The ASPIRE Academy experience

- Written by Martin Buchheit, Alberto Mendez-Villanueva, Cosmin Horobeanu, Alain Sola and Valter Di Salvo, Qatar (@mart1buchheit)

Competition schedules in football often require teams to play matches with only a few days of recovery between them¹. When the time between matches is limited, players can experience transient fatigue, which can adversely affect on-field physical performance¹. Surprisingly however, the objective data available seem to indicate that elite adult football players are likely able to cope with the physical demands of consecutive games played within a few days (i.e. match running performance is generally maintained throughout the games^2-4). One of the reasons why elite adult football players appear to be resilient to match-play induced fatigue may be related to the fact that virtually every professional player is exposed to post-game recovery strategies⁵.

Youth football tournaments typically require teams to play several games within few days (e.g. 4 games in 8 days, 6 games in 9 days). Those competition formats are certainly more demanding than those encountered in professional football. However, the available information on how young, developing players, such as those training in elite academies, cope with such condensed competitive demands is scarce^6-9. Understanding the performance responses of this population to congested fixtures periods, as well as the actual need for post-game recovery interventions is important for the design of optimal training programmes and, in turn, to realise promising players’ full potential.

Young players, especially those before and during puberty, are known to either resist or delay fatigue better than adolescents and adults during repeated, high-intensity exercise bouts¹⁰. This is of interest in football as these high-intensity activity patterns are an integral part of the physical demands of youth football match-play^11,12. Recovery from previous exercise is also enhanced in young children compared with their older counterparts (i.e. adolescents)¹⁰. For example, it has been reported that several physiological markers related with fitness and fatigue (i.e. exercise heart rate and post-exercise heart rate variability) remained unchanged during a congested competitive period in Under 15 highly-trained young soccer players⁸. This suggests an enhanced ability to resist to game-related fatigue in young soccer players.

To further improve the ability to tolerate or delay the onset of cumulative fatigue during periods of consecutive games, any additional recovery intervention that players receive during the post-match period could provide a performance benefit in the subsequent match^5-13. Several recovery strategies are commonly used in soccer and include cryotherapy (e.g. cold water immersion, ice pack applications and cold showers), hydrotherapy (e.g. hot water baths, contrast therapy, spa treatment), massage, compression garments, and active recovery (e.g. low intensity running)^5,13. In young football players specifically, cold water immersion alone¹⁴ or associated with active recovery¹⁵ have been shown to reduce perceptions of general fatigue and leg soreness after matches, but had no impact on physical test performance. However, the direct effect(s) of post-match recovery strategies on actual match running performance, which is likely to be the most important measure of all, have received little attention. Promising preliminary results have been observed^6,7 and will be detailed here.

The aim of the present paper is therefore to review the available evidence on the value of post-match recovery interventions in young developing soccer players. To do so, the experience gained at Aspire Academy (Doha, Qatar) over the past 5 years will be presented. In particular, we will present data aimed at:

1. Examining whether non-mature (pre-peak height velocity) and mature (post-peak height velocity) developing soccer players have similar needs for post-match recovery strategies.
2. Examining the effects of selected recovery interventions following games on repeated match running performance. In particular:
   1. The effect of a combination of sauna, cold water immersion and Jacuzzi (i.e. spa treatment) between two consecutive matches (within 48 hours) played against the same opponents, in comparison with a no-recovery modality.
   2. The effect of a combination of different recovery interventions (including cold water immersion, stretching, water-based, football-specific active recovery and individualised assisted stretching/massage) during congested fixtures (i.e. international tournaments and competition camps) in Under 17 players in relation to match outcomes.

EFFECT OF MATURATION ON REPEATED MATCH RUNNING PERFORMANCE

We first examined the effects of maturation on repeated match running performance during two consecutive matches against the same opponents, without any specific recovery intervention. To do so, we looked at the eventual changes in different running variables (collected with GPS) during two consecutive games played within 48 hours (Figure 1), in players classified as non-mature and mature. Maturation status was assessed from the estimated age at peak height velocity (PHV), and players were classified as pre- or post-PHV. We selected time-motion data only for players who met all of the following criteria:

1. played against the same opposition in two consecutive matches within 48 hours,
2. played in the same position in both matches and,
3. played the entire match on both occasions.

This lead to 19 pairs of matches for 15 post-PHV players, and 15 pairs of matches for 13 post-PHV players. Results are summarised in Figure 2, and show that:

• Without specific post-match recovery interventions, post-PHV (i.e. mature) players appear to experience some signs of residual fatigue 48 hours post-match, as evidenced by a decrease in very-high intensity running and the number of repeated-sprint efforts.
• Match running performance is likely improved in pre-PHV (i.e. non-mature) players during the following match, even without any post-match recovery intervention.

The result in post-PHV players supports previous findings in adult soccer players showing that a 48-hour recovery period is not always sufficient to restore all physical capacities back to baseline levels¹. These findings also confirmed the previous results of post-match fatigue-induced decrements in some physical performance characteristics in highly-trained young soccer players¹⁴. While changes in tactics between the games could definitely also explain the observed change in running performance, games were played against the same opponents, and players played at the same position. Present results suggest therefore that mature players are likely to benefit from post-match recovery strategies. It is, however, worth noting that changes in match running performance had high inter-individual variations, suggesting heterogeneous match-induced fatigue. Differences in player characteristics (e.g. physical capabilities, training background), as well as position-specific differences in match demands^11,12 could contribute to these individual responses.

The meaningful improvements in match running performance observed during the second match in the non-mature players (Figure 2) was unexpected. Physical performance is known to be dependent on the balance between physical capability and training and/or exercise-induced fatigue¹⁶. Therefore, the increased physical capabilities noted in the second match could be related to faster post-exercise recovery abilities in pre-PHV athletes¹⁰. This could be related to their lower muscle mass and force production ability that is accompanied by less homeostatic disturbance and less muscle damage. Alternatively, short-term improvements in physical performance (i.e. supercompensation¹⁶) could be another explanation. Irrespective of the mechanisms involved, the present results show that pre-PHV players are unlikely to experience marked fatigue during two consecutive matches performed within 48 hours. Our findings indicate that the implementation of post-match recovery strategies may not be necessary in pre-PHV players. This study does not, however, allow detailed investigation of possible mechanisms that account for the changes in match running performance seen during the second match. For a better understanding of the possible mechanisms involved, the readers are referred to reviews on the topic^5,13,17. The outcome of the first match, which could have affected player motivation, was not taken into account in the analyses and is therefore a potential limitation of this study.

To summarise

• Mature players are likely to show a decrease in high-intensity running performance between two consecutive games separated by 48 hours. They are therefore likely to benefit from post-match recovery strategies.
• Non-mature players are unlikely to show impairments in match running performance when games are repeated (they even show an improvement). The implementation of post-match recovery strategies players may not be necessary in pre-PHV players.

EFFECT OF POST-GAME RECOVERY INTERVENTIONS ON REPEATED MATCH RUNNING PERFORMANCE IN MATURE PLAYERS

1. Spa treatment

We first examined the effect of a spa treatment (Table 1, Figure 3) on repeated match running performance during two consecutive matches (48 hours apart) against the same opponents (Figure 1), in comparison with a no-specific recovery intervention scenario. To do so, we extracted 20 game files collected in 5 players who played both 2 games with and without the spa treatment in between (5×2 games interspersed with spa, 5×2 games without). We then compared the changes in performance in both conditions (i.e. with and without recovery) (Figure 4). Results showed that:

• The combination of sauna, cold water immersion and jacuzzi (i.e. a spa treatment) the day following a match is likely to reduce the deterioration of match running performance during the second game.

The present results obtained in Aspire players⁷ are in accordance with another study on the same population, where cold-water immersion alone was shown to improve perceptions of fatigue and recovery, and enhanced the restoration of some match-related performance measures during a 4-day tournament⁶. The inter-individual differences in the responses to the spa treatment in our study suggest nevertheless that not all players benefit from post-match recovery interventions to the same extent. As previously hypothesised, individual and/or positional differences in match-related fatigue could account for these observations. However, while the present investigation provides support for the use of post-match recovery strategies to promote restoration of physical capabilities, the precise physiological mechanisms by which match running performance (i.e. sprinting) was possibly improved after spa treatment remain unclear. For a better understanding of the possible mechanisms involved, readers are referred to reviews on the topic^5,13,17. Whether or not the beneficial effect of a spa treatment on match running performance influences match outcomes (i.e. winning or losing) is not straightforward because match running performance is only one of the several factors for success in soccer.

2. Other interventions

During international tournaments and competition camps in Aspire players, post-game recovery strategies (Table 1, Figure 3 and 5) are generally implemented following each game. Match performance data from players who played at least all first halves during these periods of congested fixtures were analysed (Figure 6). These data show that:

• Players managed to maintain their high speed running activity during all games (i.e. there is no a decreasing trend over the games).

While a comparison with another type of recovery and/or control condition is lacking, these results suggest that within these specific game settings, the recovery protocols used (Table 1) are likely efficient enough to allow players to perform (at least physically) adequately. Interestingly, there was no clear association between running performance and match outcomes. This confirms that match-to-match variations are likely related to team tactics, opposition and game outcomes, rather than physical capacity per se^18,19.

To summarise

• Mature players using the above-mentioned post-game recovery interventions are likely able to maintain their running performance during repeated games against high-level opponents. This lends support of the implementation of these recovery strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

• Only mature (post-PHV) players may experience match-induced fatigue within 48 hours, as evidenced by a decreased match running performance during the following match. The implementation of post-match recovery strategies may only be necessary in mature players.
• In mature (post-PHV) players, a combination of sauna, cold water immersion and jacuzzi (i.e. spa treatment, Table 1) the day after a match is likely to limit the deterioration in match running performance (especially sprinting) in the following match, compared with a no- specific recovery intervention scenario.
• During tournaments in mature (post-PHV) players, a combination of cold water immersion, stretching, water-based, football-specific active recovery, and individualised assisted stretching/massage (Table 1) may assist players in maintaining the required game running demands, however, this has no direct link with match outcomes.
• Assessment of player/position-related fatigue, as well as individual responses to recovery treatment as already partially implemented in Aspire, are likely required to optimise training and recovery sessions in developing soccer players.

WATCH DR BUCHHEIT'S PRESENTATION AT ASPETAR'S POST-EXERCISE RECOVERY CONFERENCE BELOW

TO VIEW A 40 MINUTE Q&A SESSION WITH ALL RECOVERY EXPERTS WHO PRESENTED AT THIS CONFERENCE CLICK HERE

Martin Buchheit, Ph.D.

Head of Performance

Paris Saint Germain Football Club

Paris, France

Alberto Mendez-Villanueva, Ph.D.

Strength & Conditioning coach

Football Performance and Science Department

ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence

Cosmin Horobeanu, M.Sc.

Physiotherapist

Aspire Health Center

National Sport Medicine Program – Club Federation

Aspetar – Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital

Alain Sola

Physiotherapist and Strength & Conditioning coach

Football Performance and Science Department

ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence

Valter Di Salvo, Ph.D.

Director

Football Performance and Science Department

ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence

Doha, Qatar

References

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2.            Dellal A, Lago-Peñas C, Rey E, Chamari K, Orhant E. The effects of a congested fixture period on physical performance, technical activity and injury rate during matches in a professional soccer team. Br J Sports Med 2013.

3.            Lago-Peñas C, Rey E, Lago-Ballesteros J, Casáis L, Dominguez E. The influence of a congested calendar on physical performance in elite soccer. J Strength Cond Res 2011; 25:2111-2117.

4.            Carling C, Le Gall F, Dupont G. Are physical performance and injury risk in a professional soccer team in match-play affected over a prolonged period of fixture congestion? Int J Sports Med 2012; 33:36-42.

5.            Nédélec M, McCall A, Carling C, Legall F, Berthoin S, Dupont G. Recovery in soccer : part ii-recovery strategies. Sports Med 2013; 43:9-22.

6.            Rowsell GJ, Coutts AJ, Reaburn P, Hill-Haas S. Effect of post-match cold-water immersion on subsequent match running performance in junior soccer players during tournament play. J Sports Sci 2011; 29:1-6.

7.            Buchheit M, Horobeanu C, Mendez-Villanueva A, Simpson BM, Bourdon PC. Effects of age and spa treatment on match running performance over two consecutive games in highly trained young soccer players. J Sports Sci 2011; 29:591-598.

8.            Buchheit M, Mendez-Villanueva A, Quod M, Poulos N, Bourdon P. Determinants of the variability of heart rate measures during a competitive period in young soccer players. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 109:869-878.

9.            Hamilton DK. Explosive performance in young soccer players during several games in succession: a tournament scenario. J Aust Strength Cond 2009; 17:3-10.

10.          Ratel S, Duché P, Williams CA. Muscle fatigue during high-intensity exercise in children. Sports Med 2006; 36:1031-1065.

11.          Buchheit M, Mendez-Villanueva A, Simpson BM, Bourdon PC. Match running performance and fitness in youth soccer. Int J Sports Med 2010; 31:818-825.

12.          Mendez-Villanueva A, Buchheit M, Simpson B, Bourdon PC. Match play intensity distribution in youth soccer. Int J Sport Med 2013; 34:101-110.

13.          Barnett A. Using recovery modalities between training sessions in elite athletes: does it help? Sports Med 2006; 36:7817-96.

14.          Rowsell GJ, Coutts AJ, Reaburn P, Hill-Haas S. Effects of cold-water immersion on physical performance between successive matches in high-performance junior male soccer players. J Sports Sci 2009; 27:565-573.

15.          Kinugasa T, Kilding AE. A comparison of post-match recovery strategies in youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 2009; 23:1402-1407.

16.          Viru A. The mechanism of training effects: a hypothesis. Int J Sports Med 1984; 5:219-227.

17.          Wilcock IM, Cronin JB, Hing WA. Physiological response to water immersion: a method for sport recovery? Sports Med 2006; 36:747-765.

18.          Bradley PS, Carling C, Archer D, Roberts J, Dodds A, Di Mascio M, et al. The effect of playing formation on high-intensity running and technical profiles in English FA Premier League soccer matches. J Sports Sci 2011 May; 29:821-830.

19.          Lago C. The influence of match location, quality of opposition, and match status on possession strategies in professional association football. J Sports Sci 2009; 27:1463-1469.

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