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Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2785-7601
Training & Testing

Positional and Temporal Intermittency in Football: A Metabolic Model Approach

Authors

  • Norbert Callau-Arbo

    1   Barça Innoavation Hub, FC Barcelona Medical Services, Barcelona, Spain (Ringgold ID: RIN88056)

  • Albert Altarriba-Bartes

    2   Sport and Physical Activity Studies Centre (CEEAF), University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain (Ringgold ID: RIN16783)

  • Antonio Alonso-Callejo

    3   Physical Activity, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha - Campus de Toledo, Toledo, Spain (Ringgold ID: RIN83133)

  • David Pajon

    4   Instituto Nacional de Educación Física de Cataluña, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Ringgold ID: RIN16724)

  • Jose Luis Felipe 

    5   IGOID Research group, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain (Ringgold ID: RIN16733)

  • Demetrio Lozano

    6   Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, Villanueva de Gállego, Spain (Ringgold ID: RIN202605)
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This study examined positional differences in the intermittent nature of efforts during professional football matches and compared two analytical models: one using a fixed metabolic power threshold (Pmet20) and another based on the relationship between oxygen consumption and metabolic power (VO₂-Pmet). Data were collected from 24 First Division players in Cyprus across 50 matches during the 2022–2023 season using GPS technology (WIMU Pro System). High and low metabolic load efforts (HMLE and LMLE) were analyzed. Results showed significant positional differences in both the duration and intensity of HMLE and LMLE. Compared to the Pmet20 model, the VO₂–Pmet method identified approximately twice longer HMLE durations (≈4.1 vs. 2.1 s) and about 70–150% more detected efforts across positions, together with shorter recovery intervals. A notable decline in LMLE intensity between halves was linked to reduced performance. These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between aerobic and anaerobic systems in football and emphasize the need for position-specific training. Practical applications include designing training programs that reflect the unique intermittent demands of each position, focusing on both high-intensity efforts and recovery. This study provides a robust framework for understanding football’s intermittent nature and offers actionable strategies to enhance player performance through tailored conditioning.



Publication History

Received: 23 May 2025

Accepted after revision: 09 January 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
10 January 2026

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