Maurizio Fanchini

Repeated-sprint ability in professional and amateur soccer players

This study investigated the repeated-sprint ability (RSA) physiological responses to a standardized, high-intensity, intermittent running test (HIT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2) (max)) and oxygen uptake (VO(2)) kinetics in male soccer players (professional (N = 12) and amateur (N = 11)) of different playing standards. The relationships between each of these factors and RSA performance were determined. Mean RSA time (RSA(mean)) and RSA decrement were related to the physiological responses to HIT (blood lactate concentration ([La(-)]), r = 0.66 and 0.77; blood bicarbonate concentration ([HCO(3)-]), r = -0.71 and -0.75; and blood hydrogen ion concentration ([H(+)]), r = 0.61 and 0.73; all p < 0.05), VO(2) (max) (r = -0.45 and -0.65, p < 0.05), and time constant (tau) in VO(2) kinetics (r = 0.62 and 0.62, p < 0.05). VO(2) (max) was not different between playing standards (58.5 +/- 4.0 vs. 56.3 +/- 4.5 mL.kg(-1).min(-1); p = 0.227); however, the professional players demonstrated better RSA(mean) (7.17 +/- 0.09 vs. 7.41 +/- 0.19 s; p = 0.001), lower [La-] (5.7 +/- 1.5 vs. 8.2 +/- 2.2 mmol.L(-1); p = 0.004), lower [H+] (46.5 +/- 5.3 vs. 52.2 +/- 3.4 mmol.L(-1); p = 0.007), and higher [HCO3-] (20.1 +/- 2.1 vs. 17.7 +/- 1.7 mmol.L(-1); p = 0.006) after the HIT, and a shorter in VO2 kinetics (27.2 +/- 3.5 vs. 32.3 +/- 6.0 s; p = 0.019). These results show that RSA performance, the physiological response to the HIT, and differentiate between professional- and amateur-standard soccer players. Our results also show that RSA performance is related to VO(2) max, tau, and selected physiological responses to a standardized, high-intensity, intermittent exercise.

Effect of bout duration on exercise intensity and technical performance of small-sided games in soccer

Fanchini, M, Azzalin, A, Castagna, C, Schena, F, McCall, A, and Impellizzeri, FM. Effect of bout duration on exercise intensity and technical performance of small-sided games in soccer J Strength Cond Res 25(2): 453-458, 2011-To examine whether the increase in bout duration would affect the exercise intensity and technical actions, we manipulated bout duration during a typical small-sided game drill (SSG) in male soccer players. Nineteen players (mean ± SD: age 24 ± 4 years, body mass 74 ± 4 kg, and height 180 ± 5 cm) completed three bouts of a 3-a-side drill at three different bout durations: 2, 4, and 6 minutes. Exercise intensity was quantified using heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). A nonsignificant duration × bout interaction was found for HR (p = 0.757). Heart rates of bout 1 were significantly lower than bout 2 (p = 0.004) and bout 3 (p = 0.049). The effect of duration was close to significance for HR (p = 0.057) with 6-minute SSG significantly lower than 4-minute SSG (p = 0.004). Duration × bout interaction did not reach the significance for RPE (p = 0.096). The RPE significantly increased along the bouts (p < 0.001) but was not affected by duration (p = 0.763). No effect of duration was found for number of technical actions per minute (p > 0.111). A significant effect of bout was only found for successful passes (p = 0.018). Partially confirming our hypothesis, the increase in bout duration from 2 to 6 minutes resulted in a decrease in intensity only between the 4- and 6-min SSG. However, duration did not influence the technical actions and proficiency. The magnitude of changes in HR (89.5 vs. 87.8 of maximum) is probably not enough to induce different training adaptations. Therefore, coaches can use different bout durations with minimal impact on exercise intensity and without compromising technical proficiency.

Differences in climbing-specific strength between boulder and lead rock climbers.

Abstract Fanchini, M, Violette, F, Impellizzeri, FM, and Maffiuletti, NA. Differences in climbing-specific strength between boulder and lead rock climbers. J Strength Cond Res 27(2): 310–314, 2013—The purpose of this study was to compare maximal muscle strength and rapid force capacity of finger flexors between boulder and lead climbers of national-international level. Ten boulder (mean ± SD, age 27 ± 8 years) and 10 lead climbers (age 27 ± 6 years) volunteered for the study. Ten nonclimbers (age 25 ± 4 years) were also tested. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force and rate of force development (RFD) produced in “crimp” and “open-crimp” hand positions were evaluated on an instrumented hold. Climbers were stronger than nonclimbers. More interestingly, MVC force and RFD were significantly greater in boulder compared with lead climbers (p < 0.05), in both crimp and open-crimp positions. The RFD was the most discriminatory outcome, as the largest difference between boulder and lead climbers (34–38%) was observed for this variable. The RFD may reflect the specific requirements of bouldering and seems to be more appropriate than pure maximal strength for investigating muscle function in rock climbers.

Use of the CR100 Scale for Session Rating of Perceived Exertion in Soccer and Its Interchangeability With the CR10

PURPOSE To examine the construct validity of the session rating perceived exertion (s-RPE) assessed with the Borg CR100 scale to measure training loads in elite soccer and to examine if the CR100 is interchangeable and can provide more-accurate ratings than the CR10 scale. METHODS Two studies were conducted. The validity of the CR100 was determined in 19 elite soccer players (age 28 ± 6 y, height 180 ± 7 cm, body mass 77 ± 6 kg) during training sessions through correlations with the Edwards heart-rate method (study 1). The interchangeability with CR10 was assessed in 78 soccer players (age 19.3 ± 4.1 y, height 178 ± 5.9 cm, body mass 71.4 ± 6.1 kg) through the Bland-Altman method and correlations between change scores in different sessions. To examine whether the CR100 is more finely graded than the CR10, the proportions of responses corresponding to the verbal expressions were calculated (study 2). RESULTS Individual correlations between the Edwards method and s-RPE were large to very large (.52-.85). The mean difference between the 2 scales was -0.3 ± 0.33 AU (90% CI -0.41 to -0.29) with 95% limits of agreements (0.31 to -0.96 AU). Correlations between scales and between-changes scores were nearly perfect (.95 and .91-.98). Ratings corresponding to the verbal anchors were 49% in CR10 and 26% in CR100. CONCLUSIONS The CR100 is valid for assessing the training load in elite soccer players. It can be used interchangeably with the CR10 and may provide more-precise measures of exercise intensity.

Comparative grading scales, statistical analyses, climber descriptors and ability grouping: International Rock Climbing Research Association position statement

Abstract The research base for rock climbing has expanded substantially in the past three decades as worldwide interest in the sport has grown. An important trigger for the increasing research attention has been the transition of the sport to a competitive as well as recreational activity and the potential inclusion of sport climbing in the Olympic schedule. The International Rock Climbing Research Association (IRCRA) was formed in 2011 to bring together climbers, coaches and researchers to share knowledge and promote collaboration. This position statement was developed during and after the 2nd IRCRA Congress which was held in Pontresina, in September 2014. The aim of the position statement is to bring greater uniformity to the descriptive and statistical methods used in reporting rock climbing research findings. To date there is a wide variation in the information provided by researchers regarding the climbers’ characteristics and also in the approaches employed to convert from climbing grading scales to a numeric scale suitable for statistical analysis. Our paper presents details of recommended standards of reporting that should be used for reporting climber characteristics and provides a universal scale for the conversion of climbing grades to a number system for statistical analysis.

Effect of Training-Session Intensity Distribution on Session Rating of Perceived Exertion in Soccer Players

PURPOSE To examine the effect of different exercise-intensity distributions within a training session on the session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and to examine the timing of measure on the rating. METHODS Nineteen junior players (age 16±1 y, height 173±5 cm, body mass 64±6 kg) from a Swiss soccer team were involved in the study. Percentage of heart rate maximum (%HR) and RPE (Borg CR100®) were collected in 4 standardized training sessions (conditions). The Total Quality of Recovery scale (TQR) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain of the lower limbs were used to control for the effect of pretraining fatigue. Every session consisted of three 20-min blocks of different intensities (ie, low-moderate-high) performed in a random order. RPE was collected after every block (RPE5), immediately after the session (RPE-end), and 30 min after the session (RPE30). RESULTS RPE5s of each block were different depending on the distribution sequence (P<.0001). RPE-end, TQR, and VAS values were not different between conditions (P=.57, P=.55, and P=.96, respectively). The %HR was significantly different between conditions (P=.008), with condition 3 higher than condition 2 (74.1 vs 70.2%, P=.02). Edwards training loads were not significantly different between conditions (P=.09). RPE30 was not different from RPE-end (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS The current results show that coaches can design training sessions without concern about the influence of the within-session distribution of exercise intensity on session-RPE and that RPE can be collected at the end of the session or 30 min later.

External responsiveness of the Yo-Yo IR Test Level 1 in high-level male soccer players.

The aim of this study was to assess the external responsiveness, construct validity and internal responsiveness of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 and its sub-maximal version in semi-professional players. Tests and friendly matches were performed during the preseason and regular season. The distance covered above 15 km·h(-1) was considered as an indicator of the physical match performance. Construct validity and external responsiveness were examined by correlations between test and physical match performance (preseason and regular season) and training-induced changes. Internal responsiveness was determined as Cohens effect size, standardized response mean and signal-to-noise ratio. The physical match performance increased after training (34.8%). The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 improved after training (40.2%), showed longitudinal (r=0.69) and construct validity (r=0.73 and 0.59, preseason and regular season) and had higher internal responsiveness compared to its sub-maximal version. The heart rate at the 6(th) minute in the sub-maximal version did not show longitudinal (r=-0.38) and construct validity (r=0.01 and -0.06, preseason and regular season) and did not significantly change after training (-0.3%). The rate of perceived exertion decreased in the sub-maximal version (- 29.8%). In conclusion, the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 is valid and responsive, while the validity of its sub-maximal version is questionable.

Are the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test levels 1 and 2 both useful? Reliability, responsiveness and interchangeability in young soccer players

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the reliability, internal responsiveness and interchangeability of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YY1), level 2 (YY2) and submaximal YY1 (YY1-sub). Twenty-four young soccer players (age 17 ± 1 years; height 177 ± 7 cm; body mass 68 ± 6 kg) completed each test five times within pre- and in-season; distances covered and heart rates (HRs) were measured. Reliability was expressed as typical error of measurement (TEM) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal responsiveness was determined as effect size (ES) and signal-to-noise ratio (ESTEM). Interchangeability was determined with correlation between training-induced changes. The TEM and ICC for distances in the YY1 and YY2 and for HR in YY1-sub were 7.3% and 0.78, 7.1% and 0.93 and 2.2% and 0.78, respectively. The ESs and ESTEMs were 0.9 and 1.9 for YY1, 0.4 and 1.2 for YY2 and −0.3 and −0.3 for YY1-sub. Correlations between YY1 vs. YY2 and YY1-sub were 0.56 to 0.84 and −0.36 to −0.81, respectively. Correlations between change scores in YY1 vs. YY2 were 0.29 and −0.21 vs. YY1-sub. Peak HR was higher in YY1 vs. YY2. The YY1 and YY2 showed similar reliability; however, they were not interchangeable. The YY1 was more responsive to training compared to YY2 and YY1-sub.

Despite association, the acute:chronic work load ratio does not predict non-contact injury in elite footballers

ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine association and prediction of load-based markers (rate of perceived exertion) with non-contact injuries. Materials and methods: Thirty-four elite Italian football players (age 26 ± 5 y, height 182 ± 5 cm, body mass 78 ± 4 kg) participated in a 3-seasons prospective study. Markers examined were: RPE, exposure, weekly load, week-to-week load change, cumulative 2, 3, 4 WL, acute:chronic 1:2 (acute:chronic2), 1:3 (acute:chronic3) and 1:4 (acute:chronic4) WL ratios. After checking multicollinearity between markers, a Generalized Estimating Equation analysis was used to examine association with a non-contact injury in the subsequent week. The associated markers were split into four groups based on 15th, 50th, 85th percentile to compare injury risk (IR) in different zones. Prediction was examined with receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve (AUC) and Youden index. Results: IR increased when acute:chronic2 of 1.00–1.20, >1.20 were compared to <0.81 (odds ratio (OR), 90% confidence interval (CI): 1.6, 0.79–3.29; 2.2, 1.03–4.74). IR increased when comparing acute:chronic3 of 1.01–1.23, >1.23 vs. <0.80 (OR, 90% CI: 1.9, 0.9–3.8; 2.5, 1.2–5.4). IR increased when comparing acute:chronic4 of 0.78–1.02, 1.02–1.26, >1.26 vs. <0.78 (OR, 90% CI: 2.4, 1.4–3.9; 3.3, 1.6–6.6; 3.5, 1.7–7.4). The AUC ≤0.60 for all markers and Youden Index (close to 0) showed poor prediction. Conclusion: Acute:chronic markers showed association however with poor prediction ability.

Is a retrospective RPE appropriate in soccer? Response shift and recall bias

ABSTRACT This study examined the acceptability of a retrospective rating of perceived exertion in soccer. Two attributes were investigated: response shift and recall bias. Response shift refers to a change in perception due to changes in internal standards and recall bias can influence the response shift assessment. Ratings were collected with the Borg-CR100® scale. Study 1: during competitive season 58 players (age 22 ± 5 years, height 178 ± 6 cm, body mass 72 ± 6 kg) were asked their rating following cessation of the matches and again at48 h post match. Response shift (first part of the season) was investigated by difference between the two ratings and recall bias (second part of the season) asking players whether they remembered exactly the rating given 48 h before. No response shift or recall bias were found. Study 2: 21 players (age 25 ± 5 years, height 176 ± 6 cm, body mass 71 ± 7 kg) were asked ratings at the end and 48 h following a field session, equated for internal and external loads. The same session was repeated after 10 days in a randomized crossover design. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between conditions were found. Retrospective rating was appropriate, however, the inconsistency of some ratings (i.e., after training) suggested it should be used only under special circumstances.