The specificity of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test for recreational soccer players is independent of their intermittent running ability

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether or not recreational soccer players (SP) and non-soccer players (non-SP) with similar intermittent-running ability had similar physiological responses to a soccer match-simulation protocol. Twenty-two recreational SP and 19 fitness-matched non-SP participated. Yo-Yo level 1 assessed intermittent-running ability, while the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test served as soccer match-simulation protocol. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration [La] and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded after each bout (1-5, plus an exhaustive task). SP had lower HR after the third, fourth and fifth bout, compared to non-SP. Similarly, SP had lower [La] after the third, fourth and the fifth bout. SP also had lower RPE after the third, fourth and fifth bout. The appropriateness of intermittent-running ability as the main determinant of physical performance in SP was questioned.

Effects of Plyometric and Directional Training on Speed and Jump Performance in Elite Youth Soccer Players

“…It is well reported that athletes that practice a specific sport are accustomed to performing specific sport related actions, thus, they show higher movements economy than novices (31). Consequently, amateur players report larger benefits by specific training programs than elite athletes (7,17,31). Throughout the football season it is generally reported a fitness improvement in pre-season, with a subsequently stabilization of such fitness variables in-season (18).…”

“…Eccentric muscular activations play a paramount role during the SSC, and such mechanism is a key component also during soccer-specific actions such as COD, short shuttle runs and sprint activities (17,24,28). It is already reported in the literature that athletes accustomed to performing COD and short shuttle runs become more economical during such specific actions (7,8,25,31). Therefore, including specific COD exercises in a training program can elicit greater developments in fitness components associated with neuromuscular factors (such as sprint and jumps) (13,17,32).…”

“…larger fitness variations are reported in pre-season compared to in-season), and players' level (e.g. amateurs report larger adaptation following specific soccer activities than elite players) are key points associated with the training effectiveness (5,7,18). However, despite the popularity and wide appeal of soccer, as well as COD and plyometric training attractiveness, few studies published used randomized trial designs involving elite young soccer players during the official competitive season.…”

Effect of Postactivation Potentiation After Medium vs. High Inertia Eccentric Overload Exercise on Standing Long Jump, Countermovement Jump, and Change of Direction Performance

“…It is well know that horizontal and vertical jump performances represent lower limb power and are pre-requisites for many sporting actions (8,22). Moreover, change of direction (COD) tasks are a critical component for team sports, since players need to perform many shuttle running activities during a match (2,9,35). Thus, the aims of the present study were: firstly to evaluate the time window effects of PAP following an EOL exercise (half squat) vs.…”

Comparative effects of single vs. double weekly plyometric training sessions on jump, sprint and change of directions abilities of elite youth football players

“…The literature suggests that the plyometric training effects may depend on several key variables, including: the volume, the frequency, and the duration of the protocol, as well as the period of the season and the subjects' fitness characteristics [16][17][18] . Training variables management has a critical impact on players' fitness adaptations that occur in elite youth football players 19 .…”