The effects of an increased calorie breakfast consumed prior to simulated match-play in Academy soccer players.
Dietary analysis of Academy soccer players highlights that total energy and carbohydrate intakes are less than optimal, especially, on match-days. As UK Academy matches predominantly kick-off at ∼11:00 h, breakfast is likely the last pre-exercise meal and thus may provide an intervention opportunity on match-day. Accordingly, the physiological and performance effects of an increased calorie breakfast consumed ∼135-min before soccer-specific exercise was investigated. English Premier League Academy soccer players (n = 7) repeated a 90-min soccer match simulation on two occasions after consumption of habitual (Bhab; ∼1100 kJ) or increased (Binc; ∼2100 kJ) energy breakfasts standardised for macronutrient contributions (∼60% carbohydrates, ∼15% proteins and ∼25% fats). Countermovement jump height, sprint velocities (15-m and 30-m), 30-m repeated sprint maintenance, gut fullness, abdominal discomfort and soccer dribbling performances were measured. Blood samples were taken at rest, pre-exercise, half-time and every 15-min during exercise. Although dribbling precision (P = .522; 29.9 ± 5.5 cm) and success (P = .505; 94 ± 8%) were unchanged throughout all time-points, mean dribbling speed was faster (4.3 ± 5.7%) in Bincrelative to Bhab(P = .023; 2.84 vs 2.75 m s-1). Greater feelings of gut fullness (67 ± 17%, P = .001) were observed in Bincwithout changes in abdominal discomfort (P = .595). All other physical performance measures and blood lactate and glucose concentrations were comparable between trials (all P > .05). Findings demonstrate that Academy soccer players were able to increase pre-match energy intake without experiencing abdominal discomfort; thus, likely contributing to the amelioration of energy deficits on match-days. Furthermore, whilst Bincproduced limited benefits to physical performance, increased dribbling speed was identified, which may be of benefit to match-play.
a Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences , Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK.
Marc A
MA
Briggs
a Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences , Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK.
Liam D
LD
Harper
b Sunderland Association Football Club, The Academy of Light , Sunderland , UK.
Ged
G
McNamee
c London Sport Institute, Middlesex University , London , UK.
Emma
E
Cockburn
a Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences , Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK.
Penny L S
PLS
Rumbold
d Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK.
Emma J
EJ
Stevenson
e Department of Sport, Health and Nutrition , Leeds Trinity University , Leeds , UK.
Mark
M
Russell
D000293:Adolescent; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001786:Blood Glucose; D062408:Breakfast; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D002149:Energy Intake; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D019344:Lactic Acid
Football; energy; intermittent; nutrition; skill