Biology of Sport最新文献

{"title":"Sex dimorphism in serum lipid dynamics after acute exhaustive exercise.","authors":"Zhongxun Ren, Baile Wu, Chunxue Tang, Jiayu Qian, Fan Zihan, YanYan Zhang, Lijun Shi","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158677","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158677","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to characterize serum lipidomic sexual dimorphism following acute exhaustive exercise under stringently controlled conditions. Forty healthy adults (20 males, 20 females) performed a CPET to exhaustion, with objective termination criteria and females tested during their mid-luteal phase. Untargeted lipidomics was performed on serum at baseline and at multiple postexercise time points. Males presented a greater absolute <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2peak (45.05 ± 4.14 vs 36.80 ± 3.69 ml/kg/min, P < 0.001) but a comparable <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2peak when FFM was normalized (56.50 ± 5.65 vs 55.45 ± 5.82 ml/kgFFM^/min, P = 0.567). This standardized exhaustion was validated by both sexes achieving similar, high-intensity termination criteria (P_RERpeak = 0.607, P_RPE = 0.176, P_HRpeak = 0.164). A total of 620 lipid species were identified via untargeted lipidomics. Sex-stratified analysis identified more significantly different lipids compared to pooled-sex analysis (male:179, female:288). Key sex-discriminating lipids included PE 36:4, PC 32:1, SM d18:1/25:0, BMP 34:1, and PC 36:4. Cluster analysis revealed three recovery patterns, with lipid distribution differing significantly by sex. This study demonstrates that distinct metabolic response patterns exist between sexes when standardized exhaustion is achieved. Sex-stratified analysis identified more sex-specific lipids and pinpointed five sex-discriminating lipid molecular markers. The study revealed three different lipid recovery patterns, establishing that identical physiological endpoints arise from distinct metabolic mechanisms and underscoring the importance of sex-stratified analysis in exercise metabolism research.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1071-1081"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343276/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413874","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}

{"title":"Are three recovery days enough? Elevated match day creatine kinase levels under congested schedules in youth soccer.","authors":"Gabor Schuth, Gyorgy Szigeti, Gergely Dobreff, Peter Revisnyei, Tim Gabbett, Adam Szilas, Gabor Pavlik","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.157992","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.157992","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We examined if creatine kinase (CK) activity differed between congested (CS) and non-congested schedules (NCS) in elite youth national team soccer players. The CK activity of 188 players (16.53 ± 1.78 years) was measured in national team training camps (2489 individual data points). Training load one day before the match (MD-1) was monitored with global positioning system (GPS) devices. CS occurred, when the athlete played at least 60 minutes in the previous 3 days leading into the match (MD). CK_MD was significantly higher in CS than in NCS (median: 309 vs 220 U/L, p < 0.05). More recovery days between matches were associated with lower values on the second CK_MD. CK values one (CK_MD+1: 678 vs 487 U/L) and two days after the match (CK_MD+2: 395 vs 303 U/L) were higher for CS (p < 0.05), however relative CK changes from MD to one (CK_MD→MD+1%: 181 vs 135%) or two days after (CK_MD→MD+2%: 74 vs 44%) were higher for NCS (p < 0.05). 11 out of 15 MD-1 training load parameters were significantly higher for NCS (p < 0.05). CK_MD was sensitive to congested schedule and the number of recovery days between matches. Therefore three recovery days between matches might be inadequate for complete recovery. Higher CK_MD, CK_MD+1 and CK_MD+2 values, but lower CK_MD→MD+1% and CK_MD→MD+2% changes were found for CS than for NCS. MD-1 training load was lower in CS than in NCS, making it an unlikely cause of the elevated CK_MD and CK_MD+1 values. Instead, it might be the result of residual fatigue from the last match.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1051-1060"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413817","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}

{"title":"Internal and external training load in men's professional padel players: A positional comparison in the Premier Padel circuit.","authors":"Álvaro Bustamante-Sánchez, Diego Muñoz, Sergio José Ibáñez, Adrián Escudero-Tena, Rafael Conde-Ripoll","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.154149","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.154149","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Significant positional differences exist between left- and right-side players in professional padel, particularly in movement patterns and shot selection during competition. However, little is known about how these roles influence internal and external training load. As training is key to optimizing performance, monitoring both physiological and physical stress is essential. This study compared training load responses between left- and right-side professional male padel players in the Premier Padel circuit. Thirty-four top-60 right-handed players wore Polar Team Pro sensors during 15 training sessions. Internal load was assessed through heart rate (HR; time in zones 50-60%, 60-70%, 70-80%, 90-100% HRmax), while external load was evaluated from acceleration and deceleration zones (0.50-0.99, 1.00-1.99, 2.00-2.99, 3.00-50.00 m/s²), speed zones (3.00-5.99, 6.00-8.99, 9.00-11.99, 12.00-14.99, ≥ 15.00 km/h), and distance per minute. The results showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) and small effect sizes in external load, although internal load revealed small and medium effect-size differences: left-side players performed more continuous efforts, both in volume and intensity, compared to right-side players, who engaged in intermittent effort of higher intensity but with lower involvement. On average, left- vs. right-side players recorded mean HRs of 72.42 ± 5.83% vs. 74.20 ± 5.82% HRmax, spent 31.7% vs. 27.4% of training time in zone 3 and 23.0% vs. 29.7% in zone 4, covered 22.31 ± 4.43 vs. 22.26 ± 4.49 m/min, and performed 6.61 ± 1.44 vs. 6.78 ± 0.71 accelerations/min. These positional benchmarks may guide future research and inform position-specific conditioning programs in professional padel.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1061-1070"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343280/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413854","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}

{"title":"Assessing the contributions of technical error and biological variability to error of measurement in reliability studies.","authors":"Basilio Pueo, Will Hopkins","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.160239","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.160239","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A neglected issue in reliability studies is the contribution of technical (device) error and biological variability to the standard (typical) error of measurement. These contributions can be estimated with mixed modeling when subjects are measured simultaneously with two devices on two occasions. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a spreadsheet-based method to separately estimate technical error and biological variability, and to compare its performance with a mixed model. Change scores between occasions and devices are combined to yield standard deviations (SDs) for technical errors and biological variability in raw, percent, and standardized units, with bootstrapped confidence limits. The analyses were reproduced in a computer program and evaluated by simulation for true values of means and SDs mimicking real data with sample sizes of up to 50. Bias (deviation from true values) and uncertainty (width of confidence intervals) in the means and SDs were assessed by standardization, and coverage of true values by confidence intervals was assessed as nominal, under or over. Empirical correction factors were derived to correct small-sample bias in the SDs and eliminate under-coverage. Spreadsheet estimates were then compared to those of a mixed model. Bias was trivial for all estimates. Uncertainty was similar for the spreadsheet and mixed model, although substantial even with the largest sample size. The spreadsheet generally outperformed the mixed model for coverage. Analysis of jump-height measurements of 31 young adults recorded simultaneously with a photoelectric device and a jump mat provided good evidence that the technical errors produced respectively trivial and substantial increases in the typical error. In conclusion, the spreadsheet is a trustworthy tool for evaluating device error.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1009-1018"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343268/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413786","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}

{"title":"Effects of unilateral and bilateral training on performance in team sports athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Bitai Wu, Mingyue Yin, Zhiquan Song, Meiling Tao, Kai Xu, George P Nassis, Chris Bishop, Olivier Girard","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159564","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159564","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Team sports athletes rely heavily on unilateral movements, yet the comparative performance benefits of unilateral training (UT) versus bilateral training (BT) remain controversial. This meta-analysis systematically examined the effects of UT and BT on strength, jumping, sprinting, and agility in team sports, while considering sport type and training program as potential moderators. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases was conducted to identify controlled trials meeting the PICOS criteria. Primary outcomes were strength, jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ], horizontal jump [HJ], reactive strength index [RSI]), sprinting, and agility. Pooled effects were calculated using standardized mean difference (Hedges' g) through a three-level meta-analysis model, with subgroup and moderator analyses conducted. Fifteen studies involving 355 team sports athletes (basketball, soccer, rugby, and ice hockey) were included. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences between UT and BT in overall strength, jumping, sprinting, and agility. However, UT significantly outperformed BT in unilateral strength (g = 0.68, p = 0.007), unilateral CMJ (g = 0.37, p = 0.025), and unilateral HJ (g = 0.45, p = 0.03). No significant differences were found in bilateral strength, bilateral jumping, and RSI. Subgroup analysis revealed no overall differences across sports, but in basketball, UT had significant advantages over BT in sprinting (g = -0.37, p = 0.04) and agility (g = -0.77, p = 0.04). Regarding training types, UT using plyometric training outperformed BT in strength (g = 0.54, p = 0.03) and sprinting (g = -0.30, p = 0.03), while UT with compound training had significant advantages in agility (g = -0.74, p = 0.04). UT outperforms BT in improving unilateral strength and jumping ability, while producing comparable effects in bilateral performance, sprinting, and agility. These findings underscore the value of UT in team sports involving unilateral movements. Future research should explore its long-term effects, recovery from injury, and neuromuscular adaptations to better optimize training.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1019-1039"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343283/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413883","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}

{"title":"Effects of different full squat training volumes matched for fatigue on strength gains, neuromuscular adaptations, and muscle hypertrophy.","authors":"José Antonio Páez-Maldonado, Clara Cano-Castillo, Pedro Jesús Cornejo-Daza, Juan Sánchez-Valdepeñas, Luis Rodiles-Guerrero, Mathias Wernbom, Manuel Ortega-Becerra, Fernando Pareja-Blanco","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.157999","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.157999","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To investigate the effects of three full squat (SQ) training volumes, matched for fatigue, on jump performance, muscle strength, neuromuscular adaptations, and muscle hypertrophy. Thirty-six resistance-trained men were randomized into three groups: low (LOW), moderate (MOD), and high (HIG) volume. All groups trained SQ twice a week, with relative intensities increasing from 70% to 85% 1RM over the 8-week training period. The total volume accumulated was 48, 144, and 312 repetitions for LOW, MOD, and HIG, respectively, during the 16 training sessions. To isolate the effect of training volume by minimizing fatigue accumulation across repetitions, short rest periods were inserted between repetitions. The following tests were performed: 1) cross-sectional area (CSA) of vastus lateralis; 2) countermovement jump (CMJ); 3) maximal isometric SQ contraction; 4) progressive loading SQ test; and 5) fatigue SQ test. MOD achieved the greatest gains in the progressive loading SQ test (\"group-by-time\" interaction: p = 0.02, effect sizes (ES): 0.87, 2.52, and 1.12, for LOW, MOD, and HIG, respectively). HIG showed the greatest increases in the electromyography amplitude during this test (\"group-by-time\" interaction: p = 0.03, ES: -0.13, 0.52, and 0.88, for LOW, MOD, and HIG). All groups showed significant increases in CSA, without significant differences between them (\"group-by-time\" interaction: p = 0.34, ES: 0.52, 0.41, and 0.56, for LOW, MOD, and HIG). Short inter-repetition rest periods enabled all training volumes to induce significant hypertrophy, while moderate volumes optimized strength gains and high volumes maximized neuromuscular activation, highlighting volume-specific adaptations in SQ training.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"985-997"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343270/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413888","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}

{"title":"Objective sleep characteristics of elite academy soccer players: a seven-day actigraphy analysis of a U15 national league squad.","authors":"Lorcán Mason, James Connolly, Lydia E Devenney, Karl Lacey, Maria Faulkner, Rónán Doherty","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158301","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study quantified objective sleep characteristics in elite academy soccer players using actigraphy and determined how day type (training days, non-training days, and competition days) influences sleep parameters. Objective sleep characteristics of elite academy soccer players (n = 13) were analysed across training days (TD), non-training days (NTD), and competition days (CD) using 7-day actigraphy monitoring. Significant differences were found between day types for total sleep time (TST) (χ²(2) = 8.59, p = 0.01, η² = 0.09) and time in bed (TIB) (χ²(2) = 9.27, p = 0.01, η² = 0.10). Training days yielded substantially lower values (TST: 431 ± 95.2 min; TIB: 478 ± 100 min) compared to non-training days (TST: 541 ± 231 min; TIB: 596 ± 240 min), representing mean differences of 110 minutes (95% CI: 39-181 min) for TST and 118 minutes (95% CI: 44-192 min) for TIB. No significant differences were found for sleep onset latency (SOL: 19.3 ± 19.6 min), number of awakenings (NoA: 39.8 ± 14.5), wake after sleep onset (WASO: 53.3 ± 25.8 min), or sleep efficiency (%SE: 84.4 ± 5.97%) (all p > 0.05). Critically, while TST and %SE met age-specific recommendations, NoA and WASO substantially exceeded thresholds for good sleep quality. Despite adequate sleep duration, elevated WASO and NoA indicate compromised sleep quality through fragmentation. These findings highlight the necessity for comprehensive sleep monitoring in elite adolescent athletes extending beyond duration alone. Future research should investigate targeted interventions addressing sleep fragmentation within the constraints of training, competition, and academic schedules.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"999-1008"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413897","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}

{"title":"Current approaches to measuring high-intensity locomotor actions in adult male professional soccer. A scoping review.","authors":"Paul McGrath, Damian Harper, Jill Alexander","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158302","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High-intensity locomotor actions (HILAs) including high-speed running (HSR), sprinting, accelerations, and decelerations are critical to performance and injury risk in professional soccer. Rapid technological and methodological developments since 2021 necessitate an updated synthesis of how these actions are quantified and interpreted in applied settings. A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science) were searched for English-language studies published between 22 March 2021 and 22 February 2025. Eligible studies included adult male professional soccer players and quantified HILAs in training and/or matches using Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Local Positioning Systems (LPS; sampling frequency > 10 Hz), or digital video-based tracking. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Most used 10 Hz GPS units (n = 16) and applied absolute thresholds (n = 16) (e.g., HSR > 19.8 km · h^-¹, sprinting > 25.2 km · h^-¹, accelerations/decelerations > 3 m · s^-2/ < -3 m · s^-2), with only four adopting relative thresholds. Data filtering procedures were often underreported, and temporal normalisation was uncommon. Tactical (e.g., formation, playing style), temporal (e.g., match phase), and positional (e.g., role, field zone) contexts were rarely considered, and only one study integrated GPS with video analysis. Training typically under-replicated match demands, particularly for non-starters. Considerable methodological heterogeneity limited cross-study comparability. In conclusion, current monitoring practices for HILAs in professional soccer remain dominated by GPS and absolute thresholds, with limited individualisation and contextual integration. Future research should prioritise standardised threshold definitions, transparent data processing, and integration of video and GPS technologies to enhance ecological validity and applied impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"971-984"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343277/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413858","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}

{"title":"The AI recommendation paradox: a systematic review evaluating the promise, peril, and path forward for large language models in exercise recommendation.","authors":"Tianyuan He, Di Lu, Yongye Ma, Jiaxin He, Duanying Li, Guoxing Li, Jian Sun","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158676","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Large Language Models (LLMs) are rapidly emerging as tools for generating personalized exercise advice, creating an \"AI Prescription Paradox\" of promising potential but significant risks. This study systematically reviews the empirical evidence to evaluate the efficacy, quality, and safety of LLMs in exercise prescription. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of 24 empirical studies (N = 2,512 participants) published up to June 19, 2025. Data were extracted from human intervention trials, in silico expert evaluations, and human-computer interaction studies, and a comprehensive narrative synthesis was performed. Our synthesis reveals significant deficits. In head-to-head trials comparing AI to human experts, LLM-generated plans were inferior in 5 out of 6 (83%) cases for driving physiological adaptations. Most critically, systemic safety flaws were identified in 14 of 24 studies (58%), with models recommending contraindicated exercises for clinical populations. While the quality of AI advice was highly variable, novel conversational and context-aware models showed promise for user engagement. LLMs in their current state are powerful assistive tools but cannot safely replace the core decision-making and supervisory roles of human experts. We advocate for a shift towards a human-AI synergistic paradigm. To guide this, we propose a novel, evidence-based risk stratification framework to help practitioners harness these tools safely and effectively, ensuring that professional oversight remains paramount.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"949-961"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343266/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413942","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}

{"title":"Within-game performance decrements in relation to peak fat oxidation, Fatmax and peak oxygen uptake in elite male footballers.","authors":"Morten Bredsgaard Randers, Tue Rømer, Mikkel Thunestvedt Hansen, Christina Rohde Ruppert, Viktor Slott, Thomas Nielsen, Loftur Gísli Jóhannsson, Jesper Sangild, Jørn Wulff Helge, Peter Krustrup, Malte Nejst Larsen","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158678","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158678","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated whether fat oxidation capacity is associated with sustained physical performance during the final 30 minutes of elite football match play. Twenty-four professional male football players (age: 24.9 ± 4.0 years; <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2peak: 59.1 ± 5.7 ml/min/kg) from the Danish Superliga completed laboratory testing to determine peak fat oxidation (PFO), Fatmax, and <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2peak. From match tracking data, distances covered within speed zones, number of runs, and peak speed were analysed for full-match and changes between the first 60 and final 30 minutes. Correlations between laboratory and match variables were assessed. PFO was (mean ± SD) 0.48 ± 0.16 g/min (range: 0.24-0.78), Fatmax was 43 ± 10 % <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2peak (31-61), and <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2peak was 59.1 ± 5.7 ml/min/kg (49.7-71.3). Players covered 11,216 ± 789 m during a full match, including 899 ± 323 m > 20 km/h and performed 79 ± 29 high-intensity runs. PFO normalized to fat-free mass (PFO/FFM) was significantly correlated with attenuated declines in number of decelerations (r=0.42, P=0.042) in the final 30 minutes, whereas no other correlations with sustained physical performance variables were observed. <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2peak was associated with total distance (r=0.59, P=0.002), but not with performance decrements. Peak fat oxidation may play a modest but significant role in supporting repeated high-intensity decelerations late in games in male elite footballers. <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2peak was correlated to overall running performance but appears less informative for fatigue resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"941-948"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343271/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413847","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}