The effect of physical fatigue on the performance of soccer players: A systematic review

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out a systematic review to analyze, describe and discuss the effect of physical fatigue on the performance of soccer players. For this systematic review, searches were performed in Pubmed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus electronic database until October 3, 2020, following the guidelines of PRISMA. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria: i) healthy soccer players from any age group, competitive level or sex; ii) exposure to physical fatigue; iii) pre and post-physical fatigue conditions; iv) players’ cognitive, technical, physical and tactical performances and v) no restrictions regarding the study design. The results section was organized in four main dimensions: cognitive, technical, physical and tactical. Studies on cognitive performance have shown divergent results, varying according to the cognitive task employed and the physical protocol used. Regarding technical performance, negative effects of physical fatigue were found on the technical fundamentals of the pass, dribble and kick. With regard to physical performance, studies have shown a reduction in sprint capacity and distances covered at high velocity. Finally, the only study that analyzed the tactical performance in the field showed an increase in the team’s collective tactical behavior, but did not include analysis of the players’ individual tactical actions. In summary, the results of the analyzed studies show that the effect of physical fatigue on cognitive performance is inconclusive and that technical and physical performance are negatively affected. Regarding tactical performance, there is a lack of information on the topic in the current literature.

Perceptions of Cycleway Risks Before and After Running

“…There is an extensive body of literature indicating fatigue may detrimentally impact subsequent physical activity and performance (Dambroz et al, 2022; Davidow et al, 2020; Head et al, 2016; Kempton et al, 2013; Knapick et al, 1991; Marcora et al, 2009). If physical risk perception is a cognitive mechanism to reduce potential self-harm (“this is risky, I may get hurt, so do not do it”) and fatigue is detrimental to physical skill, then one plausible mechanism to reduce harm likelihood would be for risk perception of physical activities to be influenced by fatigue states.…”

“…The interaction between fatigue – both cognitive and physical – and subsequent physical task performance has been extensively studied (Dambroz et al, 2022; Davidow et al, 2020; Head et al, 2016; Kempton et al, 2013; Knapick et al, 1991; Marcora et al, 2009; Smith et al, 2015). As early as 1891, Mosso (1904) wrote about fatigue affecting his later physical performance.…”

Influence of Physical Fitness, Anthropometric Profile, and Biological Maturation on Technical Performance and Enjoyment of Untrained Children Who Participate in Continuous and Fractional Small-Sided Games

“…Our study implemented SSGs in continuous and fractional regimens, without finding significant differences in technical performance or perceived enjoyment during the game. Previously, systematic reviews have reported a relationship between physical fatigue and technical performance [ 28 ]; therefore, it might be concluded that regimens that generate a higher workload could negatively affect performance. Studies that have compared the two types of regimens have found that fractional SSGs generate a greater internal and external load [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Seasonal analysis of match load in professional soccer players: An observational cohort study of a Swiss U18, U21 and first team

“…As physical performance is an important component of soccer match performance ( Julian, Page, & Harper, 2020 ; Forcher et al, 2022b ; Dambroz, Clemente, & Teoldo, 2022 ; Sarmento et al, 2022 ), the aim is to optimize these capabilities. In order to individually tailor training programs maximizing positive physiological adaptation and at the same time preventing injury and illness, careful load monitoring is required ( Halson, 2014 ; Akenhead & Nassis, 2016 ; Bourdon et al, 2017 ; Impellizzeri et al, 2019 ; Miguel et al, 2021 ).…”