Biology of Sport
eISSN: 2083-1862
ISSN: 0860-021X
Biology of Sport
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4/2023
vol. 40
 
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abstract:
Original paper

Physical qualities and body composition predictors of running performance in national level women’s official soccer matches

Eero H.J. Savolainen
1
,
Tomi Vänttinen
2
,
Johanna K. Ihalainen
1
,
Simon Walker
1

  1. Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
  2. KIHU – Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland
Biol Sport. 2023;40(4):1187–1195
Online publish date: 2022/09/15
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The purpose of the study was to (1) determine match running performance, anthropometry and various physical qualities of national level women soccer players and (2) identify key physical qualities and anthropometric predictors of match running profile during a competitive season. Twenty-five national level Finnish soccer players participated in the study. Players performed countermovement jump, loaded squat jumps, 30-meter sprint, maximum isokinetic knee flexor and extensor contractions, an incremental treadmill test and underwent body composition assessment in the lab. Match running performance was analyzed from 115 match observations during competitive league matches over 11 weeks after the laboratory tests. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine bivariate relationships between match running variables and physical qualities and anthropometric variables. Identified significant bivariate relationships were then entered into multiple regression analyses to identify the best predictors of match running performance. Physical qualities and anthropometric variables predicted 65% of very high-intensity (VHIR) (> 19 km/h) and 63% of high-intensity (HIR) (13–19 km/h) running distances covered during matches, but only 22% of low-intensity (LIR) and 43% of total distances. Body fat percentage and high-speed knee flexor concentric strength were the most important predictors to VHIR and HIR while aerobic capacity-related variables were most important predictors to LIR and total distance. Physical qualities and anthropometry can predict a large portion of players’ VHIR and HIR performance during matches in women’s national level soccer. To increase player’s VHIR and HIR distance, coaches could aim to develop players’ high-speed (especially knee flexor concentric) strength and optimize player’s body composition.
keywords:

football, high intensity running, anthropometrics, female, match demands

 
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