Purpose: Training methods based on small-sided game (SSG) seem to promote physiological and tactical benefits for soccer players as they present characteristics more specific to the game. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to analyze the hormonal, biochemical, and autonomic parameters in an acute manner and the recovery dynamics (up to 72 h after) in a SSG.Methods: Thirteen professional female soccer players participated in the study (18.8 ± 0.8 years, body mass 59.4 ± 6.2 kg, and height 1.68 ± 0.05 m). During and after the SSG session (4 min × 4 min separated by 3 min of passive interval and 120 m2 coverage per player), autonomic modulation was analyzed in the time and frequency domains using heart rate variability, and blood samples (5 ml) were collected before (0 h) and after (10 min and 24, 48, 72 h) the SSG for biochemical and hormonal analysis.Results: The SSG induced an increase effect for LF (low frequency) (92,52%; Very likely increase) and a decrease effect for HF (high frequency) values (-65,72%; Very likely decrease), after 10 min of recovery. The LF/HF increase after 10 min of recovery (386,21%; Very likely increase). The RMSSD (square root of the mean squared differences of the successive N–N intervals) and pNN50 (measure of the number of adjacent NN intervals which differ by more than 50 ms) values presented a decrease effect 10 min after SSG (61,38%; Very likely decrease and-90%; Very likely decrease). The CK (creatine kinase) values presented no changes 10 min after SSG. The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) values presented an increase effect 10 min after the SSG (19,22%; Likely increase). Both testosterone and cortisol concentrations presented the same behavior after SSG, where no alterations were observed with after 10 min (<0,37%; Most likely trivial).Conclusion: The SSG promoted significant cardiovascular stress that was restored within the first 24 h of recovery. Parasympathetic parameters continued to increase while sympathetic parameters declined significantly during the 72 h of recovery. In addition, the reduced game did not alter biochemical or hormonal responses during the 72 h.

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To investigate elite women sports career development can be a way to better understand how gender issues and specific women sport practice conditions have influenced athletes' life and personal experiences, also subside reflections on policies and pedagogic intervention on the sport. The aims of this study were to investigate and describe the process of sports career development lived by Brazilian women elite futsal players, based on their own sport experiences and perspectives on futsal. Methods: Data of this qualitative study were produced by semi-structured retrospective interviews with 13 Brazilian elite women futsal players. Data gathering and data analysis were based on the Grounded Theory method. Results: This section is organized in four axes, with their main categories in parenthesis: 1.Diversified experiences in childhood and youth (enjoyment related to diversified sport practices); 2.Initiation on 'kicking ball games' practices (experiences with football and futsal informal practices and suffering of prejudice related to gender issues); 3.Systematic participation in futsal practices (experiences in systematic futsal practices within older age groups); 4.The investment on elite futsal career (moving from football to futsal career). Conclusion: Interviewed players had their first sports experiences on a variety of practices during sport initiation in childhood. The beginning on systematic practice of futsal occurred later than men athletes. The lack of competitions for young girls, and the fact that futsal and other 'ball kicking games' are considered as men preserve practices contributed to the late sport specialization process. The athletes' career presented strong thresholds related to gender issues on futsal.