Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive Matchplay
This study investigated the 7-day recovery period post-soccer matches in elite male academy players. We analyzed changes in physical performance, stretch-shortening cycle capability, landing mechanics, muscle damage, and perceived well-being while also considering the influence of players’ maturity...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2024-08-01
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| Series: | Youth |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/3/81 |
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| author | Imanol Martin-Garetxana Francisco Ayala Mark De Ste Croix Jon Larruskain Josean Lekue Jonathan Hughes |
| author_facet | Imanol Martin-Garetxana Francisco Ayala Mark De Ste Croix Jon Larruskain Josean Lekue Jonathan Hughes |
| author_sort | Imanol Martin-Garetxana |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study investigated the 7-day recovery period post-soccer matches in elite male academy players. We analyzed changes in physical performance, stretch-shortening cycle capability, landing mechanics, muscle damage, and perceived well-being while also considering the influence of players’ maturity status, chronological age, and physical demands on post-match responses. In a prospective, observational, mixed longitudinal study design, twenty-six players (U14 = 14 [age = 13.9 ± 0.2 y, and U16 = 12 [age = 15.1 ± 0.2 y]) undertook testing at baseline (1 h pre-match), immediately post-match (0 h), and 48-, 72-, 96-, and 120 h post-match for measures in creatine kinase (CK), urea (UR), CMJ height, 20 m sprint time, reactive strength index (RSI), leg stiffness (LS), landing mechanics, and perceived well-being. Players were also tested pre [168-h] and post the subsequent match. Results showed significant alterations 0 h post-match in CK (+71.3%), UR (+12.8%), CMJ height (−5.3%), 20 m sprint time (+3.8%), RSI (−9.6%), LS (−11.5%), and perceived well-being (−7.7%), with landing mechanics being unaffected. All parameters returned to baseline at 48 h, except for CK and UR, which remained elevated until 168 h. The players’ initial scores influenced how they responded after the match during the week. In conclusion, coaches should focus on post-match strategies to enhance muscle recovery, especially for youth players with a lower training status, given the extended recovery period observed for muscle damage markers. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4a3dee0e6437452d9dd185d177b4bc7d |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2673-995X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Youth |
| spelling | doaj-art-4a3dee0e6437452d9dd185d177b4bc7d2025-08-20T01:56:13ZengMDPI AGYouth2673-995X2024-08-01431287130410.3390/youth4030081Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive MatchplayImanol Martin-Garetxana0Francisco Ayala1Mark De Ste Croix2Jon Larruskain3Josean Lekue4Jonathan Hughes5Medical Services, Athletic Club, Barrio Garaioltza 147, 48196 Lezama, Bizkaia, SpainDepartment of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, Campus San Javier, San Javier 30720, Murcia, SpainSchool of Education and Science, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester GL2 9HW, UKMedical Services, Athletic Club, Barrio Garaioltza 147, 48196 Lezama, Bizkaia, SpainMedical Services, Athletic Club, Barrio Garaioltza 147, 48196 Lezama, Bizkaia, SpainYouth Physical Development Centre, Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2XJ, UKThis study investigated the 7-day recovery period post-soccer matches in elite male academy players. We analyzed changes in physical performance, stretch-shortening cycle capability, landing mechanics, muscle damage, and perceived well-being while also considering the influence of players’ maturity status, chronological age, and physical demands on post-match responses. In a prospective, observational, mixed longitudinal study design, twenty-six players (U14 = 14 [age = 13.9 ± 0.2 y, and U16 = 12 [age = 15.1 ± 0.2 y]) undertook testing at baseline (1 h pre-match), immediately post-match (0 h), and 48-, 72-, 96-, and 120 h post-match for measures in creatine kinase (CK), urea (UR), CMJ height, 20 m sprint time, reactive strength index (RSI), leg stiffness (LS), landing mechanics, and perceived well-being. Players were also tested pre [168-h] and post the subsequent match. Results showed significant alterations 0 h post-match in CK (+71.3%), UR (+12.8%), CMJ height (−5.3%), 20 m sprint time (+3.8%), RSI (−9.6%), LS (−11.5%), and perceived well-being (−7.7%), with landing mechanics being unaffected. All parameters returned to baseline at 48 h, except for CK and UR, which remained elevated until 168 h. The players’ initial scores influenced how they responded after the match during the week. In conclusion, coaches should focus on post-match strategies to enhance muscle recovery, especially for youth players with a lower training status, given the extended recovery period observed for muscle damage markers.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/3/81footballfatiguestretch-shorting cycleadolescenceand team sports |
| spellingShingle | Imanol Martin-Garetxana Francisco Ayala Mark De Ste Croix Jon Larruskain Josean Lekue Jonathan Hughes Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive Matchplay Youth football fatigue stretch-shorting cycle adolescence and team sports |
| title | Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive Matchplay |
| title_full | Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive Matchplay |
| title_fullStr | Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive Matchplay |
| title_full_unstemmed | Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive Matchplay |
| title_short | Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive Matchplay |
| title_sort | unlocking male youth soccer players peak performance potential exploring the impact of maturation age and physical demands on neuromuscular injury risk and recovery following competitive matchplay |
| topic | football fatigue stretch-shorting cycle adolescence and team sports |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/3/81 |
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