Recovery of kicking kinematics and performance following repeated high-intensity running bouts in the heat: Can a rapid local cooling intervention help young soccer players?

Author(s)

Palucci Vieira, Luiz H. ; Carling, Christopher ; Kalva-Filho, Carlos A. ; Santinelli, Felipe B. ; Velluto, Lorenzo A. G. ; da Silva, Joao Pedro ; Clemente, Filipe M. ; Kellis, Eleftherios ; Barbieri, Fabio A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES; v. 41, n. 5, p. 11-pg., 2023-06-08.

Abstract

The effects of a cooling strategy following repeated high-intensity running (RHIR) on soccer kicking performance in a hot environment (>30oC) were investigated in youth soccer players. Fifteen academy under-17 players participated. In Experiment 1, players completed an all-out RHIR protocol (10x30 m, with 30s intervals). In Experiment 2 (cross-over design), participants performed this running protocol under two conditions: (1) following RHIR 5 minutes of cooling where ice packs were applied to the quadriceps/hamstrings, (2) a control condition involving passive resting. Perceptual measures [ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), pain and recovery], thigh temperature and kick-derived video three-dimensional kinematics (lower limb) and performance (ball speed and two-dimensional placement indices) were collected at baseline, post-exercise and intervention. In Experiment 1, RHIR led to small-to-large impairments (p < 0.03;d = -0.42--1.83) across perceptual, kinematic and performance measures. In experiment 2, RPE (p < 0.01; Kendall's W = 0.30) and mean radial error (p = 0.057; eta(2) = 0.234) increased only post-control. Significant small declines in ball speed were also observed post-control (p < 0.05; d = 0.35). Post-intervention foot centre-of-mass velocity was moderately faster in the cooling compared to control condition (p = 0.04; d = 0.60). In youth soccer players, a short cooling period was beneficial in counteracting declines in kicking performance, in particular ball placement, following intense running activity in the heat. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/02965-7 - Influence of sleep quality, postactivation potentiation and cold-water immersion on kicking mechanics and performance in young soccer players
• Grantee: Luiz Henrique Palucci Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate