Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-12-16eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.156231
Mohamed Kerkeni, Karim Chamari, Manel Kerkeni, Omar Boukhris, Achraf Ammar, David B Pyne, Waqar Husain, Hamdi Chtourou, Abdul Rashid Aziz, Haitham Jahrami, Khaled Trabelsi
{"title":"Does Ramadan fasting influence time-motion metrics and psychophysiological responses in soccer players during small-sided games performed in fed and fasted states?","authors":"Mohamed Kerkeni, Karim Chamari, Manel Kerkeni, Omar Boukhris, Achraf Ammar, David B Pyne, Waqar Husain, Hamdi Chtourou, Abdul Rashid Aziz, Haitham Jahrami, Khaled Trabelsi","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156231","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156231","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We explored how Ramadan fasting (RF) influences GPS-derived time-motion metrics and psychophysiological responses in soccer players during small-sided games (SSG). Twelve semi-professional male players (mean age 21.1 ± 0.7 y; estimated <math> <mrow> <msub> <mrow><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> <mtext>O</mtext></mrow> <mrow><mn>2</mn> <mi>max</mi></mrow> </msub> </mrow> </math> 54.5 ± 2.2 mL/min/kg) participated in four experimental SSG sessions in a within-subject, counterbalanced design. These sessions were scheduled at 15:00 and 21:00 before Ramadan, in a fed state (i.e., BR15<sub>fed</sub> and BR21<sub>fed</sub>), and during the fourth week of Ramadan at 15:00 in a fasted state (DR15<sub>fasted</sub>) and at 21:00 in a fed state (DR21<sub>fed</sub>). Sleep patterns, dietary intake, and insomnia symptoms were evaluated during the week preceding and final week-of-Ramadan. Participants' Hooper index (wellness) and daytime sleepiness and mood measures were assessed before each session. Time-motion metrics using GPS and exercise heart rate (HR) were assessed during all sessions, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected after each session. Except for a higher number of decelerations in DR21<sub>fed</sub> session (<i>p</i> < 0.001), RF had no significant effect on other time-motion metrics. Absolute and relative exercise HR were higher at BR15<sub>fed</sub> than at BR21<sub>fed</sub> and at DR15<sub>fasted</sub>. RPE, Hooper index scores, and perceptual stress and muscle soreness components were higher at DR15<sub>fasted</sub> compared to BR15<sub>fed</sub>. Additionally, RF was associated with decreased sleep duration (by ~45 minutes) and increased insomnia symptoms and daytime sleepiness, while mood states and dietary intake were unchanged. RF induced physiological and perceptual changes in response to exercise, particularly in the fasted state. However, SSG performance metrics remained stable, suggesting fasted athletes can maintain short-duration SSG performance regardless of fasting status.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"679-691"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081145/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-12-04eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.156783
Ryland Morgans, Rafael Oliveira, Mauro Mandorino, Ben Ryan, Piotr Zmijewski, Toni Modric, Jose Eduardo Teixeira, Alexandre Moreira
{"title":"The effect of contextualised match variables on the metabolic power of elite soccer players during English Premier League match-play.","authors":"Ryland Morgans, Rafael Oliveira, Mauro Mandorino, Ben Ryan, Piotr Zmijewski, Toni Modric, Jose Eduardo Teixeira, Alexandre Moreira","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156783","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156783","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the effect of contextualised match variables on metabolic power of elite soccer players during English Premier League (EPL) match-play across four seasons (2021/22-2024/25), comparing in-possession (MP<sub>IP</sub>) and out-of-possession (MP<sub>OP</sub>) phases. Match data from 31 male professional soccer players retrieved from 152 regular-season EPL competitive matches was obtained via an optical tracking system and analysed with decision tree regression models. The MP<sub>IP</sub> model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy (RMSE = 1.54; MPE = 2.04%), identifying playing position as the dominant predictor (88% of total feature importance). Defenders exhibited the lowest MP<sub>IP</sub>, while forwards in a 3-5-2 team formation showed the highest values (MP<sub>IP</sub> = 15.7 W · kg<sup>-1</sup>). Conversely, the lowest MP<sub>IP</sub> values (MP<sub>IP</sub> = 12.1 W · kg<sup>-1</sup>) were observed when the study team did not employ a 3-5-2 team formation and faced opponents with a ranking difference of less than eight positions. The MP<sub>OP</sub> model also demonstrated robust predictive performance (RMSE = 1.59; MPE = 1.30%). Playing position was the most influential factor (44% of total feature importance), with midfielders displaying higher MP<sub>OP</sub>. Forwards had the lowest MP<sub>OP</sub> in the second half, while the highest values (MP<sub>OP</sub> = 17.1 W · kg<sup>-1</sup>) were observed for midfielders when the team was losing in a 3-5-2 formation. These findings confirm that positional role is the principal determinant of metabolic power in EPL match-play, with midfielders particularly exposed to elevated demands out-of-possession. Tactical structure, match status, and match period further modulate metabolic load, highlighting the need to consider context-specific training strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"671-678"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081155/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-12-04eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.156228
Enrique Cañadas-García, Alfonso de la Rubia, Anthony Weldon, Jaime González-García, Verónica Giráldez-Costas, Carlos García-Sánchez
{"title":"Resistance priming strategies in professional Spanish soccer: A survey study into the practices and perceptions of strength and conditioning coaches.","authors":"Enrique Cañadas-García, Alfonso de la Rubia, Anthony Weldon, Jaime González-García, Verónica Giráldez-Costas, Carlos García-Sánchez","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156228","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156228","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This cross-sectional survey study investigated the practices and perceptions of strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches working in professional Spanish soccer concerning resistance priming strategies. Twenty-four S&C coaches (age: 30.6 ± 5.3 years; professional experience: 7.7 ± 3.5 years) participated in this study. The survey comprised four sections: 1) coaches' information; 2) perceptions about resistance priming; 3) programming variables; and 4) opinions. Results showed that S&C coaches predominantly used resistance priming strategies 24 h (79%) or 24-48 h (21%) before a match. The most frequently used exercises during resistance priming sessions were isometric exercises (25%), followed by traditional strength exercises heavy load (85% 1RM) (22%), traditional strength moderate load (60-85% 1RM) (17%), ballistic exercises (17%), traditional strength light load (< 60 % 1RM) (11%), sprint (4%), and weightlifting (4%). This paper analyses survey responses from S&C coaches in soccer, comparing their reported practices and perceptions with the findings of existing empirical research. This allows us to examine whether their methods are consistent with research-based approaches, or if they deviate towards alternative methods. This information can help professionals design more effective training programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"661-670"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-12-03eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.156734
Atef Salem, Achraf Ammar, Mohamed Kerkeni, Mohamed Ali Boujelbane, Ayse Merve Uyar, Leonard Moritz Köbel, Saranya Selvaraj, Reza Zare, Katie M Heinrich, Haitham Jahrami, Slim Tounsi, Giuseppe Grosso, Piotr Zmijewski, Wolfgang I Schöllhorn, Khaled Trabelsi, Hamdi Chtourou
{"title":"Correction: Acute effects of beetroot juice vs. creatine supplementation on maximal strength, autonomic regulation, and muscle oxygenation during incremental resistance exercise.","authors":"Atef Salem, Achraf Ammar, Mohamed Kerkeni, Mohamed Ali Boujelbane, Ayse Merve Uyar, Leonard Moritz Köbel, Saranya Selvaraj, Reza Zare, Katie M Heinrich, Haitham Jahrami, Slim Tounsi, Giuseppe Grosso, Piotr Zmijewski, Wolfgang I Schöllhorn, Khaled Trabelsi, Hamdi Chtourou","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156734","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156734","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2025.151658.].</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"659-660"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-11-24eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.156227
Kai Yang, Yang Xia, Ana Silva Filipa
{"title":"Repeated sprint training induces prolonged residual fatigue compared to other high-intensity interval training modalities in middle-distance runners.","authors":"Kai Yang, Yang Xia, Ana Silva Filipa","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to monitor the kinetics of neuromuscular fatigue and inflammation indices in middle-distance runners following exposure to three different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modalities: short-interval HIIT, long-interval HIIT, and repeated sprint training (RST). A crossover repeated-measures design was used involving 33 male middle-distance runners (19.6 ± 2.3 years) who completed short-interval HIIT, long-interval HIIT, and RST. Neuromuscular performance was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), while inflammatory (salivary IL-6) and perceptual markers (delayed onset muscle soreness, DOMS and perceived recovery scale, PRS) were measured at rest, immediately post-exercise, and at 24 and 48 hours post-exercise to evaluate changes over time. All variables showed significant main effects of time and modality, as well as interactions (p < 0.001). Immediately post-exercise, RST consistently induced the greatest acute fatigue, evidenced by larger declines in CMJ (9.6%) and IMTP (6.7%), an increase in IL-6, and a 56.8% drop in PRS. At 24 hours post-exercise, RST still showed significantly reduced performance (CMJ and IMTP) and elevated inflammation (IL-6) compared to short and long-HIIT. DOMS peaked at 24 hours in the RST group, which also reported lower perceived recovery. By 48 hours, performance and inflammatory markers largely returned to baseline across all groups. However, RST continued to show higher DOMS and lower PRS than both short and long-HIIT (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that RST induces a more pronounced and prolonged recovery period compared to both short- and long-interval HIIT. Coaches should consider that recovery following RST sessions may require up to at least 48 hours, which is longer than for short- or long-interval HIIT.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"631-645"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-11-24eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.156230
André Rebelo, Irineu Loturco, Aaron T Scanlan
{"title":"Reaching higher, landing harder: classifying individualized jump intensity zones and ground impact forces in professional male and female volleyball matches.","authors":"André Rebelo, Irineu Loturco, Aaron T Scanlan","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156230","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156230","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This exploratory study aimed to (i) develop a framework to classify individualized jump intensity zones by combining relative jump height and landing impact force and (ii) explore sex- and position-based differences using these zones among volleyball players. Twenty-four players (13 male, 11 female) from two professional teams were monitored across the 2024-2025 season. Maximum jump height was determined using a spike jump test with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for each player. In-match jumps were captured using the same IMU, with jump height and landing force recorded. Jump height was expressed as a percentage of individualized maximum jump height from the spike jump test (or in-match measurement if higher). K-means clustering defined five intensity zones for each sex. Descriptive analyses were conducted according to position (middle blockers, outside hitters, opposite hitters, and setters) and sex. Overall, 17,930 jumps in males and 14,725 jumps in females were analysed during matches. Males demonstrated significantly higher average jump heights (57.2 ± 16.3 cm vs. 41.7 ± 13.0 cm, p < 0.001, g = 1.00) and greater landing forces (10.4 ± 5.1 g vs. 8.4 ± 4.7 g, p < 0.001, g = 0.41) than females. Individualized zones were identified, ranging from very low (~25% of maximum jump height) to very high (~80% of maximum jump height) intensities. Landing impact increased progressively across zones, ranging from approximately 6 g in the lowest zone to over 12 g in the highest zone. Middle blockers and outside hitters accumulated more high- and very high-intensity jumps, while setters exhibited more moderate-intensity jumps than other positions. Males showed higher absolute and relative jump heights as well as greater landing forces than females, although intensity zone thresholds were comparable across sexes. This study introduces a novel and individualized method for classifying jump intensity in volleyball, combining jump height and landing impact forces to reflect mechanical output and stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"647-656"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-11-24eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.156224
Salah Mhamdi, Karim Chamari, Ahmed S BaHammam, Walid Ahmed Alkeridy, Abdulrahman Ahmed Aldeeri, Helmi Ben Saad
{"title":"Aging reimagined: Bridging clinical modulation and scientific breakthroughs.","authors":"Salah Mhamdi, Karim Chamari, Ahmed S BaHammam, Walid Ahmed Alkeridy, Abdulrahman Ahmed Aldeeri, Helmi Ben Saad","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156224","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156224","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The expanding body of research that suggests aging may be controllable is examined in our literature review, drawing on insights from certain domains where physiological degeneration is potentially modifiable. The discovery of telomerase and its connection to cellular senescence, the epigenetic reprogramming of adult cells into pluripotent states, and the role of autophagy in longevity are encouraging scientific milestones, as they address key signaling pathways of aging including rapamycin, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and forkhead box O transcription factors. Clinical innovations involving growth hormone, metformin, and dehydroepiandrosterone have shown demonstrable modifiable biological age's markers, as evidenced by the thymus regeneration, immunorestoration, and insulin mitigation experiment. Furthermore, lifestyle-based tactics such as stress management, dietary optimization, exercise, and circadian alignment have become widely available resources for extending life expectancy. Sleep disturbance, poor nutrition, and psychological stress are key factors in the relationship between accelerated aging on one hand and persistent low-grade inflammation and metabolic dysfunction on the other hand (ie, inflammaging and metaflammation concepts). The advent of targeted therapies (eg, senotherapeutics and Sirtuin activators) and precision medicine tools (eg, polygenic risk scores and multi-cancer early detection tests) further highlight an ongoing shift from reactive to preventive medicine. While ethical and regulatory challenges-particularly regarding equitable access and long-term safety- are yet to be fully addressed, there is consensus that aging is a dynamic process open to intervention. This literature review urges researchers, physicians, and legislators to prioritize aging research, support translational initiatives, and integrate evidence-based treatments into public health frameworks.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"617-630"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-11-21eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.153531
Ana Carolina Paludo, Adam Lipčák, Koulla Parpa, Elisavet Kyprianidou, Marios N Avraamides
{"title":"The effect of virtual and augmented reality training on soccer players: a systematic review of cognitive-motor performance.","authors":"Ana Carolina Paludo, Adam Lipčák, Koulla Parpa, Elisavet Kyprianidou, Marios N Avraamides","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.153531","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.153531","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review provides a critical analysis of the findings from studies that investigated the effects of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) training on the cognitive and sensorimotor skills of soccer players. A systematic search was conducted to identify studies reporting pre-post intervention outcomes related to (1) cognitive performance measured in traditional laboratory tasks, (2) cognitive-motor skills assessed with on-pitch tasks (e.g., heading), and (3) various self-report measures. The search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus databases, using the keywords <i>soccer</i> OR <i>football</i> AND <i>virtual reality</i> OR <i>augmented reality</i> AND <i>cognitive</i> OR <i>cognitive-motor</i> OR <i>self-report</i>, along with equivalent entry terms. Article selection followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Of 289 records identified, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. All included studies reported significant improvements in the VR and AR training groups, particularly in cognitive variables measured with reaction time and accuracy; cognitive-motor skills such as heading, passing, and shooting; and self-reported outcomes including perceived efficiency, self-confidence and sports engagement. One study also reported structural and functional brain adaptations following VR training. In conclusion, the findings of this systematic review support the potential of VR and AR training as an effective approach to improve cognitive-motor performance in soccer players. These results highlight that VR and AR can serve as effective tools in soccer training programmes, complementing traditional training. Open questions relating to the topic of the review are identified and are proposed as targets for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"597-604"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-11-21eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.154943
Eider Barba, Beñat Erkizia, David Casamichana, Udane Etxebeste, Julen Castellano
{"title":"Comprehensive multivariate insights into external training load in women's football: four session clusters to optimize weekly periodization.","authors":"Eider Barba, Beñat Erkizia, David Casamichana, Udane Etxebeste, Julen Castellano","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.154943","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.154943","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to analyse the external load demands placed on female football players during training sessions and matches across different competition levels. Twelve external load metrics were monitored in 58 players from professional (n=19, PRO), reserve (n=18, RES), and under-17 (n=21, U17) teams across 251 training sessions and 85 matches. Data were collected with GPS devices and analysed using principal component analysis (PCA, Varimax rotation) and K-means clustering (K = 4). PCA grouped the metrics into three components: high-speed movements, volume (e.g., duration, total distance, acceleration load, decelerations > 3 m · s<sup>-2</sup>), and speed-change variables (accelerations and decelerations). Together, these three components explained approximately 90% of the total variance. Cluster analysis identified four session types: (1) low-demand sessions (introductory, pre-match, and discontinuous training), (2) high-speed but moderate-demand sessions (compensatory and extensive training), (3) highest-demand sessions (official matches), and (4) high-neuromuscular-demand sessions (intensive training). Clusters 2 and 3 showed the most significant differences in variables such as high-speed distances and maximum speed, highlighting distinct physical demands. Except for the U17 team in intensive sessions and matches and PRO in discontinuous sessions, all teams distributed their sessions in nearly consistent patterns across clusters. The study underscores the importance of integrating external load variables to profile training demands and demonstrates the value of cluster analysis for optimizing training planning and periodization. Practically, the four clusters provide simple guidelines for coaches to balance speed, volume, and neuromuscular demands within weekly training.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"605-616"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology of SportPub Date : 2025-11-21eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2026.156226
João Barreira, Pedro Figueiredo, Cristian Petri, Luca Pengue, Francesco Perondi, Alessandro Buccolini, Jaime Fernandez-Fernandez, Fábio Y Nakamura
{"title":"Seasonal changes and variability of physical match demands in a highly trained female soccer team.","authors":"João Barreira, Pedro Figueiredo, Cristian Petri, Luca Pengue, Francesco Perondi, Alessandro Buccolini, Jaime Fernandez-Fernandez, Fábio Y Nakamura","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156226","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This work aimed to identify the sources of variability in match physical performance of highly trained female soccer players and quantify individual between-match changes in global positioning systems (GPS) derived metrics. Official match data belonging to 27 players across two competitive seasons was analyzed, resulting in 344 individual observations. GPS metrics included total distance covered (TD), distance covered per min, high-speed running distance covered (HSRD, 19.8-25.2 km/h), high-metabolic load distance (HMLD, > 20 W/kg), maximal speed (Max speed (km/h)), and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations distances covered (> 2.5 m/s<sup>-2</sup>). Seasonal variation trends and variability across players, positions, and matches were quantified using linear mixed models. Reference values for interpreting between-match changes were established based on observed match-to-match variability and the smallest worthwhile changes. Results indicated that lower-intensity metrics such as TD, m/min, and max speed were relatively stable, with a minimum detectable change of approximately ± 14%. In contrast, high-intensity metrics such as HSRD, HMLD, and acceleration/deceleration distances demonstrated greater variability, requiring changes > 30% to exceed expected fluctuations. Considering the cohort of the study, findings suggest that high-intensity metrics present the highest variability and, consequently, considerably higher minimum detectable change thresholds. Practitioners may consider the variability thresholds presented when interpreting match-to-match changes and individualizing player monitoring strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"587-595"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}