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

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 ± Standard Deviation: 108 ± 57 m, qualitative inference: most likely, Cohen’s d: 0.87, 90%CL: ±0.31), high-speed (56 ± 46 m, very likely, 0.68 ± 0.38) and variable run (15 ± 5 m, very likely, 0.81 ± 0.47) distance covered was reported in MM compared with CON. Additionally, pre-match reductions in thermal sensation (–1.0 ± 0.5, most likely, –0.91 ± 0.36), rectal (–0.6 ± 0.1°C, very likely, –0.86 ± 0.35) and skin temperature (–1.1 ± 0.3°C, very likely, –0.88 ± 0.42) 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 ± 0.1°C, very likely, 0.67 ± 0.36). 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. 

Keywords:

• Environmental physiology
• fatigue
• performance
• team sport

ORCID

Grant Abt http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4079-9270

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the João Havelange Research Scholarship on behalf of The International Centre of Sports Studies (CIES) and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). No commercial or financial incentives were provided that can have caused any potential conflict of interest.