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Monitoring training load, recovery, and wellness in maturation ages is even more relevant than in adulthood, especially during congested schedules. The objective of this study was to quantify and describe the differences in external and internal load, recovery, and perceived wellness in elite under-16 female players during a period of three competitions in seven days based on their participation during matches. An observational design was used to quantify the external load (total distance, high-speed distance, and PlayerLoad) and internal load (differential sRPE), as well as the recovery and wellness of 18 international under-16 players during a development tournament. The external load pattern of the starting players was undulating, with matches showing the highest internal load values compared to training sessions and non-starters. Non-starter players (whether training or matches) showed similar external load and differential sRPE values throughout the tournament (p > 0.05). Starting players experienced higher internal load than non-starters during matches (p < 0.037), without differences between training sessions (p > 0.05). No changes were seen in wellness or recovery (all p-values > 0.05), except for non-starters in Session 3 compared to Session 7 (p = 0.024). Starting players had more weekly total minutes (p = 0.018), differential sRPE (breath: p = 0.002; leg: p = 0.002; cognitive: p = 0.003), total distance (p = 0.003), and PlayerLoad (p = 0.008) than non-starters. Our results indicate differing load patterns between starters and non-starters, which do not affect wellness and recovery differently. Starters accumulate more weekly total load. Coaches can use these findings to guide decisions and load compensations in high competition contexts for young female soccer players.

Since isometric training is gaining popularity, some devices are being developed to test isometric force as an alternative to the more expensive force plates (FPs); thus, the aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of “GSTRENGTH” for measuring PF in the isometric belt squat exercise. Five subjects performed 24 contractions at three different knee angles (90°, 105° and 120°) on two occasions (120 total cases). Peak force data were measured using FPs and a strain gauge (SG) and analyzed by Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient, ICCs, Cronbach’s alpha, a paired sample t-test and Bland–Altman plots. Perfect or almost perfect relationships (r: 0.999–1) were found with an almost perfect or perfect level of agreement (ICCs: 0.992–1; α: 0.998–1). The t-test showed significant differences for the raw data but not for the predictions by the equations obtained with the SG values. The Bland–Altman plots, when significant, showed trivial to moderate values for systematic bias in general. In conclusion, “GSTRENGTH” was shown to be a valid alternative to FPs for measuring PF.

Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation has been extensively used to increase exercise economy in different populations. However, its use in elite distance runners, and its potential effects on biomechanical aspects of running have not been properly investigated. This study aims to analyze the potential effects of 15 days of beetroot juice supplementation on physiological, psychological and biomechanical variables in elite runners. Twelve elite middle and long-distance runners (age = 26.3 ± 5.1yrs, VO2Max = 71.8±5.2 ml*kg-1*min-1) completed an incremental running test to exhaustion on a treadmill before and after a 15-days supplementation period, in which half of the group (EG) consumed a daily nitrate-rich beetroot juice and the other group (PG) consumed a placebo drink. Time to exhaustion (TEx), running economy, vastus lateralis oxygen saturation (SmO2), leg stiffness and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at 15, 17.1 and 20 km/h during the incremental test. Likely to very likely improvements in EG were observed for the RPE (Standardized mean difference (SMD) = -2.17, 90%CI = -3.23, -1.1), SmO2 (SMD = 0.72, 90%CI = 0.03, 1.41) and TEx (SMD = 1.18, 90%CI = -0.14, 2.5) in comparison with PG. No other physiological or biomechanical variable showed substantial improvements after the supplementation period. Fifteen days of nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation produced substantial improvements in the time to exhaustion in elite runners; however, it didn't produce meaningful improvements in running economy, VO2Max or mechanical parameters.

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the external load demands of players from the Spanish women’s national football teams across the U-17, U-20, and senior categories during their respective FIFA World Cup participations. Key kinematic variables were assessed via global positioning systems (GPS), including total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR; ≥18 km·h−1), sprint distance (≥21 km·h−1), accelerations (>3 m·s−2), decelerations (<–3 m·s−2), and high metabolic load distance (HMLD) during 3 world cups (U17, U20 and senior). Significant differences were observed between the senior team and both U-20 and U-17 in nearly all variables, with greater magnitude as the intensity of the metrics increased, showing effect sizes ranging from moderate to very large (d = 0.95 to 4.76). Positional analysis by categories showed that senior full backs (FB) and central midfielders (CM) showed higher demands compared to U-20 and U-17. For TD, senior covered more than U-17 (FB: p = 0.001; d = 1.11 | CM: p = 0.023; d = 0.97), with small differences vs. U-20 (d ≤ 0.54). In HSR, both positions outperformed U-17 and U-20 (FB: p ≤ 0.007; d = 0.87–1.15 | CM: p ≤ 0.031; d = 0.71–1.11). In HMLD, both FB and CM displayed very large differences compared to U-17 and U-20 (all p < 0.001; d = 2.54–6.16). These findings underscore the need for progressive development of locomotor capacities from early stages, considering both age category and playing position, to facilitate a more seamless transition to elite-level football.

The aim of this study was to quantify weekly internal workload across the in-season and compare the workload variables between starter and non-starter Spanish female first league (Liga Iberdrola) football players. Twenty-six participants belonging to the same team (age, height, and mass: 25.4 ± 6.1 years, 167.4±4.8 cm and 57.96±6.28 kg, respectively) participated in this study. Training loads (TL) and match loads(ML) were assessed through breath-cardiovascular (RPEbreath), leg-musculature (RPEleg) and cognitive (RPEcog) rating of perceived exertion (RPE0–10) for each training session and match during the in-season phase (35 weeks). Session-RPE (sRPE) was calculated by multiplying each RPE value by session duration (minutes). From these, total weekly TL (weekly TL+ML), weekly TL, weekly ML, chronic workload, acute:chronic workload ratio, training monotony, and training strain were calculated. Linear mixed models were used to assess differences for each dependent variable, with playing time (starter vs non-starter players) used as a fixed factor, and athlete, week, and team asrandom factors. The results showed that total weekly TL(d = 1.23–2.04), weekly ML(d = 4.65–5.31), training monotony (d = 0.48–1.66) and training strain (d = 0.24–1.82) for RPEbreath, RPEleg and RPEcog were higher for starters in comparison with non-starters (p = 0.01). Coaches involved in elite female football should consider implementing differentialsRPE monitoring strategiesto optimize the weekly load distribution for starters and non-starters and to introduce compensatory strategies to equalise players’ total weekly load.

The aim of this study was to track the neuromuscular performance of the Spanish national women's football team during the 2023 World Cup. Twenty elite women's football players were assessed four times during the preparatory and competitive periods. Mean and individual changes in countermovement jump (CMJ) metrics and estimated one-repetition maximum (1RM) for back squat (BS) and hip thrust (HT) exercises were tracked. External and differential internal loads were calculated for field sessions. Strength training load was also monitored using the formula: sets × repetitions × weight × RPE. One-way ANOVA, effect sizes, and individual response analysis were applied. Significant increases in jump height (p = 0.007; ES = 0.12 to 0.44) and concentric propulsive impulse (p = 0.003; ES = 0.15 to 0.47) were observed in MC9 compared to the start of the training camp (MC1). The estimated 1RM in BS was greater in MC9 compared to MC1 (p < 0.001; ES = 1.26 to 2.13), MC4 (p = 0.016; ES = 0.33 to 1.48) and MC6 (p = 0.008; ES = 1.08 to 2.44). Estimated 1RM in HT was greater in MC9 compared to MC1 (p = 0.047; ES = 0.31 to 1.57) and MC4 (p = 0.015; ES = 0.64 to 1.75). Individual analysis showed a positive response in 83% of players in jump height and BS, and in 66% in HT. The Spanish women's football team showed improved neuromuscular performance throughout the competitive period for the FIFA Women's 2023 World Cup, especially in the latest stage of the tournament. These results provide insights into the evolution of neuromuscular performance during tournament schedules and highlight the sensitivity of neuromuscular performance monitoring.

Los estudios sobre la incidencia de lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior muestran una prevalencia de dos a ocho veces superior en mujeres futbolistas que en hombres. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la epidemiología y características de la lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior en mujeres futbolistas de primera y segunda división española y analizar la relación entre las fases del ciclo menstrual y la lesión del ligamento cruzado anterior. Se analizaron un total de 94 lesiones de ligamento cruzado anterior acontecidas a 71 jugadoras en las últimas 10 temporadas. La edad media de las participantes en el estudio fue de 21.49 años (DT = 4.42). El mecanismo de lesión más acontecido fue sin contacto y durante los partidos se produjeron más lesiones que en los entrenamientos. El análisis estadístico mostró una asociación significativa entre el momento de lesión, es decir, si fue en entrenamiento o competición y si existía o no contacto. Igualmente, se comprobó una asociación significativa entre el tipo de campo donde acontece la lesión y el tipo del taco de la bota con la que se produce la lesión. Finalmente, en relación a la fase del ciclo menstrual se observó que la mayoría de las lesiones se produjeron durante la fase lútea (25 lesiones) y menstruación (19 lesiones). Los resultados obtenidos reflejan la alta incidencia de esta lesión en el fútbol femenino español y la necesidad de establecer un protocolo de prevención de lesiones que lo disminuya. Palabras clave: Lesión deportiva, rodilla, ciclo menstrual, fútbol, mujeres. Abstract. Research on the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury shows a prevalence of two to eight times higher in women soccer players than in men. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology and characteristics of the anterior cruciate ligament injury in female soccer players of the Spanish first and second division and to analyze the relationship between the phases of the menstrual cycle and the ACL injury. A total of 94 anterior cruciate ligament injuries occurred to 71 players in the last 10 seasons were analyzed. The mean age of the study participants was 21.49 years (4.42). The most common injury mechanism was non-contact and more injuries occurred during matches than in training. The statistical analysis showed a significant association between the time of injury, i.e. whether it was in training or competition, and whether or not there was contact. Likewise, a significant association was found between the type of field where the injury occurred and the type of boot heel with which the injury occurred. Finally, in relation to the phase of the menstrual cycle, it was observed that the majority of the injuries occurred during the phase of the menstrual cycle that more lesions occurred was in the luteal phase (25 injuries) and menstruation (19 injuries). The results obtained reflect the high incidence of this injury in Spanish women's football and the need to establish an injury prevention protocol to reduce it.  Keywords: Sport injury, knee, menstrual cycle, football, women.

This study aimed to investigate the potential fluctuations in neuromuscular performance and subjective perception of effort during three different phases of the menstrual cycle. Fifteen elite female football players (age: 23.47 ± 6.14) volunteered to participate in the study. Tympanic temperature, saliva hormone measurement, urine concentration of the luteinizing hormone and a calendar tracker were used to verify the following phases of the menstrual cycle: early follicular phase (EFP), late follicular phase (LFP), and mid-luteal phase (MLP). For each phase, mean concentric velocity and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) with loads that represented 60% and 80% of their 1RM in the half-squat, deadlift and hip thrust exercises were compared. The counter-movement jump (CMJ) test was also performed. Overall, jump height, mean concentric velocity in half-squat, deadlift, and hip thrust exercises with loads at 60% and 80% RM and RPE were all similar in all menstrual cycle phases, without significant differences (p > 0.05). The results of this investigation suggest that vertical jump, mean concentric velocity in three different exercises at different submaximal loads, and RPE for each exercise are not affected in eumenorrheic elite female football players throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle. The study indicated that lower limb mechanical performance in elite female football players remain consistent across menstrual cycle phases. Coaches can confidently monitor and optimize training without undue adjustments related to menstrual cycles.

The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the differences in the mean propulsive velocities between men and women in the different exercises studied (squat, bench press, inclined bench press and military press). Quality Assessment and Validity Tool for Correlational Studies was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Six studies of good and excellent methodological quality were included. Our meta-analysis compared men and women at the three most significant loads of the force–velocity profile (30, 70 and 90% of 1RM). A total of six studies were included in the systematic review, with a total sample of 249 participants (136 men and 113 women). The results of the main meta-analysis indicated that the mean propulsive velocity is lower in women than men in 30% of 1RM (ES = 1.30 ± 0.30; CI: 0.99–1.60; p < 0.001) and 70% of 1RM (ES = 0.92 ± 0.29; CI: 0.63, 1.21; p < 0.001). In contrast, for the 90% of the 1RM (ES = 0.27 ± 0.27; CI: 0.00, 0.55), we did not find significant differences (p = 0.05). Our results support the notion that prescription of the training load through the same velocity could cause women to receive different stimuli than men.

Hip thrust (HT) is a loaded bridging exercise that requires more hip extension than a back squat (SQ) does, while in a back squat, triple flex extension occurs. Due to the specificity of each exercise, it is claimed that HT gains can be better transferred to actions where hip extension occurs. In addition, strength improvements during squatting can be transferred in a greater way to vertical plane movement, such as vertical jumping. However, its effects on the performance of female soccer players are unclear. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to analyze a 7-week training program on performance variables using either HT or SQ exercises in female adolescent soccer players without lifting experience (N = 24, age = 16.82 ± 1.56 years, height = 1.64 ± 0.55 cm, body mass = 58.35 ± 6.28 kg). Players were randomized into three groups: A back squat group (SQG; N = 8), hip thrust group (HTG; N = 8), and control group (CG; N = 8). Participants in the HTG and SQG joined a progressive resistance training program twice per week for 7 weeks with either HT or SQ exercises. A countermovement jump, 10–20 m sprint, T-test, and barbell velocity during HTs and SQs (with the load that represents ~60 and ~80% RM) were measured before and after the intervention. The HTG showed greater improvements in the 10-m sprint (d = 0.7), 20-m sprint (d = 0.46), T-test (d = 0.36), and barbell velocity at 80% repetition maximal (RM) (d = 0.53) and 60% RM (d = 1.02) during hip thrusts, while the SQG showed higher barbell velocity at 80% RM (d = −0.7) during back squats. These results may be useful for strength and conditioning coaches working with adolescent female soccer athletes, since both strengthening exercises improved performance in different ways due to the nature of the exercise.