The cumulative and residual fatigue response associated with soccer-specific activity performed on different playing surfaces

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of playing surface (Natural [NT] and Artificial [AT] Turf) on the fatigue response to a soccer-specific exercise protocol (SSEP). Eighteen male soccer players completed the SSEP on NT and AT with pre-, post-, and 48h post-assessments of eccentric knee flexor (eccKF) and concentric knee extensor peak torque (PT), peak countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) height, and Nordic hamstring break angle. No significant main effects for surface or any surface and time interactions were observed for any of the outcome measures, except for eccKF PT recorded at 180 deg•s -1 , which was significantly lower 48h post-trial in the AT condition (AT= 146.3 ± 20.4 Nm; NT= 158.8 ± 24.7 Nm). Main effects for time were observed between pre-and post-trial measures for eccKF PT at all angular velocities, Nordic break angle, CMJ and SJ height. Nordic break angle, and both CMJ and SJ height were significantly impaired 48h post-trial when compared to pre-trial. The findings of the current study suggest surface dependent changes in eccKF PT which may have implications for recovery and subsequent performance after competition on AT.

Quo Vadis Nordic Hamstring Exercise-Related Research?—A Scoping Review Revealing the Need for Improved Methodology and Reporting

“…Two recent studies which investigated NHE with 90° hip flexion only included participants who were able to perform more than 50% of the NHE knee ROM in a controlled manner [ 18 , 77 ]. Based on these small numbers, it can be assumed that most of the included NHE studies analyzed the performance and effects of the NHE, which involved a premature ending of the controlled eccentric action (<40° from the vertical) and a significant decrease in muscle activation [ 41 , 43 , 46 , 71 , 82 , 97 , 98 , 99 ]. It is a major challenge for future studies to overcome this major limitation of current NHE studies [ 11 ], because extended knee angles (~30° to 0° knee flexion) represent a target zone for injury prevention and rehabilitation [ 35 , 48 , 49 , 50 ].…”

A commentary on soccer match-play simulations for applied research and practice

“…However, since the simulation is deemed reliable and valid on a full-length AstroTurf pitch, its use may only be appropriate for those that can access such facilities, especially when considering that pitch surface characteristics can influence running mechanics and post exercise fatigue/recovery responses. 40 The design does not accurately simulate the speed change frequencies (n = 900) of contemporary match analyses 9 , and there is an absence of physiological and total distance data reported. Therefore, caution must be exercised when interpreting the simulations' validity.…”

“…79 Progressive loading may then be facilitated by the execution of strenuous utility movements and soccer-specific tasks associated with free-running simulations. 22 Performing free-running simulations on natural turf appears appropriate for early rehabilitation to prevent exacerbating residual hamstring fatigue associated with artificial surfaces 40 , potentially increasing injury-risk. Practitioners examining the physical capacity of players, instead of replicating match demands, are advised to use the YYIR level 1 80 or level 2 test.…”

“…For specific considerations of each simulation, readers are advised to refer to the above sections. However, as general guidance, free-running simulations have ecologically valid characteristics and should be utilised for studies that are focused on playing surfaces 40 , technical actions 24 and change-of-direction tasks. 28 Motorised and NMT laboratory-based simulations possess high experimental control and are efficacious for assessing the influence of the temperature and altitude on physical performance.…”