Mixed-methods pre-match cooling improves simulated soccer performance in the heat

Abstract

ABSTRACT This investigation examined the effects of three pre-match and half-time cooling manoeuvres on physical performance and associated physiological and perceptual responses in eight University soccer players during a non-motorised treadmill based individualised soccer-specific simulation [intermittent soccer performance test (iSPT)] at 30°C. Four randomised experimental trials were completed; following 30-min (pre-match) and 15-min (half-time) cooling manoeuvres via (1) ice slurry ingestion (SLURRY); (2) ice-packs placed on the quadriceps and hamstrings (PACKS); (3) mixed-methods (MM; PACKS and SLURRY concurrently); or no-cooling (CON). In iSPT first half, a moderate increase in total (Mean\u2009±\u2009Standard Deviation: 108\u2009±\u200957 m, qualitative inference: most likely, Cohen’s d: 0.87, 90%CL: ±0.31), high-speed (56\u2009±\u200946 m, very likely, 0.68\u2009±\u20090.38) and variable run (15\u2009±\u20095 m, very likely, 0.81\u2009±\u20090.47) distance covered was reported in MM compared with CON. Additionally, pre-match reductions in thermal sensation (–1.0\u2009±\u20090.5, most likely, –0.91\u2009±\u20090.36), rectal (–0.6\u2009±\u20090.1°C, very likely, –0.86\u2009±\u20090.35) and skin temperature (–1.1\u2009±\u20090.3°C, very likely, –0.88\u2009±\u20090.42) continued throughout iSPT first half. Physical performance during iSPT first half was unaltered in SLURRY and PACKS compared to CON. Rectal temperature was moderately increased in SLURRY at 45-min (0.2\u2009±\u20090.1°C, very likely, 0.67\u2009±\u20090.36). Condition did not influence any measure in iSPT second half compared to CON. Only MM pre-match cooling augmented physical performance during iSPT first half, likely due to peripheral and central thermoregulatory factors favourably influencing first half iSPT performance. Further practical half-time cooling manoeuvres which enhance second half performance are still required.