Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(7): 542-545
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273711
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of a Cold Environment on Physical Activity Profiles in Elite Soccer Match-Play

C. Carling1 , 2 , G. Dupont3 , F. Le Gall1
  • 1LOSC Lille Métropole Football Club, Domain de Luchin, Camphin-en-Pévèle, France
  • 2Institute of Coaching and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, UK
  • 3Université Lille Nord de France, EA 4488, Liévin, France
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision February 3, 2011

Publication Date:
11 May 2011 (online)

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Abstract

In this study, the effect of cold temperature on the physical activity profiles of professional soccer players in official match-play was investigated. Computerised motion-analysis was used to analyse performance in 9 players (4 defenders and 5 midfielders) in 4 temperature ranges: ≤5°C (29 matches), 6–10°C (62 matches), 11–20°C (48 matches) and ≥21°C (27 matches). Performance was analysed per minute for total distance covered and distance run in 3 categories: 0.0–14.3 km/h (walking/low/moderate); 14.4–19.7 km/h (running); ≥19.8 km/h (high-intensity). Results showed that while total distance run per minute was unaffected in colder conditions, midfielders ran significantly shorter distances in warmer temperatures: ≥21°C=118.7±6.9 m vs. ≤5°C=124.2±7.1 m, p<0.01; 6–10°C=123.6±6.8 m, p<0.01; and, 11–20°C=123.4±5.4, p<0.05). The total distance covered at 3 intensities and across halves was unaffected by temperature. Similarly, high-intensity efforts across match halves and in the first and final 5-min periods in each half of normal time were unaffected by temperature. In contrast, high-intensity efforts in midfielders across 15-min intervals were affected by temperature with greater distances covered per minute in the 30–45 min period in matches played in temperatures ≤5°C vs. the corresponding period in those played in temperatures ≥21°C (9.1±3.8 m vs. 6.2±3.0 m, p<0.05). The present findings generally suggest that physical performance in professional soccer does not decrease in cold temperatures.

References

Correspondence

Christopher Carling

LOSC Lille Métropole

Football Club

Domain de Luchin

59780 Camphin-en-Pévèle

France

Phone: +33/6/0392 1861

Fax: +33/1/4891 0793

Email: Chris.carling@free.fr