The prevalence of disordered eating in elite male and female soccer players

PurposeTo examine the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) in elite male and female soccer players and the influence of perfectionism.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, elite male (n = 137) and female (n = 70) soccer players and non-athlete controls (n = 179) completed the clinical perfectionism questionnaire (CPQ-12) and the eating attitudes test (EAT-26) to assess perfectionism and DE risk, respectively.ResultsMale soccer players had higher EAT-26 scores than controls (10.4 ± 9.9 vs. 6.8 ± 6.7; P = 0.001), but there were no differences in the prevalence of clinical levels of DE (EAT-26 score ≥ 20) (15 vs. 5%, respectively; X2 = 0.079) The proportion of females with DE risk was higher in controls [EAT-26: 13.9 ± 11.6 (25% of population)] than female players [EAT-26: 10.0 ± 9.0% (11% of population)] (X2 = 0.001). With linear regression, perfectionism explained 20% of the variation in DE risk in males (P = 0.001); in females, athletic status (player vs. control) and perfectionism were significant predictors of DE risk, explaining 21% of the variation (P = 0.001). Male reserve team players had higher EAT-26 (+ 3.5) and perfectionism (+ 2.7) scores than first-team players (P ConclusionsThe prevalence of DE risk was not different in elite male and female soccer players; in fact, the prevalence was greatest in non-athlete female controls. Perfectionism is a significant predictor of DE risk in males and females.Level of evidenceIII, case–control study.</div

Professional academy soccer players’ perceived experiences of loan environments

The current investigation examined professional academy soccer players' perceived experiences of loan environments, compared to their previous academy experiences. Fifteen professional soccer players completed season-long loans at various European soccer clubs. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted following the loans to determine the physical, technical, tactical, psychological, and psychosocial differences between their loan, and existing academy environments. Inductive content analysis was conducted on the interviews to build a system of categories explaining the holistic experiences of player’s loan experiences. Key themes that emerged were greater perceived physical demands on loan, but similar or lower technical demands. Players were exposed to a wider range of playing styles on loan. Some players struggled with the reduced feedback and communication surrounding their performances on loan compared to the academy, and had difficulty interacting with peers. The current investigation highlights areas for consideration to ensure a smooth transition between academy and loan environments

The influence of muscle strength and aerobic fitness on functional recovery in professional soccer

BACKGROUND: Well-developed physical qualities may protect athletes from exercise-induced muscle damage and accelerate recovery following exercise. This study examined the influence of muscle strength and aerobic fitness on recovery from competitive soccer matches.METHODS: Fourteen players from the English Premier League 2 (Age, 18 ± 1 yrs; height, 1.78 ± 0.54 m; mass, 73.8 ± 6.3 kg) were equally divided (median split) into a higher or lower group for muscle strength and aerobic fitness, according to their isometric mid-thigh pull (IMPT) and maximal aerobic speed test (MAST) scores, respectively. The following markers of recovery were assessed before (48-h pre-match), 12 h (M+1), 36 h (M+2) and 60 h (M+3) after ~3 matches: countermovement jump height (CMJ), reactive strength index (RSI), muscle soreness (DOMS) and wellbeing.RESULTS: IMTP was positively correlated with the recovery of CMJ, RSI and DOMS following matches (P0.05).CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that stronger players recovered quicker after matches and highlights the importance of lowerbody strength training for soccer players.</div

Effect of playing status and fixture congestion on training load, mental fatigue, and recovery status in Premier League academy goalkeepers

Soccer goalkeepers are a unique playing position and require specific programming. Despite this, there is a paucity of information surrounding their support. The current investigation quantified internal and external training loads on and recovery status of starting and substitute academy goalkeepers during 1 and 2 match-weeks. Six professional soccer goalkeepers played the role of starting and substitute goalkeepers during both 1 and 2 match-weeks, providing data for 4 within-subject conditions (START-1, SUB-1, START-2, and SUB-2). Internal and external training load data were collected using ratings of perceived exertion and global positioning systems for all matches and training sessions. Physical and perceived recovery status was also collected daily for all individuals. Training load and recovery variables were analyzed across 4 playing conditions and 4 time points using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Results demonstrated significant differences in internal and external weekly training loads and physical and perceived recovery measures between starting and nonstarting goalkeepers. In the training leading up to matches, SUB-1 and SUB-2 had higher internal and external training loads compared with START-1. On a match-day, SUB-1 and SUB-2 performed more high-intensity actions but covered less total and high-speed distance than START-1. Following matches, substitutes had higher volumes of external training loads compared with START-1. The higher training loads experienced by substitutes at various time points resulted in lower physical recovery status on a match-day and post-match. START-1 demonstrated higher mental fatigue and lower well-being compared with substitute goalkeepers after match. The current investigation offers valuable insights for the preparation of professional goalkeepers.</p