Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(7): 511-518
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273742
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

An Exercise Protocol that Replicates Soccer Match-Play

M. Russell1 , 4 , G. Rees2 , D. Benton3 , M. Kingsley4 , 5
  • 1Moulton College, Sports Studies, Northampton, United Kingdom
  • 2Swansea City AFC, Liberty Stadium, Swansea, United Kingdom
  • 3Swansea University, Psychology, Swansea, United Kingdom
  • 4Swansea University, Sport & Exercise Science, Swansea, United Kingdom
  • 5Centre for Physical Activity Studies, Institute of Health and Social Science Research, CQUniversity, Rockhampton, Australia
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision February 14, 2011

Publication Date:
06 April 2011 (online)

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Abstract

This study compared the demands of a soccer match simulation (SMS) incorporating 90 min of soccer-specific movement with passing, dribbling and shooting skills with those of competitive match-play (match). 10 elite youth soccer players participated in SMS and match-play while ingesting fluid-electrolyte beverages. No differences existed between trials for mean HR (SMS, match: 158±4 beats·min−1, 160±3 beats·min−1; P=0.587), peak HR (SMS, match: 197±3 beats·min−1, 197±4 beats·min−1; P=0.935) and blood glucose concentrations (SMS, match: 4.5±0.1 mmol·L−1, 4.6±0.2 mmol·L−1; P=0.170). Inter-trial coefficient of variation (with Bland and Altman limits of agreement) were 2.6% (−19.4–15.4 beats·min−1), 1.6% (−14.3–14.7 beats·min−1) and 5.0% (−0.9–0.7 mmol·L−1) for mean HR, peak HR and blood glucose concentrations. Although the pattern of blood lactate response was similar between trials, blood lactate concentrations were higher at 15 min in SMS when compared to match. Notably, blood glucose concentrations were depressed by 17±4% and 19±5% at 15 min after half-time during match-play and SMS, respectively. Time spent completing low-intensity, moderate-intensity and high-intensity activities were similar between trials (P>0.05). In conclusion, the SMS replicates the physiological demands of match-play while including technical actions.

References

Correspondence

Dr. Mike KingsleyPhD 

University of Wales

Sport & Exercise Science

Singleton Park

SA28PP Swansea

United Kingdom

Phone: +44/179/251 33 10

Fax: +44/179/251 31 71

Email: m.i.c.kingsley@swansea.ac.uk