Dynamics of Recovery of Physiological Parameters After a Small-Sided Game in Women Soccer Players

Abstract

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.

Short-Term Cardiac Autonomic Recovery after a Repeated Sprint Test in Young Soccer Players

“…It appears that the greater anaerobic contribution and elevation in circulating stress system metabolites caused by the RSA test [5] were able to disturb the cardiac autonomic system more severely than a session of interval training, especially when considering the remote phases of the post-exercise recovery (in our case, 1 h and 2 h). This agrees with other studies that found a reduction on HRV after short high intensity and supramaximal exercises [5,6,7,8,9,21,26,27,28].…”

“…This leads to significant physiological perturbation, performance impairments and signs of muscle damage that can persist from hours to days [4]. In addition, the cardiac autonomic activity as measured by the vagal-related heart rate variability (HRV) index (i.e., the natural log of root mean square difference of successive normal RR intervals—lnRMSSD) is substantially depressed immediately after finishing a training session including repeated sprints (in the first 10 min of recovery) but increased after 24 h of recovery [5,6,7,8,9,10].…”

Cardiac Parasympathetic Reactivation Following Small‐Sided Games, Repeated Sprints and Circuit Training in Elite Handball Players

“…The present study demonstrates a high decrease in RMSSD, SD1, and HF indices 10 min after the SSG when compared to baseline. This result was in accordance with a previous study conducted with professional female soccer players (Mascarin et al, 2018). In addition, the present HRV data showed that SSGs resulted in the greatest vagal perturbation when compared with CT and RS (Tables 2 and 3).…”

Effect of Training Load on Post-Exercise Cardiac Troponin T Elevations in Young Soccer Players

“…Teams were consistent across bouts. The exercise consisted of 16 min of effort (four efforts of 4 min) alternated with 9 min of passive rest (three rest intervals of 3 min) [25]. The game was played on a pitch of 20 m × 30 m and consisted of passing the end lines with the ball.…”

“…The offside rule was adopted. Researchers and coaches were placed on all four lines, and when a team scored or exceeded the demarcation limits, a new ball was quickly delivered to the other team [25]. Participants were asked to play at maximal intensity, and strong and standardized verbal encouragement was given during the match.…”