Soccer-specific training or active recovery: which promotes better recovery?
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Contents of Research Review
Trecroci A, Porcelli S, Perri E, Pedrali M, Rasica L, Alberti G, Longo S, Iaia FM. Effects of Different Training Interventions on the Recovery of Physical and Neuromuscular Performance After a Soccer Match. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Aug;34(8):2189-2196. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003269. PMID: 31373975.
In competitive soccer, players are frequently required to play in periods with congested fixtures in which they have limited time to recover between matches (3–4 days).
The authors in the current study compared the function of the knee extensors and flexors, as well as sprint performance, after completing soccer-specific training or an active recovery regime 48 h following competition match
Nine sub-elite soccer players played two 90 min friendly matches with similar match activity profiles. On one occasion, 48 h after the match, players performed a 60 min soccer-specific training session consisting of small-sided games, tactical drills, and set plays. On the other occasion, players performed a 30 min active recovery session consisting of circle drills, dynamic stretching, and low-intensity jogging.
72 h before, immediately after, and 72 h after the match, participants were evaluated for:
The main findings of this study were:
“This is a very interesting study that aimed to solve a real-world problem, can football athletes train in a match day (MD) +2/-1 without eliciting fatigue for the MD? Given the findings of the current study, particularly the observed decrease in the knee flexors force, the answer is “no”. At least with the characteristics of the training session that the authors have used.
These results are not surprising and I don’t think teams often train in MD+2/-1. A more frequent scenario is when teams have 3 days between matches. It would be very interesting to understand the level of fatigue the players present on MD+2 and the effect of different training loads during that session when the team competes two days afterwards (i.e. MD+2/-2). Given these findings and from my experience, I would suggest coaches carefully plan and manage players to avoid the need of training on a MD+2/.1.”
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