Browsing by Author "Rago, Vincenzo"
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- Application of Individualized Speed Zones to Quantify External Training Load in Professional SoccerPublication . Rago, Vincenzo; Brito, João; Figueiredo, Pedro; Krustrup, Peter; Rebelo, AntónioThis study aimed to examine the interchangeability of two external training load (ETL) monitoring methods: arbitrary vs. individualized speed zones. Thirteen male outfield players from a professional soccer team were monitored during training sessions using 10-Hz GPS units over an 8-week competitive period (n = 302 observations). Low-speed activities (LSA), moderate-speed running (MSR), high-speed running (HSR) and sprinting were defined using arbitrary speed zones as <14.4, 14.4-19.8, 19.8-25.1 and ≥25.2 km·h-1, and using individualized speed zones based on a combination of maximal aerobic speed (MAS, derived from the Yo-yo Intermittent recovery test level 1), maximal sprinting speed (MSS, derived from the maximal speed reached during training) and anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) as <80% MAS, 80-100% MAS, 100% MAS or 29% ASR and ≥30% ASR. Distance covered in both arbitrary and individualized methods was almost certainly correlated in all speed zones (p < 0.01; r = 0.67-0.78). However, significant differences between methods were observed in all speed zones (p < 0.01). LSA was almost certainly higher when using the arbitrary method than when using the individualized method (p < 0.01; ES = 5.47 [5.18; 5.76], respectively). Conversely, MSR, HSR and sprinting speed were higher in the individualized method than in the arbitrary method (p < 0.01; ES = 5.10 [4.82; 5.37], 0.86 [0.72; 1.00] and 1.22 [1.08; 1.37], respectively). Arbitrary and individualized methods for ETL quantification based on speed zones showed similar sensitivity in depicting player locomotor demands. However, since these methods significantly differ at absolute level (based on measurement bias), arbitrary and individualized speed zones should not be used interchangeably.
- Countermovement Jump Analysis Using Different Portable Devices: Implications for Field TestingPublication . Rago, Vincenzo; Brito, João; Figueiredo, Pedro; Carvalho, Thiago; Fernandes, Tiago; Fonseca, Pedro; Rebelo, AntónioThe aim of this study was to analyze the concurrent validity, test⁻retest reliability, and capacity to detect changes of four different portable devices used to measure a wide range of neuromuscular parameters derived from countermovement jump (CMJ). An accelerometric device (Myotest), a jump mat (Ergojump), an optical device (Optojump), and a smartphone app (MyJump) were simultaneously examined for concurrent validity against gold-standard measures (motion-capture system and a force platform). Twenty-two CMJ-derived variables were collected from 15 healthy male subjects (n = 60 CMJs). Contraction time (CT) and eccentric duration (EccD) measurements obtained from the Myotest were moderately to largely associated with and not different from force platform measurements (r = 0.31 to 0.64, ES = 0.11 to 0.18) and showed moderate test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.92 to 0.97, coefficient of variation (CV) = 3.8 to 8.0%). Flight time (FT) and jump height (JH) from Ergojump, Optojump, and MyJump showed moderate to strong associations with gold-standard measurements (r = 0.57 to 0.98) and good test⁻retest reliability (ICC = 0.54 to 0.97, CV = 1.8 to 4.2). However, all portable devices underestimated JH (ES = 1.25 to 2.75). Independent of the instrument used, the analyzed CMJ variables showed good capacity to detect changes (standard error of measurement (SEM) < smallest worthwhile change (SWC)), with the exception of rate of force and rate of power development parameters, which showed marginal capacity (SEM > SWC). The Myotest is preferable to measure temporal parameters during ground contact, whereas Ergojump, Optojump, and MyJump devices may be preferable to measure FT and JH, with the Optojump being the most accurate.
- Internal training load monitoring in professional football: a systematic review of methods using rating of perceived exertionPublication . Rago, Vincenzo; Brito, João; Figueiredo, Pedro; Costa, Júlio; Krustrup, Peter; Rebelo, AntónioThe rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is widely adopted to quantify internal training load (ITL) in professional football. The aim of this study was to systematically review the use RPE-based methods in professional football.
- Intra-individual variability of sleep and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity in elite female soccer players during an international tournamentPublication . Costa, Júlio; Figueiredo, Pedro; Nakamura, Fábio; Rago, Vincenzo; Rebelo, António; Brito, JoãoTo describe individual sleeping patterns and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity of National team female soccer players during an international tournament.
- Methods to collect and interpret external training load using microtechnology incorporating GPS in professional football: a systematic reviewPublication . Rago, Vincenzo; Brito, João; Figueiredo, Pedro; Costa, Júlio; Barreira, Daniel; Krustrup, Peter; Rebelo, AntónioThe aim of this article was to systematically review the methods adopted to collect and interpret external training load (ETL) using microtechnology incorporating global positioning system (GPS). The main deficiencies identified concerned the non-collection of match ETL, and the non-consideration of potential confounders (e.g. playing position, fitness level, starting status or session content). Also, complementary training (individual/reconditioning) and pre-match warm-up were rarely quantified. To provide a full picture of the training demands, ETL was commonly complemented by internal training load monitoring with the rating of perceived exertion predominantly adopted instead of heart rate recordings. Continuous data collection and interpretation of ETL data in professional football vary widely between observational studies, possibly reflecting the actual procedures adopted in practical settings. Evidence about continuous ETL monitoring in female players, and female as well as male goalkeepers is lacking.
- Physical and technical demands of the extra time: a multiple FIFA World Cups’ analysisPublication . Rago, Vincenzo; Abreu, Rodrigo; Vasconcellos, Fabrício; Teixeira, Vitor Hugo; Rebelo, António; Figueiredo, Pedro; Brito, JoãoThis study examined the physical and technical demands of the 2010, 2014 and 2018 men’s FIFA World Cups with special reference on extra time. Data were collected from 69 FIFA’s open-access match reports (n= 3,238 individual players’ observations) and scaled by individual playing exposure. Players covered less total distance (TD) from the 1st half to the extra time period (r=0.17–0.27; P<0.05). Moreover, the number of sprints decreased from the 1st half to the extra time (r=0.13–0.25; P<0.01). However, substitutes who started on or came in on the match throughout the 2nd half covered higher TD in the extra time compared to the 2nd half (r=0.11–0.43; P<0.01), and compared to starters during the 2nd half and extra time (r=0.11–0.36; P<0.05). Additionally, substitutes who started on, or came in throughout the extra time covered higher TD and performed more sprints compared to starters during the extra time r=0.12–0.23; P<0.05). Generally, no meaningful differences were observed in successful shots and dribbles between periods of the match and between starting status (P>0.05). The occurrence of extra time appeared to be detrimental to the work rate during the match, which can be counteracted by substitute players.
- Relationship between External Load and Perceptual Responses to Training in Professional Football: Effects of Quantification MethodPublication . Rago, Vincenzo; Brito, João; Figueiredo, Pedro; Krustrup, Peter; Rebelo, AntónioWe examined the within-player correlation between external training load (ETL) and perceptual responses to training in a professional male football team (n = 13 outfield players) over an eight-week competitive period. ETL was collected using 10-Hz GPS, whereas perceptual responses were accessed through rating of perceived exertion (RPE) questionnaires. Moderate-speed running (MSR), high-speed running (HSR) and sprinting were defined using arbitrary (fixed) and individualised speed zones (based on maximal aerobic speed and maximal sprinting speed). When ETL was expressed as actual distance covered within the training session, perceptual responses were moderately correlated to MSR and HSR quantified using the arbitrary method (p < 0.05; r = 0.53 to 0.59). However, the magnitude of correlations tended to increase when the individualised method was used (p < 0.05; r = 0.58 to 0.67). Distance covered by sprinting was moderately correlated to perceptual responses only when the individualised method was used (p < 0.05; 0.55 [0.05; 0.83] and 0.53 [0.02; 0.82]). Perceptual responses were largely correlated to the sum of distance covered within all three speed running zones, irrespective of the quantification method (p < 0.05; r = 0.58 to 0.68). When ETL was expressed as percentage of total distance covered within the training session, no significant correlations were observed (p > 0.05). Perceptual responses to training load seem to be better associated with ETL, when the latter is adjusted to individual fitness capacities. Moreover, reporting ETL as actual values of distance covered within the training session instead of percentual values inform better about players' perceptual responses to training load.
- The Arrowhead Agility Test: Reliability, Minimum Detectable Change, and Practical Applications in Soccer PlayersPublication . Rago, Vincenzo; Brito, João; Figueiredo, Pedro; Ermidis, Georgios; Barreira, Daniel; Rebelo, AntónioRago, V, Brito, J, Figueiredo, P, Ermidis, G, Barreira, D, and Rebelo, A. The arrowhead agility test: Reliability, minimum detectable change, and practical applications in soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 483-494, 2020-Four independent studies were conducted to examine the utility of the arrowhead agility test (AAT) to measure change of direction (COD) capacity in soccer players, specifically, (a) intersession reliability and minimum detectable change (n = 24); (b) power-dependent abilities associated with AAT performance (n = 56); and (c) fatigue sensitivity (n = 20); differences between competitive levels and age groups (n = 264). Irrespective of the AAT outcome measure (skillful side, less-skillful side, sum of both), intersession reliability and the ability to detect changes in performance were good (ICC = 0.80-0.83; CV = 1.25-2.21%; smallest worthwhile change, 0.06-0.12 >SEM, 0.01-0.03) except for the asymmetry index. A 15-m sprint explained a significant amount of variance in COD (p < 0.01; R = 0.42). Arrowhead agility test performance did not change from the prematch toward half time (p = 0.21). However, reduced COD performance was observed after an intense period in the second half and after the game, compared with prematch and half-time performance (p < 0.05; effect size [ES] = -0.85 to 0.42). Irrespective of age group, national players were more agile than regional players (p < 0.05; ES = -1.97 to -0.36). Moreover, independently of their competitive level, senior and U18 players had a better performance than U16 (p < 0.05; ES = -2.33 to -0.84), whereas no significant differences were observed between senior and U18. Percentiles were also reported in the results. The AAT is reliable to measure COD in soccer players. The test may simultaneously encompass 15-m sprint testing but should be implemented independently to countermovement jump. Furthermore, the test is sensitive to match-induced fatigue during the second half and discriminates players from different competitive levels.