REDAFLED - Artículos de revista

A Field‐Based Predictive Model for Evidence‐Based Classification in Male Footballers With Cerebral Palsy

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Over a 6-year research period, the classification of footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) has identified the best activity limitation tests that best capture the influence of eligible impairments on performance, leading to the implementation of a new classification system (i.e., FT1–FT3 sport classes). This study aimed to (i) assess the sensitivity of these tests to discriminate among sport classes; and (ii) estimate predictors of activity limitation outcomes to enhance accuracy in class allocation. A total of 177 international-level male CP footballers (25.90 ± 6.13 years.; 67.70 ± 11.49 kg; 173.90 ± 8.07 cm; 156 outfield players and 21 goalkeepers) completed 11 field-based tests assessing activity limitation, including balance, coordination, jumping, change of direction ability, and dribbling capacity, and a 2 versus 2 small-sided game. Classification and regression tree analysis were used to develop predictive models of sport classes with probabilities calculated at each node, considering a final number of 7 tests. Significant differences were observed between sport classes in all variables, except in one-leg stance acceleration. Specific activity limitation test outcomes for dribbling skills, inter-limb coordination, and static balance predict the sport class allocation with a success rate of 72.1% for a valid sample of 111 CP footballers, and 75.2% for a subsample of 101 players excluding goalkeepers. The dribbling speed test is relevant for classifying those with severe (FT1) and moderate forms of impairment (FT2), while the one-leg stance test better predicts the class allocation of those with less impairment (FT3). This study provides empirical support for classifiers' decision-making and suggests distinct patterns of sport-specific activity limitations across current CP football sport classes.

Analyzing the Associations Between Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Mass Index, and Physical Performance in Youth Handball Players: A Clustering Approach

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Background: Nutrition is a fundamental factor in the healthy growth and development of young athletes, as well as in supporting optimal sports performance. This study aimed to explore associations between Mediterranean diet adherence score, BMI and selected physical performance measures in youth handball players, by identifying distinct player profiles through a clustering approach. Methods: Thirty-five male youth handball players participated in the study. Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated by means of a 16- item KIDMED questionnaire and total score, and physical performance was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, the 505-change of direction test, linear straight sprints and isometric handgrip strength. Results: Cluster 1 goes more than one day a week to a fast-food restaurant, skips breakfast on more occasions and consumes sweets and candy more often. In addition, Cluster 2 showed better sprint (p = 0.019–0.053, ES = 0.39–0.47) and CMJ (p = 0.042; ES = 0.40) performance than Cluster 1. Conclusions: These findings present associations between dietary adherence, BMI, and selected physical performance measures in this specific cohort. Given the cross-sectional design and the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution and do not allow causal inferences.

High-Load Strength Training Reduces Injury Incidence and Injury Burden and Improves Physical Fitness in Young Highly Trained Soccer Players

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Background: There is little available information on the reduction of injury incidence and injury burden after strength training programs. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a 12-week high-load strength training program on injury incidence, injury burden, and fitness in young, highly trained, soccer players. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that well-targeted high-load training focused on the gluteal and hamstring musculature could aid in injury prevention and increase physical fitness. Study Design: A randomized controlled trial design was applied, which followed the CONSORT Statement. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Twenty players were assigned randomly to the experimental group (EG, n = 10 players), who performed a high-load strength training program, or to the control group (CG, n = 10 players), who performed only their usual soccer training. Injury incidence (injuries per 1000 hours exposure) and injury burden (days of absence per 1000 hours exposure) were recorded during the intervention, as well as the physical fitness attributes before and after the training program. Results: A significant (P < 0.05) lower injury incidence was observed in the EG (CG, 11.34 vs EG, 1.31 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure) and a significant (P < 0.001) lower injury burden in the EG (CG, 304.66 versus EG, 19.72 days of absence per 1000 h of exposure). The analysis of covariance model revealed significant between-group differences favoring the EG, showing significantly greater improvements in jumping, change of direction ability, sprinting, and imbalance strength tests (P < 0.001; effect size, 3.02 to −7.23). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of a 12-week high-load strength training program on injury incidence, injury burden and physical fitness, in highly trained soccer players. Clinical Relevance: This study provides positive information for implementing this type of strength training in the daily training sessions of young soccer players for both performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Impact of training regimens on small-sided soccer games: a scoping review

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This scoping review aimed to map and summarise the literature examining how different small-sided games (SSG) training regimens affect physical, psychophysiological, technical, and tactical outcomes in soccer players. The methodology followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, where three databases were searched. Eligible studies directly compared at least two SSG regimens (continuous vs intermittent; intermittent formats with differing work durations; or intermittent formats with differing rest durations). In total, 30 studies were included. Across the comparison types assessed, continuous vs intermittent regimens were the most studied, particularly for physiological measures (n = 15), followed by intermittent comparisons manipulating bout duration (n = 15 for physiological, n = 11 for physical outcomes). Studies focusing on rest/density manipulations were fewer, especially for technical outcomes (n = 3). Most studies clustered around mid-sized SSG formats (3v3–5v5), with 4v4 particularly dominant in continuous–intermittent contrasts (n = 9). In contrast, very small-sided formats (1v1, 2v2) and larger-sided formats (6v6, 7v7) were rarely explored under these regimen conditions. Shorter bouts tended to increase external intensity per unit time and total distance, while fractionating continuous play into sets generally raised per-minute intensity and high-speed actions but reduced total volume. In small formats, continuous play tended to elicit higher heart rate, lactate, and enjoyment, though one study suggested females preferred intermittent, whereas males reported greater enjoyment and load with continuous play. Rest duration also appeared to modulate outcomes, with very short recoveries linked to reduced passing success and longer rests enabling better ball actions. In conclusion, current evidence is largely focused on physical and psychophysiological responses, while technical and especially tactical domains remain underexplored. To better inform training design, future research should aim to incorporate objective assessments of technical and tactical outcomes – using objective tools – while also extending to female players, elite levels, and longitudinal designs. These steps would help determine whether the acute responses mapped here translate into consistent adaptations across contexts.

Effect of Different Nonstarter Compensatory Strategies on Training Load in Female Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Background: In soccer, the day of the week with the highest external load is match day (MD), with starters (>60 minutes per match) showing higher levels of physical fitness and seasonal high-intensity loading. It is necessary, therefore, to determine training strategies to reduce the differences between starters and nonstarters. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the external load of different training compensatory strategies with match external load in female nonstarters. Hypothesis: A strategy combining small-sided games (SSG) and running-based drills (RBD) would reproduce match demands, with RBD leading to greater high-intensity running and SSG leading to a greater number of accelerations and decelerations. Study Design: Descriptive and comparative study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: The training and match external load of 14 female players belonging to the same reserve squad of a Spanish First Division Club (Liga Reto Iberdrola) was registered. In the first session after the match (MD+1), nonstarters (<60 minutes in the match) performed 1 of 3 different compensatory strategies: RBD, SSG, or a mixed intervention combining the previous strategies (RBD+SSG). Starters carried out a recovery session. Results: A marked difference in load was observed between the compensatory training strategies and MD. In comparison with MD, RBD showed greater high-intensity and sprint distances and lower acceleration, SSG showed less high-intensity running and sprint distances, lower peak velocity, and greater acceleration, and RBD+SSG registered lower accelerations. In addition, nonstarters covered greater high-intensity running and sprint distances in RBD and achieved higher accelerations in SSG. Conclusion: RBD and SSG compensatory strategies could be recommended to nonstarter female soccer players in MD+1 to compensate for match external load deficits. Clinical Relevance: This study provides comprehensive information on the compensatory exercises of female soccer players, which can be useful for strength and conditioning coaches when developing recovery strategies during a microcycle.

Influence of Different Small-Sided Game Formats on Physical and Physiological Demands and Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The aim of this study was to quantify the acute impact of bout duration and individual interaction space on physical and physiological demands and on physical performance. Ten young male soccer players (age: 14.860.6 years) from the same team playing in the National U-16 Division participated. Physical (total distance [TD]; distance covered at different speeds; and maximum velocity [Velmax]) and physiological (peak [HRpeak] and mean [HRmean] heart rate) parameters were collected for every bout during each small-sided game (SSG) format. Moreover, the effects of SSGs on horizontal jump (HJ) and 30-m sprint performances were evaluated. The SSG formats were composed of 6 players a side (including goalkeepers) and included 4 repetitions of 6 minutes in a space of 100m2 (SSG1) or 200m2 (SSG2) and 6 repetitions of 4 minutes in 100m2 (SSG3) or 200m2 (SSG4). The TD, the distance covered at different speeds, and Velmax were greater (p,0.01, effect size [ES]51.25–5.95, large) in SSG2 and SSG4 than SSG1 and SSG3, respectively. Furthermore, the HRmean and HRpeak were lower (p , 0.05, ES 5 1.53–2.23, large) during SSG3 than other SSGs. In addition, while a significant (p , 0.05, ES 5 0.70–2.04, moderate to large) increase in SPR30 time in SSG1 and SSG3 was observed, HJ performance was not affected (p . 0.05, ES 5 0.03–0.54, trivial to moderate) by any SSG format. These findings suggest increasing pitch size to induce greater physical demands and to use SSGs with smaller pitch size, and independently of the bout duration, to induce neuromuscular fatigue.

The effects of defensive style and final game outcome on the external training load of professional basketball players

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

This study aimed to analyse the influence of different contextual factors (i.e., defensive style and game outcome) on basketball players’ external load during games-based drills using ultrawideband (UWB) technology. Fourteen male professional basketball players belonging to an elite reserve Spanish club (ACB) participated in this study. The games-based drills consisted of one bout of 10 min played 5vs5 in which players were instructed to use man-to-man defence (MMD) and/or zone defence (ZD). In addition, the final game outcome (i.e., winning or losing) of the game-based drill was registered. External load variables per minute were recorded: total distance covered, distance covered in different speed zones, distance covered while accelerating and decelerating, maximum speed, steps, jumps and player load. A two-way ANOVA with the Tukey post hoc test was used to assess the impact of defensive style and final game outcome and the interaction of both factors on the external load encountered by basketball players. No meaningful differences (unclear) were found in the external loads between playing with MMD and with ZD and between winning and losing teams except for greater distance at high-speed running (18.0–24.0 km·h-1) in winning teams (p < 0.05, ES = 0.68, moderate). A significant interaction between defensive style and final game outcome was found for high decelerations (> -2 m·s-2) (p = 0.041; ES = 0.70) and jumps (p = 0.037; ES = 0.68). These results could potentially help coaching staff in prescribing an appropriate workload during basketball-specific gamebased drills, and ultimately enhance the match performance.

Effects of including endurance and speed sessions within small-sided soccer games periodization on physical fitness

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The main aim of this study was to analyse the effects of including additional speed and endurance sessions during small-sided games (SSG) training periodization on physical fitness in professional soccer players. Sixteen outfield players (age = 25.6 ± 7.6 years) who competed in the First Division of a European League participated in this study. Players were randomly assigned to perform only the SSG periodization (G-SSG group) or to add endurance and speed training contents to the SSG (ES-SSG group). Before and after the 6-week experimental period, a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIR1) and a 40 m sprinting test were performed. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was also measured after each training session. The G-SSG group showed a large improvement in the YYIR1 performance (p = 0.018–0.028; ES = 0.521–0.576) after the training programme, whereas no significant changes were observed for the ES-SSG group (p = 0.763–1.000; ES = 0.000–0.014). In addition, no significant differences (p > 0.05, ES = 0.005–361, trivial to small) in sprint performance at 5 and 10 m intervals up to 40 m were observed at post-training in comparison to pre-training evaluation in G-SSG and ES-SSG groups. No significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups were observed at baseline in the YYIR1 test. The 6-week SSG training supported with only six endurance and speed training sessions was no more effective than well-organized SSG alone for improving running endurance in professional soccer players.

The influence of offside rule and pitch sizes on the youth soccer players’ small-sided games external loads

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The aim was to analyse the influence of the offside rule and pitch sizes on the external loads encountered by young soccer players during small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty-four U12 soccer players belonged to the same Spanish Performance Soccer Academy participated in the study. Each player participated in six different SSGs attending to the offside rule (i.e., offside not applicable [NOS] and with offside [WOS]) and the pitch sizes (i.e., individual interaction space [IIS] of 25, 50 and 75 m2 per player). The obtained data included measures of external loads by global positioning systems. Players covered higher total distance and greater distances at jogging (8–12.9 km·h−1), cruising (13.0–16.0 km·h−1) and sprinting (>16.0 km·h−1) in NOS75 and WOS75 SSGs (p < 0.01; d = 0.65–6.60). Besides, in the NOS75 SSG, the total distance and the distance at cruising were higher in respect to WOS75 (p < 0.01; d = 0.63–0.82). In addition, players performed lower sprints (p < 0.01; d = 1.17–1.71) and achieved lower Vmax (p > 0.05; d = 1.10–1.88) during NOS25 and WOS25 SSGs. These findings could provide relevant information for coaches in order to apply different pitch sizes and the inclusion/absence of the offside rule throughout the microcycle.

The influence of youth soccer players’ sprint performance on the different sided games’ external load using GPS devices

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The aims of this study are 1) to compare sided games’ (SGs) external responses encountered by players according to pitch size and to 2) examine the relationships between sprint performance and SGs’ external physical responses. Twenty soccer players under 15 years of age (U-15) participated in this study. Each player performed a sprinting test (10 m and 30 m sprints) and played a SG on two different pitch sizes (small at 100 [SSG] and large at 200 [LSG] m2 per player). Higher external responses (p < 0.01, ES = −6.41–1.22) were found in LSG in comparison to SSG, except to distance accelerating and decelerating (p > 0.05, ES = −0.26–0.27). Players who were faster over 10 and 30 m covered higher distances cruising and sprinting (r = −0.47/-0.66; ± 0.23/± 0.30, respectively, p < 0.05), performed a greater number of sprints, achieved higher maximum velocity (Velmax) during LSG and covered a greater distance at high-intensity accelerating (r = −0.50/-0.70; ±0.21/±0.29, respectively, p < 0.05) during both SG. LSG demanded a higher external load in comparison with SSG. In addition, the improved sprint capacity could allow players to perform greater running activities and short-term actions at high-intensities during SG.