Muscle performance impairment after different training modalities in adult soccer players: small-sided games vs interval running

Aim. Several studies showed that either small-sided games (SSG) or interval running (IR) increases aerobic power in soccer players1. However, SSG differ from IR in the great number of accelerations/decelerations and changes of direction which may affect muscle function2. Aim of this study was to evaluate impairment of muscle performance after SSG and IR sessions of similar heart rate (HR) intensity. Methods. Fifteen soccer players were recruited and performed two different training sessions (SSG and IR) with the same duration (4x4min, 3min active rest periods) and relative HR intensity (90-95% of HRmax). During each session players wore a portable GPS device (SPI Pro, GPSports) and HR was recorded (T31, Polar Electro). Maximum voluntary contraction of quadriceps (MVC), counter movement jump (CMJ) and reactive strength index in drop jump (RSI) were assessed before (T0), immediately after (T1) and 24hours after (T24) each session. Results. Time spent at various HR intensity zones was similar between SSG and IR. Total and high- intensity distances, average metabolic power (MP), distance covered at high MP (<20w*kg-1) were significantly lower in SSG than in IR. Number of accelerations/decelerations was significantly higher in SSG. At T1 vs T0, MVC, CMJ and RSI were significantly decreased both in SSG and IR, these decrements were significantly higher in SSG. At T24 muscle performance was impaired only after SSG. Conclusions. The present findings suggest that despite players performed two training sessions of similar HR intensity, muscle performance impairment was more pronounced and persisting after SSG. The differences observed between the two training modalities could be explained by the higher number of accelerations/decelerations in SSG. Reference. 1Impellizzeri et al.(2006)Physiological and Performance Effects of Generic versus Specific Aerobic Training in Soccer Players. IJSPP 27:483-482. 2Gaudino et al.(2014)Estimated metabolic and mechanical demands during different small-sided games in elite soccer players. Human Movement Science 36:123-133.