The relationship between movement speed and duration during soccer matches

Abstract

The relationship between the time duration of movement (t(dur)) and related maximum possible power output has been studied and modeled under many conditions. Inspired by the so-called power profiles known for discontinuous endurance sports like cycling, and the critical power concept of Monod and Scherrer, the aim of this study was to evaluate the numerical characteristics of the function between maximum horizontal movement velocity (HSpeed) and t(dur) in soccer. To evaluate this relationship, GPS data from 38 healthy soccer players and 82 game participations (≥30 min active playtime) were used to select maximum HSpeed for 21 distinct t(dur) values (between 0.3 s and 2,700 s) based on moving medians with an incremental t(dur) window-size. As a result, the relationship between HSpeed and Log(t(dur)) appeared reproducibly as a sigmoidal decay function, and could be fitted to a five-parameter equation with upper and lower asymptotes, and an inflection point, power and decrease rate. Thus, the first three parameters described individual characteristics if evaluated using mixed-model analysis. This study shows for the first time the general numerical relationship between t(dur) and HSpeed in soccer games. In contrast to former descriptions that have evaluated speed against power, HSpeed against t(dur) always yields a sigmoidal shape with a new upper asymptote. The evaluated curve fit potentially describes the maximum moving speed of individual players during the game, and allows for concise interpretations of the functional state of team sports athletes.

A Reduction in Match-to-match Variability Using Maximal Mean Analyses in Sub-elite Soccer

“…1). Despite previous research on duration specific maximal running performance existing in Gaelic football [12], Australian football [24], and soccer [13], the variability of moving average methodology analyses (i. e. MMS and MMP met ) has yet to be investigated. The variability of at least four (i. e. 4, 6 and 10) matches in MMS (4.9-8.4 %; ▶table 2) and MMP met (4.4-9.6 %; ▶table 3) values when compared to that of absolute high-speed running dis-tance values suggests that maximal mean running performance values provide greater reliability in the mode of match running performance analysis and therefore are a reliable alternative for match running performance analysis.…”

“…ignore a soccer playerʼs capacity to achieve greater running speeds during a period of a match where less distance may be reported. As a result, moving-average analysis methodologies have recently been explored to understand maximum maintainable running speeds over a specific duration [12,13].…”

The Critical Power Model as a Potential Tool for Anti-doping

“…In cycling, bicycle-mounted power meters enable the direct measurement of rider work intensity. The power or velocity data for each athlete can be summarized as a “mean maximal power (MMP) profile” or “record power profile” ( Quod et al, 2010 ; Pinot and Grappe, 2011 ) or, equivalently, a mean maximal velocity profile ( Delaney et al, 2015 ; Roecker et al, 2017 ). These profiles are predictive of future performances ( Quod et al, 2010 ) and evolve as the athlete develops over time ( Pinot and Grappe, 2015 ), such that unrealistic increases in the powers sustainable for the indicated durations could serve as evidence for doping.…”

Comparing Maximal Mean and Critical Speed and Metabolic Powers in Elite and Sub-elite Soccer

“…Previous research in soccer [20], Australian football [21], and Gaelic football [22] has demonstrated that maximal mean analyses (i. e. rolling averages) during match play can be used to monitor performance and assist in training prescription. More recently, analyses using shorter time windows through maximal mean analyses (i. e. 1, 5 and 10 s) has been shown to determine an individual's capacity to achieve and maintain both speed and P met at higher running speeds [19].…”