The biomechanical and physiological response to repeated soccer-specific simulations interspersed by 48 or 72 hours recovery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the residual fatigue response associated with the completion of two successive soccer-specific exercise protocols (SSEP).


METHODS
Twenty male soccer players were pair-matched before completing SSEPs, interspersed by either 48 or 72 h. Outcome variables were measured every 15 min, and comprised uni-axial measures of PlayerLoad, mean (HR) and peak heart rate (HRpeak), blood lactate concentration, mean and peak (V˙O2peak) oxygen consumption, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).


RESULTS
No significant (P > 0.05) group interactions were identified for any outcome variables. Uni-axial (and total) PlayerLoad exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for time, with the exception of the relative contribution of medial lateral PlayerLoad™. Total PlayerLoad during the final 15 min (222.23 ± 15.16 a.u) was significantly higher than all other time points. All other outcome variables also exhibited a significant main effect for time, with HR, HRpeakand V˙O2peakalso exhibiting significantly higher values in the first trial. There was also a significant (P = 0.003) trial*time interaction for RPE.


CONCLUSIONS
With equivalence at baseline, there was no difference in the fatigue response associated with two SSEPs interspersed by either 48 or 72 h recovery. The current study has implications for the design and micro management of training and competition schedules.
Sports Injuries Research Group, Dept. of Sport & Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, United Kingdom. Electronic address: richard.page@edgehill.ac.uk.
Richard Michael
RM
Page
Sports Injuries Research Group, Dept. of Sport & Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, United Kingdom.
Kelly
K
Marrin
Sports Injuries Research Group, Dept. of Sport & Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, United Kingdom.
Chris Michael
CM
Brogden
Sports Injuries Research Group, Dept. of Sport & Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, United Kingdom.
Matt
M
Greig
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D007773:Lactates
Biomechanics; Fixture congestion; Physiology; PlayerLoad™