Peak running speed can be used to monitor neuromuscular fatigue from a standardized running test in team sport athletes

ABSTRACT

This study compared the sensitivity of peak running speed (PRS) measured during a submaximal run test (SRT) with a countermovement jump (CMJ) test to provide an alternate method of measuring neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). The study involved 20 semi-professional academy soccer players who performed a SRT and CMJ test, 24-hours pre-match, 24-, 48-, 72- and 96-hours post-match. Moderate decreases (effect-size (ES) ± 90% confidence intervals) were observed 24-hours post-match for CMJ_H; ES −0.70 ± 0.19, CMJ_PV; ES −0.92 ± 0.27 and PRS; ES −0.58 ± 0.11 with small decreases in CMJ_H; ES −0.36 ± 0.13 and PRS; ES −0.27 ± 0.23 still evident 48-hours post-match before returning to baseline 72-hours post-match. The results confirm PRS as an inexpensive alternate method of measuring NMF which, allows instantaneous real-time feedback on NMF. This can allow changes to be made immediately on-field within the post-match recovery phase without the need for further analysis or equipment.

KEYWORDS:

• activity profile
• fatigue
• GPS
• movement strategy
• monitoring
• velocity

Authors’ contributions

JMG and ZA conceived the article ideas and design; JMG, CL, DJV drafted, revised, and edited the manuscript; FMC and LPA assisted in revising and editing the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript, and agree with the order of the presentation of the authors.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).