Results: Significant decreases were found for countermovement jump (CMJ) (p < 0.001; d = 1.161), drop jump (DJ) (p = 0.014; d = 0.958), and horizontal jump (HJ) (p = 0.042; d = 0.640), while no significant changes were found for the overall variables from the beginning to the end of pre-season. Fit players revealed significant decreases for CMJ (p = 0.002; d = –2.495), DJ (p = 0.004; d = –1.760), HJ (p = 0.028; d = –1.005), COD deficit (p = 0.034; d = 1.013), and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) (p = 0.026; d = –4.053). No significant changes were found for unfit players. Conclusions: Amateur soccer coaches should consider assessing physical qualities at the beginning of pre-season and use the free-of-charge monitoring tools such as session-rate of perceived exertion (s-RPE) during the training process.

Nutrition is an undeniable part of promoting health and performance among football (soccer) players. Nevertheless, nutritional strategies adopted in elite football can vary significantly depending on culture, habit and practical constraints and might not always be supported by scientific evidence. Therefore, a group of 28 Portuguese experts on sports nutrition, sports science and sports medicine sought to discuss current practices in the elite football landscape and review the existing evidence on nutritional strategies to be applied when supporting football players. Starting from understanding football’s physical and physiological demands, five different moments were identified: preparing to play, match-day, recovery after matches, between matches and during injury or rehabilitation periods. When applicable, specificities of nutritional support to young athletes and female players were also addressed. The result is a set of practical recommendations that gathered consensus among involved experts, highlighting carbohydrates periodisation, hydration and conscious use of dietary supplements.

Este estudo pretendeu avaliar par metros antropométricos e de composição corporal de jogadores de futebol sub-19 e verificar se existiam diferenças entre as posições ocupadas em campo para as variáveis avaliadas. A amostra foi constituída por 28 jogadores de futebol sub-19 de uma equipa a competir na primeira divisão. Foram observadas diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre as diferentes posições de campo para os valores médios de peso, estatura e massa muscular. Em suma, verificou-se a existência de uma especificidade posicional em termos de características antropométricas e de composição corporal nos jogadores de futebol sub-19 avaliados.

Women have a number of specificities that differentiate them from men. In particular, the role of sex steroid hormones and the menstrual cycle (MC) significantly impact women’s physiology. The literature has shown nonlinear relationships between MC, exercise, and nutritional intake. Notably, these relationships are bidirectional and less straightforward than one would suppose. For example, the theoretical implications of the MC’s phases on exercise performance do not always translate into relevant practical effects. There is often a disconnect between internal measures (e.g., levels of hormone concentrations) and external performance. Furthermore, it is not entirely clear how nutritional intake varies across the MC’s phases and whether these variations impact on exercise performance. Therefore, a thorough review of the existing knowledge could help in framing these complex relationships and potentially contribute to the optimization of exercise prescription and nutritional intake according to the naturally occurring phases of the MC. Throughout this review, an emerging trend is the lack of generalizability and the need to individualize interventions, since the consequences of the MC’s phases and their relationships with exercise and nutritional intake seem to vary greatly from person to person. In this sense, average data are probably not relevant and could potentially be misleading.