The Physiological Demands, Seasonal Variation, and Recovery of Neuromuscular Function in Professional Academy Soccer Players

Abstract

11%) in origin, lasting several days and persisting at 24 h (VA) and 72 h (MVC & Qtw,pot) post-strenuous training day. The substantial neuromuscular function impairments were mainly due to reductions in contractile function (peripheral mechanisms), highlighting the need for practitioners to focus restoring peripheral (skeletal muscle) function following intense exercise and match-play. These changes were accompanied by reductions in physical performance and increased levels of perceived muscle soreness. The MVC, Qtw,pot, VA, 10/5 RJT, and perceptual soreness all exhibited changes (signal) in response to training that exceeded the MDC (noise) of the testing tools, indicating true changes in performance. Therefore, it is recommended that these measurement tools be adopted in applied professional academy soccer settings.
In terms of seasonal variation of responses (early, mid, and late stages of the season; Chapter 7), the study found no interaction effect between stage of the season and response to training across a week for any measurement variable, suggesting the response to training in these players did not change over the course of a season. It implied a conformity in training response with negligible seasonal variation. However, an increase in neuromuscular function was evident from early- to mid-season (Qtw,pot & VA, P ≤ 0.05), followed by a drop in physical performance (10/5 RJT & CMJ; mid- to late-season, P ≤ 0.05) and VA (mid- to late-season, P ≤ 0.05) at the latter stages, indicating some chronic alterations as the season progressed. Caution was advised, as only VA measurements exceeded the MDC, with changes in other variables not large enough to confirm they surpassed the testing tool's inherent error.
In summary, academy soccer training resulted in substantial neuromuscular function impairment, with an accompanying impact on physical performance and perceptual wellness. These impairments acutely persisted for at least 72 hours post a strenuous training day, and this response was replicated at different stages of a season, indicating a conformity of training response. It is recommended that practitioners focus on developing their players as the season progresses with a comprehensive physical performance plan, to prepare players for the demanding academy programme. Furthermore, to formulate an effective weekly and season training plan that progresses and regresses the training load across different stages of the season and microcycle in response to player status, but as part of an overarching long-term development plan. It was also advised to implement appropriate recovery and regeneration modalities and procedures at optimal times during the training week and season phases, in conjunction with an efficient and insightful monitoring programme.

Date of Award	23 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Northumbria University
Supervisor	Glyn Howatson (Supervisor) & Kevin Thomas (Supervisor)