Muscle Typology Does Not Influence Peak-Intensity Periods, Subsequent Recovery, or Match-Running Declines Toward the End of a Match in Professional Male Football.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of muscle typology on match-running decrements toward the end of the match, peak-intensity periods, and the subsequent recovery in professional male football.

Methods: Muscle typology was determined in 68 Belgian First Division outfield players by measuring muscle carnosine in the soleus using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Optical tracking data were collected over 241 official matches. Total match and 15-minute averages were determined for total distance (TD), high-intensity running distance (HIRD; >4.17 m·s-1), sprint distance (>6.94 m·s-1), and high-acceleration distance (>3 m·s-2). Peak-intensity periods using 15-second to 10-minute rolling averages were determined for these metrics, but the associated 5-minute recovery periods were only quantified for TD and HIRD. Linear mixed models were used to determine the effect of muscle typology on these match-running parameters while accounting for playing position.

Results: Match running decreases from minutes 0 to 15 to minutes 75 to 90, and the peak-intensity periods were not related to muscle typology (P > .05). In the first minute after 15-second to 10-minute peak-intensity periods for TD and HIRD, TD was reduced by 7% to 14% compared with match average and HIRD by 33% to 59%, respectively. These reductions were not related to muscle typology (P > .05). TD and HIRD returned to match average within 2 to 3 minutes.

Conclusions: Muscle typology had no effect on peak-intensity periods or on the reductions in match running that may indirectly indicate temporary fatigue or fatigue toward the end of the match.