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The purposes of this study were 1) to analyse the different pacing behaviours based on athlete's performance and 2) to determine whether significant differences in each race split and the runner's performance implied different race profiles. A total of 2295 runners, which took part in Berlin's marathon (2017), met the inclusion criteria. 4 different groups were created based on sex and performance. Men: Elite (<02:19:00 h), Top 1 (<02:30:00 h), Top 2 (<02:45:00 h) and Top 3 (<03:00:00 h); women: Elite (02:45:00 h), Top 1 (<03:00:00 h), Top 2 (<03:15:00 h), Top 3 (<03:30:00 h). With the aim of comparing the pacing between sex and performance the average speed was normalized. In men, no statistically significant changes were found between performance group and splits. A large number of significant differences between splits and groups were found amongst women: 5-10 km Top 2 vs Top 3 (P = 0.0178), 10-15 km Top1 vs Top 2 (P = 0.0211), 15-20 km Top1 vs Top 2 (P = 0.0382), 20-21.1 km Elite vs Top 2 (P = 0.0129); Elite vs Top 3 (P = 0.0020); Top1 vs Top 2 (P = 0.0233); Top 1 vs Top 3 (P = 0.0007), 25-30 km Elite vs Top 2 (P = 0.0273); Elite vs Top 3 (P = 0.0156), 30-35 km Elite vs Top 2 (P = 0.0096); Top 1 vs Top 2 (P = 0.0198); Top2 vs Top3 (P = 0.0069). In men there were little significant differences based on athletes' performance which implied a similar pacing behaviour. Women presented numerous differences based on their performance which suggested different pacing behaviours.

Background/Objectives: To analyze how the different phases of the menstrual cycle affect agility in female football players. Methods: A total of 11 female football players were selected from the third tier of the Spanish Football Federation (Third RFEF) and an agility test (t-test) was conducted to measure agility during the three phases of the menstrual cycle: the menstrual, late follicular, and mid-luteal phases. These phases were determined through self-reporting and the use of ovulation test strips for luteinizing hormone detection. Perceptual variables, such as sleep quality, stress, muscle pain, and fatigue, as well as the rating of perceived exertion, were measured. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in agility performance across menstrual cycle phases (F(2,20) = 1.86; p = 0.18). However, performance in the mid-luteal phase was slightly better compared to other phases. Similarly, no significant differences were found in perceptual variables such as fatigue, sleep quality, stress, and muscle soreness (p > 0.05), although slightly better perceptual responses were observed in the late follicular phase. Conclusions: No significant differences were found when analyzing the influence of menstrual cycle phases on agility, although performance appeared slightly better in the mid-luteal phase. No significant differences were observed in the perceptual variables. Both objective and perceptual variables should be considered in future studies or training programs based on the menstrual cycle.

The purpose of this study was to assess the external load demands in futsal, considering both home and away matches and their outcomes, in order to plan microcycles throughout the season based on the external load of each match. The external load of 10 players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League was recorded throughout 15 official matches in the first half of the league championship. The players’ external load was monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the influence of the match outcome and location on the external load, a univariate general linear model (GLM) analysis was conducted with Bonferroni post hoc. There are no differences between the variables neither comparing results nor location factors, except for accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s2 (m) per minute and the number of accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s2 per minute, reporting higher value winnings at home than away (p < 0.05). The location and results are not factors that influence on external load in futsal matches, except the number and distance performed in accelerations and distance covered at a low to medium speed. These findings are important for planning microcycles and providing the appropriate dosage to each player to achieve optimal performance in matches.

Background: In recent decades, sport science has advanced significantly, but injuries in football have also increased, possibly due to increased competitive demands. The reasons behind injuries are complex, involving both external and internal factors. It is crucial to focus on modifiable factors such as training load, physical capabilities, flexibility, and strength. It is also essential to perform specific assessments based on physical needs and the most injured muscle groups in each sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to (1) determine strength and power values ​​in a Major League Soccer (MLS) professional football team during one season, (2) analyze the results of pre- and post-session assessments, and (3) determine the effect of the transition period on strength and power. Methods: The study included 22 professional football players aged 26.3 ± 3.9 years from a Major League Soccer (MLS) team excluding goalkeepers. Six assessments were performed, of which 3 were pre-throwing session and 3 were post-throwing session, evaluating eccentric hamstring strength using the Nordic hamstring curl with the NordBord system, maximal isometric hip adduction and abduction strength using the ForceFrame, and lower limb power with the countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) on ForceDecks force platforms. Results: Strength and power values ​​established with pre-session assessments show a CMJ height of 43.96 ± 3.92cm, in Nordic hamstring curl 382.46 ± 67.79N (L) and 370.66 ± 65.84N (R), in hip adduction 414.79 ± 73.86N (L) and 424.02 ± 71.88N (R), and in hip abduction 411.93 ± 60.19N (L) and 420.77 ± 60.54N (R). The results showed a significant decrease (P > 0.05) in the Nordic hamstring curl and both hip adduction and abduction in the post-session assessments compared to the pre-session assessments, the CMJ height did not show a significant change (p = ˃0.05). In the pre-season assessment compared to the data obtained in the pre-session assessments a significant decrease in CMJ height was found (p = ˂0.05), while the Nordic hamstring curl and both hip adduction and abduction did not show a significant decrease (p = ˃0.05). Conclusions: The data studied show lower strength values ​​after the session, except for power expressed in CMJ height. After the transition period, hamstring and hip strength (ABD-ADD) did not show significant changes, but CMJ height did. It is suggested to perform strength assessments and strength training prior to the on-field soccer session to obtain accurate baseline profiles and maximize strength and power training adaptations, avoiding biases generated by fatigue. It is also recommended to implement training programs during the transition period to counteract the effects of detraining. Keywords: Assessment; Strength; NordBord; ForceFrame; ForceDecks; Prevention; Soccer

This study aimed to explore the effect of the menstrual cycle (MC) phases (i.e., early follicular phase [EFP], late follicular phase [LFP], and mid-luteal phase [MLP]) on the repetitions performed to momentary failure in back squat and bench press exercises, as well as to determine subsequent fatigue (i.e., change in countermovement jump [CMJ], perceived effort, and muscle soreness). Twelve physically active eumenorrheic women performed a back squat and bench press set to momentary failure at 80% of the one-repetition maximum during the EFP, LFP, and MLP. The results revealed that subjects were able to perform 2.2 [0.2 to 4.2] more repetitions in the LFP with respect to the EFP for the back squat exercise (p = 0.009), but no significant differences were observed for the bench press (p = 0.354). The EFP displayed a larger CMJ height drop (−0.86 [−1.71 to −0.01] cm) with respect to the LFP (0.01 [−0.57 to 0.58] cm) and the MLP (−0.36 [−1.15 to 0.43] cm). Neither the perceived effort of each set to failure nor the resulting muscle soreness differed between MC phases. Therefore, practitioners should be aware that the MC could condition the repetitions available to momentary failure and the resulting allostatic load.

The aim of this study was to compare the external load of each session along competitive microcycles on an elite futsal team, considering the positions and relationships of the players. The external load of 10 elite players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League (age 27.5 ± 7 years, height 1.73 ± 0.05 m, weight 70.1 ± 3.8 kg) were recorded across 30 microcycles. The players’ external loads were monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the external load, Levene’s test was conducted to assess the homogeneity of variances, followed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify differences in dependent variables across the different microcycle days and player positions. Regarding external load during the microcycle, the day with the lowest external load was MD-1, and the days with the highest external load were MD-3 and MD-4. In addition, considering playing positions, pivots exhibited the lowest loads throughout the microcycle, whereas wingers and defenders exhibited the highest loads, depending on the variables analysed. By providing reference values from elite contexts, this study offers practical insights for S&C coaches to optimize microcycles. Furthermore, it contributes to workload management strategies within sport science and public health frameworks, promoting sustainable performance and athlete wellness in futsal.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 2 different repeated-sprint ability (RSA) training frequencies (2 RSA sessions per week [RSA2D] or 1 RSA session [RSA1D]) under volume-equated conditions on sprint and RSA performance in under-15 (U15) soccer players. Twenty-seven youth male soccer players (age: 12.29±0.47 years; height: 158.35±10.86 cm; weight: 45.08±8.05 kg) were randomly assigned to RSA2D (n=14) or RSA1D (n=13) groups. The players performed the same RSA training for 6 weeks, and only the training frequency differed between the groups. Before and after the training period, 5 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint and the RSA test were assessed. No significant time × group interactions were observed (p>0.05). Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in 20 m sprint (p=0.046, partial eta squared [ ] = 0.150, large) and RSA average time (p=0.001, =0.438, large), fastest time (p=0.012, =0.229, large), and total time (p=0.001, =0.438, large) from pre-test to post-test in RSA1D and RSA2D groups. However, no significant pre-post changes (p>0.05) were found in 5 m and 10 m sprint tests. In the between-group analysis, there were no significant differences between RSA1D and RSA2D groups in any variable. In conclusion, the current findings suggest that 6 weeks of RSA training 1 or 2 times per week in addition to typical soccer training produced significant and similar improvements in sprint and RSA performances. This information could be useful for coaches when planning training sessions during congested fixtures of soccer competitions or in periods when the emphasis should be placed on other physical qualities.

Futsal is a sport with increasing popularity and level of performance, both in male and female categories. Also, there are several injuries along a season, so it is needed to know how to reduce this burden. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of technical staff on injury risk factors, risk testing and preventive measures, and the strategies used by them within professional male and female futsal teams. A cross-sectional study was designed during the 2017–2018 season. A total of 32 futsal teams involved in male and female Spanish national futsal leagues completed, through an online survey platform, a questionnaire about injury risk factors, risk testing and preventive measures. Findings showed that: (a) most teams reported enough human resources, but insufficient material and time resources, (b) the main risk factors detected were previous injuries, strength deficits and dehydration, (c) functional movement patterns, flexibility tests and self-report questionnaires were the most applied tests for detecting injury risks in their players and (d) most of the main preventive measures used by technical staff matched with the best valued by them. Technical staff defined properly the main risk factors in futsal performance, as well as they applied preventive strategies with scientific support. The information provided in this research could be of interest for sport scientists and technical staff when designing more accurate and efficient injury prevention programs in futsal.

The aims of this study were to describe the external and internal workloads in a professional female futsal team during a whole season and to compare workloads during different periods of the season. Ten professional female futsal players (age 22.8 ± 4.3 years; 5.1 ± 2.4 years of experience; weight 61.9 ± 7.1 kg; height 1.66 ± 0.06 m) participated voluntarily in this study during the whole season. The internal workload was measured by the session-Rate of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method, while the external workload was indirectly measured by considering the training and match volume and the type of contents of each session over 43 weeks. Mean sRPE throughout the season was 319.9 ± 127.1 arbitrary units (AU). Higher internal loads (total weekly training load and strain) were reported during the pre-season compared with the in-season mesocycles (p < 0.05); meanwhile, the fifth to eighth mesocycles of the in-season showed an oscillatory pattern. Finally, Monday was the most-demanding session during the in-season period over the Thursday (p < 0.05; effect size: 1.33) followed by match day, meanwhile no statistical differences were reported during different sessions of the pre-season microcycle (p > 0.05). This study suggests that microcycles of pre-season present a stable load pattern, meanwhile workloads during the in-season period report a tapering strategy in a professional female futsal team.

La población mundial envejece de forma progresiva, necesitando conocer las necesidades de las personas mayores para mejorar sus niveles de calidad de vida, en especial, a través del ejercicio físico. Actualmente, se desconocen los niveles reales de ejercicio físico en esta población, así como los niveles de calidad de vida y dependencia en muchas regiones mundiales. Por ello, el objetivo principal fue analizar los niveles de práctica de actividad física del adulto mayor, así como la asociación del ejercicio en su calidad de vida. Para ello, 344 adultos mayores de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (Argentina) respondieron a un cuestionario ad-hoc elaborado por un Comité de expertos y basados en herramientas validadas sobre ejercicio físico, dependencia y calidad de vida. Los principales hallazgos fueron que un 34.6% de la población no realiza actividad física semanalmente, gran parte de la población mostró tener alto nivel de independencia y se encontró asociación positiva entre las personas más activas y los mayores niveles de calidad de vida. Según estos resultados, se deben diseñar y aplicar nuevas estrategias de ejercicio físico comunitario para aumentar los niveles de calidad de vida e independencia incrementando el volumen y frecuencia de ejercicio físico en personas mayores, especialmente realizado de forma colectiva. Palabras clave: Adulto mayor, género, entrenamiento, dependencia. Abstract. The world's population is ageing progressively, necessitating an understanding of the needs of older people to improve their quality of life, particularly through physical activity. Currently, the actual levels of physical exercise in this population are unknown, as well as the levels of quality of life and dependency in many regions of the world. Therefore, the main objective was to analyse the physical activity levels of older adults, as well as the association of exercise on their quality of life. For this purpose, 344 older adults from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (Argentina) answered an ad-hoc questionnaire developed by a committee of experts and based on validated tools on physical exercise, dependence and quality of life. The main findings were that 34.6% of the population did not engage in weekly physical activity, a large part of the population showed a high level of independence, and a positive association was found between more active people and higher levels of quality of life. Based on these findings, new community physical exercise strategies should be designed and implemented to increase levels of quality of life and independence by increasing the volume and frequency of physical exercise in older people, especially done collectively. Keywords: Older adult, gender, training, dependence