Short versus long small-sided game training during Ramadan in soccer players.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of two small-sided game (SSG) training formats (4 × 4 min (SSG-S) and 2 × 8 min (SSG-L)) conducted during Ramadan on Hoff and five-jump (5JT) tests' performances and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE).


METHODS
Three group, case-control.


METHODS
Field tests.


METHODS
Twenty-four male soccer players were divided into 3 groups: 2 groups undertaking 4 weeks of SSG-S (n = 8) or SSG-L (n = 8) during Ramadan and a control group (n = 8).


METHODS
The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Hooper questionnaires' scores and 5JT and Hoff test's performances were measured before (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (R4).


RESULTS
Compared to BR, fatigue estimated by POMS and Hooper questionnaires was higher at R4 in all groups (ES = 0.77-1.57, p < 0.05). Hoff test distance increased to the same extent in SSG-S and SSG-L groups (+7.38-7.39%, ES = 1.49-1.93, p < 0.001). Mean sRPE scores measured during Ramadan were higher after SSG-L (6.49 ± 0.38) than SSG-S (5.61 ± 0.14) sessions (+15.58%, ES = 2.79, p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
SSG training can be implemented as an efficient intervention to avoid detraining and equally improve soccer-specific physical performance during Ramadan. Given the lower perceptual responses associated with shorter SSG sequences, this modality would be better tolerated during the fasting month, and therefore is recommended.
Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Bizerte, Tunisia.
Hana
H
Baklouti
Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Bizerte, Tunisia.
Noureddine
N
Rejeb
High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, University of Gafsa, Gafsa, Tunisia. Electronic address: aloui.asma@gmail.com.
Asma
A
Aloui
Laboratoire CeRSM (EA 2931), Equipe de Physiologie, Biomécanique et Imagerie du Mouvement, UFR STAPS, Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, Nanterre, France.
Hamdi
H
Jaafar
High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Achraf
A
Ammar
High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Hamdi
H
Chtourou
ISSUL, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Switzerland; Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Athlete Health and Performance Research Center, Doha, Qatar.
Olivier
O
Girard
National Observatory on Sport, Tunis, Tunisia.
Nizar
N
Souissi
D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005215:Fasting; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014416:Tunisia; D055815:Young Adult
Hoff test; Ramadan; Small-sided training; Training load