Effects of recreational soccer on fat mass in untrained sedentary adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the effects of recreational soccer on fat mass in untrained sedentary adults.MethodsThe following databases were searched: Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed. The inclusion criteria were: (i) sedentary adult population not restricted to sex, clinical condition; (ii) exposure to intervention programs based on soccer; (iii) intervention groups compared with passive or active (not related with soccer) control groups; (iv) fat mass (indirectly or directly measured); (v) randomized controlled trials. The database search initially yielded 4565 titles. From those, 22 articles were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The age of the included population varied from 20 to 68 years.ResultsNo significant differences in fat mass changes were found between recreational soccer groups and active controls (<i>ES</i> = –0.070, trivial; 95% <i>CI</i>: –0.28 to 0.14; p = 0.505; <i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.0%; Egger’s test <i>p</i> = 0.986). However, significant changes in fat mass were observed between recreational soccer groups and passive controls (<i>ES</i> = –0.43, small; 95% <i>CI</i>: –0.59 to –0.27; <i>p</i> < 0.001; <i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 35.0%; Egger’s test <i>p</i> = 0.652).ConclusionsRegular participation in recreational soccer is as effective as participation in analytical exercise approaches such as continuous running to produce significant fat mass reductions in untrained sedentary populations, independently of sex and clinical condition. However, recreational soccer arouses a greater interest as it has the advantage of increasing the motivation to maintain participation in an active lifestyle.

Effects of a 16-week recreational small-sided games soccer intervention on body composition and physical fitness in sedentary young adults: A randomized controlled study

“…Research indicates that recreational soccer, with its dynamic nature and intermittent bursts of high-intensity effort, mirrors the benefits of structured high-intensity interval training [ 14 ]. This form of exercise has been associated with improved cardiovascular fitness [ 12 ], enhanced metabolic health [ 15 ], and favorable body composition changes [ 16 ]. Moreover, the communal and enjoyable aspects of soccer contribute to increased adherence to physical activity, positively impacting mental well-being and overall quality of life [ 17 ].…”

Recreational Soccer Training Effects on Pediatric Populations Physical Fitness and Health: A Systematic Review

“…The diversity of systematic reviews in recreational soccer is clear from the extant literature [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. As can be seen from the available systematic reviews, some have focused on specific outcomes, such as bone health [ 26 , 27 ], fat mass [ 22 ], or maximal oxygen uptake [ 20 ], while others summarized the effects on different outcomes [ 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

“…The diversity of systematic reviews in recreational soccer is clear from the extant literature [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. As can be seen from the available systematic reviews, some have focused on specific outcomes, such as bone health [ 26 , 27 ], fat mass [ 22 ], or maximal oxygen uptake [ 20 ], while others summarized the effects on different outcomes [ 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Additionally, half of these systematic reviews were exclusively dedicated to adult populations [ 21 , 22 , 26 , 27 ], while the remaining reviews focused on mixed populations, such as children, adolescents, adults, and older individuals (both healthy and unhealthy), thus making it difficult to determine a clear overview of the effects on children and youths [ 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

“…As can be seen from the available systematic reviews, some have focused on specific outcomes, such as bone health [ 26 , 27 ], fat mass [ 22 ], or maximal oxygen uptake [ 20 ], while others summarized the effects on different outcomes [ 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Additionally, half of these systematic reviews were exclusively dedicated to adult populations [ 21 , 22 , 26 , 27 ], while the remaining reviews focused on mixed populations, such as children, adolescents, adults, and older individuals (both healthy and unhealthy), thus making it difficult to determine a clear overview of the effects on children and youths [ 20 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Considering the relevance of physical exercise for promoting positive physical fitness adaptations in children and young people, and the opportunities offered by recreational soccer, there is scope for a systematic review of this population.…”

Locomotor demands of 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, and VAMEVAL test and comparisons with regular locomotor demands in training sessions and matches: a study conducted in youth male soccer players

“…The challenge of introducing aerobic fitness tests is to fit the demands of the test with the remaining session, using the test as a moment for providing a given training stimulus. To do that, is important to characterize the locomotor demands of the test and compare them with the demands of typical training scenarios [15][16][17]. This characterization may help coaches to more regularly introduce aerobic fitness tests in the training process, without compromising the demands expected to impose in the training.…”