Recovery After an Official Soccer Match: An Analysis of Markers of Muscle Damage and Oxidative Stress, and Endocrine, Neuromuscular and Perceptual Responses

Abstract

Objectives: This study analysed the recovery process after an official soccer match by monitoring changes in markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress, and endocrine, neuromuscular, and perceptual responses. Methods: This repeated-measures observational study included thirteen male amateur soccer players. Blood biomarkers, neuromuscular performance in countermovement jump, and perceived wellness were measured at four time-points: the morning of the match-day, immediately post-, and 24 h and 48 h post-match. Results: Except for CK, which remained elevated at 48 h post-match, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, uric acid, testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone to cortisol ratio returned to baseline between 24 h and 48 h post-match (p < 0.05). Jump height was significantly decreased at 24 h and 48 h post-match, while peak rate of force development and other countermovement jump time-based metrics (i.e., time to take off, time to peak force, reactive strength index modified, flight time to contraction time ratio) were impaired immediately after the match and recovered earlier (p < 0.05). Peak values for perceived fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness were observed immediately post- and at 24 h post-match, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: While certain physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual changes may return to baseline levels within 24 h or 48 h post-match, amateur soccer players still manifest exercise-induced muscle damage symptoms and can be considered fatigued after a 48 h recovery period.