SlideShare a Scribd company logo
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Note. This article will be published in a forthcoming issue of the
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. The
article appears here in its accepted, peer-reviewed form, as it was
provided by the submitting author. It has not been copyedited,
proofread, or formatted by the publisher.
Section: Original Investigation
Article Title: The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison
Authors: Carlo Castagna1,2
, Matthew Varley3
, Susana Cristina Póvoas Araújo4
and Stefano
D’Ottavio2
Affiliations: 1
Fitness training and biomechanics laboratory, Italian Football Federation
(FIGC), Technical Department, Coverciano (Florence), Italy; 2
University of Rome Tor
Vergata, Rome, Italy; 3
College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University,
Melbourne VIC, Australia; 4
Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human
Development, CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal.
Journal: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Acceptance Date: August 2, 2016
©2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2016-0160
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Title of the Article:
The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison
Submission Type:
Original Investigation
Authors:
Carlo Castagna1,2, Matthew Varley3, Susana Cristina Póvoas Araújo4 and Stefano
D’Ottavio2
Authors’ Affiliations:
1) Fitness training and biomechanics laboratory, Italian Football Federation
(FIGC), Technical Department, Coverciano (Florence), Italy;
2) University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy;
3) College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Footscray PO Box
14428, Melbourne VIC 8001, Australia;
4) Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development,
CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal.
Contact Details for the Corresponding Author:
Carlo Castagna PhD, via Sparapani 30, 60131, Ancona, Italy;
tel: +39 071-2866532, @mail: castagnac@libero.it
Preferred Running Head: Match External Load in Soccer
Abstract Word Count: 220 words
Text-Only Word Count: 2903 words
Number of Figures and Tables: 1 table and 2 figure
References number: 22 citations
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the interchangeability of two match-analysis
approaches for external-load detection considering arbitrary selected speeds and metabolic
power (MP) thresholds in male top-class level soccer. Methods: Data analyses were
performed considering match physical performance of 120 team data (1200 player cases) of
randomly selected Spanish, German and English first division championship matches (2013-
14 season). Match analysis was performed with a validated semi-automated multi-camera
system operating at 25 Hz. Results: During a match players covered 10673±348m of which
1778±208m and 2759±241m were performed at High-Intensity using the speed (≥16 km·h-1
,
HI) and metabolic power notations (≥20 watt·kg-1
, MPHI). High-intensity notations were
nearly perfect associated (r=0.93, p<0.0001). A huge method bias (980.63± 87.82m. d=11.67)
was found when considering MPHI and HI. Very large correlations were found between
match total distance covered and MPHI (r=0.84, p<0.0001) and HI (r=0.74, p<0.0001).
Players high-intensity decelerations (≥-2 m·s2
) coverage was very largely associated with
MPHI (r=0.73, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the speed and
MP methods are highly interchangeable at relative (magnitude rank) but not absolute
(measure magnitude) level. The two physical match analysis methods can be independently
used to track match external-load in elite level players. However match-analyst decisions
must be based on single method use in order to avoid bias in external-load determination.
Key word: High-Intensity, Association Football, Match Analysis, High-intensity, Metabolic
Power
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Introduction
In modern soccer training control and regulation is regarded as a relevant
methodological procedure to optimize training adaptations to maximize match performance 1-
3
. Training progress is the result of the interplay of external and internal loads imposed on
players during training sessions 2
. Although physiological adaptations are mediated by
internal load functional variation the doses necessary for obtaining them are practically seized
monitoring training external load 4
. The recent exponential advancement of match analysis
systems such as multi-camera and Global Position System Technology has enabled the
evaluation of player’s external load during specific training in elite and sub-elite competitive
and recreational soccer 5,6
. Besides the replicability and accuracy of match analysis hardware
of vital importance is the validity and reliability of the variables used to describe player’
activities constituting the back bone of external load evaluation. External training load is
usually assessed evaluating distances and time performed in arbitrary selected speed
categories 1,4
. This method approach has been used for practical issues as the data
interpretation is straightforward for training (i.e. sprinting, speed-endurance training) and not
requiring for definition consideration of acceleration calculations that would need the use of
often not sustainable devices 7,8
. Despite the interest in information obtained through the
speed method, if acceleration is not considered the actual nature of soccer specific training
results is underestimated 1,4
. Recently a metabolic approach (MP) was proposed to provide an
instantaneous picture of soccer specific activities7
. This method considers acceleration and
speed to profile individual distances and time spent by players at arbitrary chosen estimated
power thresholds 4,7
.
The metabolic approach assumes that the energy produced by a player during actual
match-play is a direct result of the product of the running cost from acceleration and the
corresponding instantaneous speed 7
. The relative cost of accelerations is evidenced from the
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
steady state O2 of running at an inclination that corresponds to the supposed body inclination
of the player during the acceleration bout. The theoretical framework of the MP relies on the
assumed constant energetic cost of running across players and on the estimation of the
energetic cost of acceleration from a mainly aerobic exercise performed in a stationary to
quasi stationary status 7,9
. Furthermore, a strong relationship between acceleration and body
inclination is postulated when player can variate acceleration ratio with no significant
variation on body posture 7
. Additionally, MP estimates the energetic cost of accelerations
from incline running performed by endurance up-hill runners in an laboratory set-up
questioning the contextual validity of this assumption for soccer 9,10
. Despite these theoretical
and practical incongruences that pose questions about the internal validity of this novel
approach, several papers were recently published a-critically considering this issue 10
.
Furthermore match-analysis systems software provide by defaults MP variables with the aim
to profile player game performance during soccer-specific training. However the actual
superiority of the MP versus the classic arbitrary speed zone approach has yet to be examined
in detail, posing doubt about the effectiveness of this interesting novel approach.
While the MP approach may provide a more detailed tracking of player’s game
activity, there is limited research regarding the validity of this method 4,7
. Furthermore in the
paper that firstly proposed the MP approach no objective evaluation was provided by authors
regarding the actual superiority (i.e. statistical verification) and interchangeability of the
metabolic approach with the classic speed method. Indeed in the Osgnach et al.7
study only
descriptive statistics were reported (i.e. means and standard deviations). Thus, information
regarding the objective difference and or association of the MP approach over the speed
threshold method is unknown. Additionally being the MP approach based on acceleration
calculation the associated error using common video-tracking systems may provide a large
measurement bias 7
. This information has huge practical implications as a growing number of
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
match analysis systems are reporting players activity with the MP variables in the attempt to
characterise match and training external-load.
Therefore the aim of this descriptive study was to examine the association between
classic speed and MP approach in tracking the external-load of elite level players during
highly competitive official matches. It was hypothesized that there would be a large
association between the two match analysis approaches.
Methods
Subjects
Match physical performance was assessed in 1200 male outfield soccer-players (age
24.5±0.8, height 176.4±4.5 cm, body mass 74.6 kg) playing in the first division
Championships of Germany (Bundesliga 1), England (English Premier League) and Spain
(Liga BBVA) during the 2013-14 season. Written informed consent was obtained from
players organisation to treat anonymously the collected data for research purpose. This study
design was approved by the Institutional Research Board before commencement of this
study.
Design
With the aim to examine methods interchangeability a descriptive correlation design
was considered. Match physical-performance was evaluated in professional top-class players
competing during European first-division championships matches. This provided population
specificity and internal validity of this research design. Association between selected
arbitrary speeds and MP zones was performed tracking players match activities with a
validated multi-camera semi-automatic system (operating at 25 hz) 11,12
. Games were
randomly selected from a proprietary match database in order to warrant external validity.
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Methodology
Sixty official matches were considered for calculations, they were randomly selected
in reason of 20 from each national league (Germany, England and Spain) database. Players
were tracked for the entire duration of the game using a multicamera semi-automatic system
(Prozone Sport, Leeds, UK) working at 25 hz 11,12
. Home and away teams data were available
for each of the 60 games considered. Players were tracked for match physical-performance
using either speed and MP arbitrary selected intensity zones. In order to examine match
tempo of the most competitive leagues of the world only physical match variables tracking
high-intensity activities were considered. They were as follows;
 Distance covered at High-Intensity (speed ≥ than 16 km·h-1
, HI);
 Distance covered at High-Intensity Running (speed ≥18.97≤21.99 km·h-1
, HIR);
 Distance covered at Very High-Intensity Running (speed>21.99 km·h-1
, VHIR);
 Distance covered with High-Intensity Accelerations (acceleration ≥2 m·s2
, DAcHI);
 Distance covered with High-Intensity Decelerations (deceleration ≤-2 m·s2
, HIDec);
 Distance covered with Very High-Intensity Deceleration (deceleration ≤ -3 m·s2
,
VHIDec);
 Distance covered with Very High-Intensity Acceleration (acceleration ≥ 3 m·s2
,
VHIAcc);
 Distance covered at High-Intensity (MP≥20 watt·kg-1
, MPHI).
To characterize global match coverage the total distance (TD) covered and the
average MP (AMP) were calculated. Data were processed with proprietary software (K-
SportOnline, K-Sport, Montelabbate, PU, Italy) and then analysed with commercially
available spreadsheets (Excel, Microsoft, USA) and with a dedicated statistical package
(Statistica 10, Statsoft, USA).
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Statistical Analysis
Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation and confidence interval (95%CI).
Assumption of normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk W-test. Variables association
was assessed using Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients. Qualitative magnitude
of associations was reported according to Hopkins (2002) as follows: trivial r < 0.1, small 0.1
< r < 0.3, moderate 0.3 < r < 0.5, large 0.5 < r < 0.7, very large 0.7 < r < 0.9, nearly perfect r
> 0.9 and perfect r= 1. Partial correlations were used for path analysis when necessary.
Differences between variables were assessed with paired t-tests using a Bonferroni correction
to account for comparison number. The Cohen’s d was used to assess effect-size (ES) 13
.
According to Hopkins et al. 14
ES of above 4, between 4 and 2, between 2 and 1.2, between
1.2 and 0.6, between 0.6 and 0.2 and 0.2 and 0 were considered as huge, very large, large,
moderate, small, and trivial respectively. In order to provide normative cues for metrics
changes the Smallest Worthwhile Change (SWC) was considered according to Hopkins et al.
14
Measure agreement was assessed with Bland and Altman plots with bias test against the
zero difference hypothesis for significance. Significance was set at p 0.05. Preliminary
power calculation showed that to obtain the a statistical power of 80% would be necessary
400 cases. The final power obtained with this study design was higher than 90% (1200
cases).
Results
Descriptive statistics and SWC for the considered variables depicting match physical-
performance are reported in table 1. Data showed high inter-match (CV>10%) variations for
all the considered variables but not for TD, AMP and MPHI. Bland and Altman plot statistic
showed a significant measurement bias of 980.63± 87.82m (95%CI 964.75  996.51,
p<0.0001) between MPHI and HI distances. Upper and lower 95% limits of agreement were
1152.77 (95%CI 1125.56  1179.97) and 808.50m (95%CI 781.29  835.70) respectively
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
(Figure 1). Plot of MPHI and HI difference vs mean showed the existence of a moderate data
heteroscedasticity (r= 0.38, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.22  0.53) suggesting the likelihood of a
systematic measurement error as variables magnitude increased.
A nearly perfect association was found between MPHI and HI (r=0.93, p<0.0001,
95%CI 0.91 0.95, Fig. 2). The MPHI was very largely associated with TD (r=0.84,
p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.78  0.89) HIDec (r=0.73, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.63  0.80) and HIR
(r=0.87, p<0.0001 95%CI 0.82  0.91). The HI showed very large correlation with TD
(r=0.74, p<0.0001, CI95% 0.64  0.81) and AMP (r=0.73, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.63  0.80).
The AMP was very largely associated with TD (r=0.85, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.79  0.89) and
deceleration categories VHIDec (r=0.72, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.62 0.79) and , HIDec (r=0.76,
p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.68  0.83).
Discussion
This is the first study to assess the associations between two data analysis methods for
assessing external load in soccer, specifically; speed and metabolic power of arbitrarily
chosen activity categories. The main finding of this descriptive comparative study was the
almost perfect association (r=0.93) between the distance covered at a high-intensity speed
(≥16 km·h-1
) with that accumulated at high-intensity using the MP approach (≥20 watt·kg-1
).
However, practical very large absolute differences (i.e. 52%) in variable magnitude were
detected between HI and MPHI distance covered. These results confirm the original work
hypothesis for relative but not absolute interchangeability of the two external load approaches
here considered.
Match and training high-intensity is considered as a relevant construct in modern
soccer with a number of papers providing direct or indirect evidence 1,15
. This study used two
methods considering arbitrary categories to depict match high-intensity activity according to
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
the methods of Osgnach et al. 7
. However, in the original paper the authors failed to report
any quantitative basic statistic to compare methods and as a result information about measure
interchangeability was not provided. The speed (≥16 km·h-1
) and MP (≥20 watt·kg-1
)
thresholds used in this study were assumed to represent the average speed and corresponding
relative metabolic power at the estimated maximal aerobic-speed in professional soccer
players 7
. This enabled direct comparison between the two considered methods for external-
load detection to evaluate their concurrent (i.e. magnitude association) and convergent
construct (i.e. measure agreement) validity. The results of this study showed that speed and
MP approach possess an almost perfect relative (i.e. r= 0.93) but a poor absolute
interchangeability (measurement bias of 981m). This suggest that the two external-load
methods are sensible in depicting player’s high-intensity activity reported as distance covered
in arbitrary match high-intensity categories thresholds. However, the reported huge difference
in absolute values between the HI and MPHI underlines the difference in the informing
criteria of the two methods.
The lower HI distance compared to MPHI was likely the result of the inability of the
speed threshold method to consider the accelerative phases of high-intensity efforts thus
underestimating actual match HI demands. Indeed using the speed approach HI distance
accumulates only when players exceed the set velocity threshold (≥16 km·h-
1), thus
neglecting the preparatory phase involving high-intensity accelerative efforts 4
. Given these
limitations in the speed approach the metabolic power approach was introduced in the
attempt to account for instantaneous acceleration gradients during actual match-play 7
.
Despite the theoretical interest provided by the MP approach its essential use of
acceleration data provide some concern about the validity of this novel method 4,10
. Indeed
the acceleration data per se have an inherent systematic error consequence of filtering and
sampling rate 7
. The reported error in acceleration data collection and the required technology
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
for valid measurement limits the practical interest of the MP approach 10
. Additionally the
reported iso-power phenomenon considered as the likelihood of producing the same MP
values with an unpredictable variation in instantaneous acceleration and speed data, may
produce construct derived artefacts 7
. Indeed consideration for high-intensity bouts can be
done when actually they are in a lower intensity phenomenological domain.
Data difference of supposed convergent constructs was reported as a practical
representative of measurement variability (causal and random changes) 16
. Explorative data
analysis showed large association between MPHI and HI absolute difference with distance
covered (r=-0.62, p<0.0001, from -0.72 to -0.50,) and time spent at DAcHI (r= -0.70,
p<0.0001, from -0.78 to -0.60). This finding may represent an effect of speed maintenance
over the MPHI production during the highly competitive matches considered in this study.
The very large (r= 0.87, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.82  0.91) association between HIR and MPHI
may partially confirm this assumption. Furthermore when controlling for HIR the association
between MPHI and HI changed from almost perfect into the lower range of the very large
correlation categories (i.e. from 0.93 to 0.74). Additionally HI showed to be only moderately
correlated with acceleration and deceleration performed during the match by players (r from
0.44 to 0.51, p<0.0001) confirming the lack of sensitivity of the speed threshold approach in
accurately tracking player’s match high-intensity activities. Although more thorough analyses
are necessary, the results of this study support the idea that the effect of movement speed on
MP is more pronounced than the supposed added advantage of considering acceleration as a
variable informing energy cost. Further studies providing more detailed information about the
real genesis of MP are warranted.
The data reported in this study were captured with a semi-automated multi-camera
system previously tested for validity and reliability and used for disseminating match
performance in most of the relevant reports published in soccer performance profiling
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
5,11,12,17
. Methods comparison was carried-out studying match physical performance in
players participating in the most important championships of the world such us English
Premier League (United Kingdom), Liga BBVA (Spain) and Bundesliga 1 (Germany). Given
the number of matches considered and the number of cases processed, this data possesses a
great internal validity as it is representative of elite level soccer. Match analysis data showed
to be in line with those provided by previous descriptive studies using similar or the same
video capture system11,18-21
. Indeed Osgnach et al.7
introducing the MP approach studied a
population of Italian professional soccer players that were reported to cover a match total
distance of 10,950 ± 1044 m with 1996m and 2839m covered at HI and MPHI respectively.
This study was the first to report random match data pooled from different European top class
leagues. Given that, the data reported may be considered as reference for match-analysts and
coaches interested in physical match activities (Table 1).
Data variability is a key factor in match analysis to determine the probability of causal
match to match changes in physical performance and to detect team or individual fitness and
or technical-tactical differences. In this study absolute inter-teams variability (i.e. CV%) were
below 5% for TD, AMP showing high measurement stability for these global match-activity
variables 22
(Table 1).
Higher CV% values were found in this study for the variables addressing match high-
intensity (i.e. C>10%) with MPHI showing a CV lower than 10%. These findings are in line
with those reported by other authors for English Premier League championship matches
confirming the high variability of high-intensity activities in top class soccer 18,19
. In this
context acceleration and decelerations showed the highest variability with CV above 20 and
25% respectively. In order to detect casual changes the SWC may result of great practical
interest. 14
According to this study data changes in the team mean from 2.3 and 1.8% may be
regarded as causal match performance variations for HI and MPHI respectively.
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Practical Applications
Match and training external-load may provide key information for training
individualisation. Particularly at the elite level absolute performance variables may better
depict the intra individual and team differences. Thus, the use of valid and reliable methods
to profile match and training internal load result are vital. Given this study data the speed and
metabolic approaches showed similar sensitivity in depicting player and team profiles of the
supposed high-intensity constructs. Indeed the reported almost perfect association between
HI and MPHI provided evidence of construct converge (i.e concurrent validity). However
despite relative method interchangeability the reported very large absolute measure
differences (d > 4, ES) suggest accurate a priori choice of the data analysis method. The use
of the MP approach to provide concurrent consideration of speed and acceleration requires
further examination into the issue of population validity of the equation used for acceleration
derived energy-cost calculation and criterion validity. Additionally the provided equation
should be refined in order to account for collisions, tackles, jumps and non-orthodox
exercise-modes like sideward and backward running 1,10
.
Conclusions
The scientific limitations of the MP approach should be acknowledged by
practitioners when using this measure for reporting purposes. Moreover, recent validation
studies suggest caution in using MP when evaluating the external load in soccer players
during pre-planned shuttle running10
. Finally, the mismatch between the considerable higher
estimated anaerobic contribution to soccer match physical-performance and actual
physiological measures question the internal validity of the MP approach7,10
.
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Acknowledgments
No financial support was provided for the completion of this study. The authors declare no
conflict of interest with the finding reported in this study.
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
References
1. Stølen T, Chamari K, Castagna C, Wisløff U. Physiology of Soccer: An Update.
Sports Med. 2005;35:501-536.
2. Impellizzeri FM, Rampinini E, Coutts AJ, Sassi A, Marcora SM. Use of RPE-based
training load in soccer. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2004;36:1042-
1047.
3. Impellizzeri FM, Rampinini E, Marcora SM. Physiological assessment of aerobic
training in soccer. J Sports Sci. 2005;23:583 – 592.
4. Manzi V, Impellizzeri F, Castagna C. Aerobic fitness ecological validity in elite
soccer players: a metabolic power approach. Journal of strength and conditioning
research / National Strength & Conditioning Association. 2014;28:914-919.
5. Buchheit M, Allen A, Poon TK, Modonutti M, Gregson W, Di Salvo V. Integrating
different tracking systems in football: multiple camera semi-automatic system, local
position measurement and GPS technologies. Journal of Sports Sciences.
2014;32:1844-1857.
6. Randers MB, Nielsen JJ, Bangsbo J, Krustrup P. Physiological response and activity
profile in recreational small-sided football: no effect of the number of players.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2014;24 Suppl 1:130-137.
7. Osgnach C, Poser S, Bernardini R, Rinaldo R, di Prampero PE. Energy cost and
metabolic power in elite soccer: a new match analysis approach. Med Sci Sports
Exerc. 2010;42:170-178.
8. Carling C, Bloomfield J, Nelsen L, Reilly T. The role of motion analysis in elite
soccer: contemporary performance measurement techniques and work rate data.
Sports Med. 2008;38:839-862.
9. Minetti AE, Moia C, Roi GS, Susta D, Ferretti G. Energy cost of walking and running
at extreme uphill and downhill slopes. J Appl Physiol. 2002;93:1039-1046.
10. Stevens TG, De Ruiter CJ, Van Maurik D, Van Lierop CJ, Savelsbergh GJ, Beek PJ.
Measured and estimated energy cost of constant and shuttle running in soccer players.
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2015;47:1219-1224.
11. Sarmento H, Marcelino R, Anguera MT, CampaniCo J, Matos N, LeitAo JC. Match
analysis in football: a systematic review. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2014;32:1831-
1843.
12. Di Salvo V, Collins A, McNeill B, Cardinale M. Validation of Prozone:A new video-
based performance analysis system International Journal of Performance Analysis in
Sport. 2006;6:108-119.
13. Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Hillsdale, NJ:
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1988.
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
14. Hopkins WG, Marshall SW, Batterham AM, Hanin J. Progressive statistics for studies
in sports medicine and exercise science. Medicine and science in sports and exercise.
2009;41:3-13.
15. Impellizzeri FM and Marcora SM. Test validation in sport physiology: lessons learned
from clinimetrics. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance.
2009;4:269-277.
16. Bland JM and Altman DG. Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two
methods of clinical measurement. Lancet. 1986;1:307-310.
17. Randers MB, Mujika I, Hewitt A, Santisteban J, Bischoff R, Solano R, Zubillaga A,
Peltola E, Krustrup P, Mohr M. Application of four different football match analysis
systems: a comparative study. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2010;28:171-182.
18. Di Salvo V, Gregson W, Atkinson G, Tordoff P, Drust B. Analysis of high intensity
activity in Premier League soccer. International journal of sports medicine.
2009;30:205-212.
19. Gregson W, Drust B, Atkinson G, Salvo VD. Match-to-match variability of high-
speed activities in premier league soccer. International journal of sports medicine.
2010;31:237-242.
20. Rampinini E, Coutts AJ, Castagna C, Sassi R, Impellizzeri FM. Variation in top level
soccer match performance. Int J Sports Med. 2007;28:1018-1024.
21. Rampinini E, Impellizzeri FM, Castagna C, Coutts AJ, Wisloff U. Technical
performance during soccer matches of the Italian Serie A league: effect of fatigue and
competitive level. Journal of science and medicine in sport / Sports Medicine
Australia. 2009;12:227-233.
22. Atkinson G and Nevill AM. Statistical methods for assessing measurement error
(reliability) in variables relevant to sports medicine. Sports Medicine. 1998;26:217-
238.
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Figure 1. Bland and Altman Plot of the MPHI and HI variables.
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Figure 2. Relationship (r=0.93) between match distances performed at high-intensity using
the metabolic power (MPHI) and speed threshold (HI) notations.
R² = 0.8734
2000
2200
2400
2600
2800
3000
3200
3400
3600
1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400
MPHI(m)
HI (m)
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
“The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
© 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Table 1 Values of match activities considered in this study.
Variable TD AMP HI HIR VHIR MPHI HIAcc HIDec VHIDec VHIAcc
Mean 10672.79 10.65 1778.34 482.04 239.81 2758.97 635.93 611.91 209.30 214.81
SD 347.74 0.49 208.00 67.46 48.22 240.99 118.21 97.68 47.75 55.90
CV% 3.26 4.61 11.70 13.99 20.11 8.73 18.59 15.96 22.81 26.02
Min 9417.76 9.14 1156.22 298.91 127.86 2028.14 397.10 437.58 120.24 106.44
Max 11595.77 12.09 2310.62 656.80 335.05 3344.14 911.68 889.97 380.48 370.11
SWC 69.55 0.10 41.6 13.49 9.64 48.20 23.64 19.54 9.55 11.18
DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0

More Related Content

PDF
The effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent sports injuries
PDF
Injuries in a brazilian premier league
PDF
High intensity warm ups elicit superior performance
PDF
Body composition of english premier league soccer players
PDF
High chronic training loads and exposure to bouts of maximal velocity running...
PDF
Cold water immersion alters muscle recruitment and balance
PDF
Post exercise cold water immersion attenuates acute anabolic signalling
PDF
Effects of Velocity Loss During Resistance Training on Performance in Profess...
The effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent sports injuries
Injuries in a brazilian premier league
High intensity warm ups elicit superior performance
Body composition of english premier league soccer players
High chronic training loads and exposure to bouts of maximal velocity running...
Cold water immersion alters muscle recruitment and balance
Post exercise cold water immersion attenuates acute anabolic signalling
Effects of Velocity Loss During Resistance Training on Performance in Profess...

What's hot (20)

PDF
Effect of cold water immersion on skeletal muscle contractile properties in s...
PDF
Effect of injury prevention programs
PDF
Cold water immersion versus whole body cryotherapy
PDF
Periodization training
PDF
Short inter-set rest blunts resistance exercise-induced
PDF
Hamstring strain prevention in elite soccer players
PDF
Acute cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to high intensity interval trai...
PDF
Impact of the Nordic hamstring and hip extension exercises on hamstring archi...
PDF
Cold water inmersion reduces anaerobic performance
PDF
Postexercise Cold Water Immersion Benefits Are Not Greater than the Placebo E...
DOCX
Critical Analyses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS)
PDF
Recovery in Soccer Part I – Post-Match Fatigue and Time Course of Recovery
PDF
Effects of Cold Water Immersion on Muscle Oxygenation
PDF
Effects of seated and standing cold water immersion on recovery from repeated...
PDF
20320140501019
PDF
Poster 2
PDF
Recovery in soccer
PDF
Tips monitorización cargas
PDF
Uso de cafeína en Super Rugby y relación con el sueño post-partido
PDF
A Study to compare the effect of Open versus Closed kinetic chain exercises i...
Effect of cold water immersion on skeletal muscle contractile properties in s...
Effect of injury prevention programs
Cold water immersion versus whole body cryotherapy
Periodization training
Short inter-set rest blunts resistance exercise-induced
Hamstring strain prevention in elite soccer players
Acute cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses to high intensity interval trai...
Impact of the Nordic hamstring and hip extension exercises on hamstring archi...
Cold water inmersion reduces anaerobic performance
Postexercise Cold Water Immersion Benefits Are Not Greater than the Placebo E...
Critical Analyses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS)
Recovery in Soccer Part I – Post-Match Fatigue and Time Course of Recovery
Effects of Cold Water Immersion on Muscle Oxygenation
Effects of seated and standing cold water immersion on recovery from repeated...
20320140501019
Poster 2
Recovery in soccer
Tips monitorización cargas
Uso de cafeína en Super Rugby y relación con el sueño post-partido
A Study to compare the effect of Open versus Closed kinetic chain exercises i...
Ad

Viewers also liked (11)

PDF
Hamstring injuries have increased by 4% annually
PDF
The effect of recovery estrategies on contratile properties using tensiomyogr...
PDF
Bilateral and unilateral vertical ground reaction forces
PDF
Metanálise dos efeitos agudos do alongamento
PDF
Repeat sprint ability
PDF
Consideraciones sobre la manifestación y el desarrollo de la fuerza y la pot...
PDF
Periodização Tática - Carlos Carvalhal
PDF
Mobilidade articular
PDF
Preparación física integrada FIFA
PPT
Periodización táctica 2014(ii)
PDF
Core Completo
Hamstring injuries have increased by 4% annually
The effect of recovery estrategies on contratile properties using tensiomyogr...
Bilateral and unilateral vertical ground reaction forces
Metanálise dos efeitos agudos do alongamento
Repeat sprint ability
Consideraciones sobre la manifestación y el desarrollo de la fuerza y la pot...
Periodização Tática - Carlos Carvalhal
Mobilidade articular
Preparación física integrada FIFA
Periodización táctica 2014(ii)
Core Completo
Ad

Similar to Evaluation of the match external load in soccer (20)

PDF
Off-Season & In-Season Fitness Training for Football (Soccer)
PDF
A comparison of methods to quantify the in season training load of professio...
PDF
Soccer Fitness
PDF
Maximal sprinting speed of elite soccer players
PPTX
Evaluation of coaching
PDF
Assessment and testing of specific endurance in soccer players
PPTX
PDF
Stockholm conference 04.06.2012
DOCX
Final Online subsmission
PDF
Alexandre, d. 2012
PDF
Are classical tests of repeated sprint ability in football externally valid
PDF
Austin Sports Medicine
PPTX
Proposal presentation
PPTX
Physiological responses to warm up, speed endurance, and technical skills tra...
PDF
Brendan_updated thesis final 130912
PDF
Physiological responses of general vs. specific aerobic endurance exercises i...
PDF
A multidisciplinary approach to talent identification in soccer
PPT
Sports Science Congress at Al-Ahli Saudi
DOCX
Ardigo, l. (2010)
PDF
AFC Café: Stig meylemans
Off-Season & In-Season Fitness Training for Football (Soccer)
A comparison of methods to quantify the in season training load of professio...
Soccer Fitness
Maximal sprinting speed of elite soccer players
Evaluation of coaching
Assessment and testing of specific endurance in soccer players
Stockholm conference 04.06.2012
Final Online subsmission
Alexandre, d. 2012
Are classical tests of repeated sprint ability in football externally valid
Austin Sports Medicine
Proposal presentation
Physiological responses to warm up, speed endurance, and technical skills tra...
Brendan_updated thesis final 130912
Physiological responses of general vs. specific aerobic endurance exercises i...
A multidisciplinary approach to talent identification in soccer
Sports Science Congress at Al-Ahli Saudi
Ardigo, l. (2010)
AFC Café: Stig meylemans

More from Fernando Farias (19)

PDF
Core stability atf
PDF
Regras de Futebol 2017-2018
PDF
Hamstrings injuries
PDF
Acute effect of different combined stretching methods
PDF
Ssg or running
PDF
Os paradigmas da Periodizacao no século XXI
PDF
O desenvolvimento do jogar cap5
PDF
Foam roller
PDF
Training Load and Fatigue Marker Associations with Injury and Illness
PDF
Eccentric overload training in team sports
PDF
Capacidade de repetir sprints no futebol
PDF
Very heavy sled training
PDF
Nordic hamstring and hip extension training
PDF
O desenvolvimento do jogar
PDF
Differences in strength and speed demands between 4v4 and 8v8 SSG
PDF
Tensor of the vastus intermedius
PDF
Nordic hamstring exercises
PDF
Chronic adaptations to eccentric training
PDF
Bandas dilatadoras nasais
Core stability atf
Regras de Futebol 2017-2018
Hamstrings injuries
Acute effect of different combined stretching methods
Ssg or running
Os paradigmas da Periodizacao no século XXI
O desenvolvimento do jogar cap5
Foam roller
Training Load and Fatigue Marker Associations with Injury and Illness
Eccentric overload training in team sports
Capacidade de repetir sprints no futebol
Very heavy sled training
Nordic hamstring and hip extension training
O desenvolvimento do jogar
Differences in strength and speed demands between 4v4 and 8v8 SSG
Tensor of the vastus intermedius
Nordic hamstring exercises
Chronic adaptations to eccentric training
Bandas dilatadoras nasais

Recently uploaded (20)

DOCX
NFL Dublin Labriola on Steelers’ Victory Over the Jaguars.docx
PDF
Women Rugby World Cup 2025 Tickets: Ireland’s Road to Redemption, Squad Named...
DOCX
World Cup Lawrence to Boost Hotel Tax for FIFA 2026 Tourism Surge.docx
PPT
accounting for merchandising two by unknown
DOCX
Mexico Strengthens Security Measures to Ensure Safe FIFA 2026.docx
PPTX
Badminton Sport group presentation pathfit
DOCX
North Texas announced as base camps for 2026 FIFA World Cup.docx
PDF
Visual Performance Enhancement in Sports Optometry
DOCX
NFL London Jets QB Room Dealing with Multiple Injuries.docx
DOCX
NFL Dublin McCarthy Leads Vikings’ Offense.docx
DOCX
NFL London Browns Keep Sanders at No. 4 QB Slot.docx
DOCX
Europa League Final 2026 Showcase13.docx
PPTX
CHESS final statement to encourage the knowledge about indoor games
PDF
Sports & Entertainment Streaming – Live Matches, Local Channels
PPTX
Best All Access Passes me .pptxxxxxxxxxx
DOCX
World Cup Here is the September schedule for the Lions of Teranga.docx
DOCX
NFL London Broncos Set Sights on 2025 Season.docx
DOCX
FIFA World Cup Tickets: Messi included in Argentina squad for FIFA 2026 CONME...
DOCX
Ancelotti Backs Fresh Brazil Squad for World Cup Qualifiers.docx
PPTX
Introduction to Chess with piece movement information
NFL Dublin Labriola on Steelers’ Victory Over the Jaguars.docx
Women Rugby World Cup 2025 Tickets: Ireland’s Road to Redemption, Squad Named...
World Cup Lawrence to Boost Hotel Tax for FIFA 2026 Tourism Surge.docx
accounting for merchandising two by unknown
Mexico Strengthens Security Measures to Ensure Safe FIFA 2026.docx
Badminton Sport group presentation pathfit
North Texas announced as base camps for 2026 FIFA World Cup.docx
Visual Performance Enhancement in Sports Optometry
NFL London Jets QB Room Dealing with Multiple Injuries.docx
NFL Dublin McCarthy Leads Vikings’ Offense.docx
NFL London Browns Keep Sanders at No. 4 QB Slot.docx
Europa League Final 2026 Showcase13.docx
CHESS final statement to encourage the knowledge about indoor games
Sports & Entertainment Streaming – Live Matches, Local Channels
Best All Access Passes me .pptxxxxxxxxxx
World Cup Here is the September schedule for the Lions of Teranga.docx
NFL London Broncos Set Sights on 2025 Season.docx
FIFA World Cup Tickets: Messi included in Argentina squad for FIFA 2026 CONME...
Ancelotti Backs Fresh Brazil Squad for World Cup Qualifiers.docx
Introduction to Chess with piece movement information

Evaluation of the match external load in soccer

  • 1. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Note. This article will be published in a forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. The article appears here in its accepted, peer-reviewed form, as it was provided by the submitting author. It has not been copyedited, proofread, or formatted by the publisher. Section: Original Investigation Article Title: The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison Authors: Carlo Castagna1,2 , Matthew Varley3 , Susana Cristina Póvoas Araújo4 and Stefano D’Ottavio2 Affiliations: 1 Fitness training and biomechanics laboratory, Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Technical Department, Coverciano (Florence), Italy; 2 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; 3 College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Melbourne VIC, Australia; 4 Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal. Journal: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Acceptance Date: August 2, 2016 ©2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2016-0160
  • 2. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Title of the Article: The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison Submission Type: Original Investigation Authors: Carlo Castagna1,2, Matthew Varley3, Susana Cristina Póvoas Araújo4 and Stefano D’Ottavio2 Authors’ Affiliations: 1) Fitness training and biomechanics laboratory, Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Technical Department, Coverciano (Florence), Italy; 2) University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; 3) College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Footscray PO Box 14428, Melbourne VIC 8001, Australia; 4) Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal. Contact Details for the Corresponding Author: Carlo Castagna PhD, via Sparapani 30, 60131, Ancona, Italy; tel: +39 071-2866532, @mail: castagnac@libero.it Preferred Running Head: Match External Load in Soccer Abstract Word Count: 220 words Text-Only Word Count: 2903 words Number of Figures and Tables: 1 table and 2 figure References number: 22 citations DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 3. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the interchangeability of two match-analysis approaches for external-load detection considering arbitrary selected speeds and metabolic power (MP) thresholds in male top-class level soccer. Methods: Data analyses were performed considering match physical performance of 120 team data (1200 player cases) of randomly selected Spanish, German and English first division championship matches (2013- 14 season). Match analysis was performed with a validated semi-automated multi-camera system operating at 25 Hz. Results: During a match players covered 10673±348m of which 1778±208m and 2759±241m were performed at High-Intensity using the speed (≥16 km·h-1 , HI) and metabolic power notations (≥20 watt·kg-1 , MPHI). High-intensity notations were nearly perfect associated (r=0.93, p<0.0001). A huge method bias (980.63± 87.82m. d=11.67) was found when considering MPHI and HI. Very large correlations were found between match total distance covered and MPHI (r=0.84, p<0.0001) and HI (r=0.74, p<0.0001). Players high-intensity decelerations (≥-2 m·s2 ) coverage was very largely associated with MPHI (r=0.73, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the speed and MP methods are highly interchangeable at relative (magnitude rank) but not absolute (measure magnitude) level. The two physical match analysis methods can be independently used to track match external-load in elite level players. However match-analyst decisions must be based on single method use in order to avoid bias in external-load determination. Key word: High-Intensity, Association Football, Match Analysis, High-intensity, Metabolic Power DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 4. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Introduction In modern soccer training control and regulation is regarded as a relevant methodological procedure to optimize training adaptations to maximize match performance 1- 3 . Training progress is the result of the interplay of external and internal loads imposed on players during training sessions 2 . Although physiological adaptations are mediated by internal load functional variation the doses necessary for obtaining them are practically seized monitoring training external load 4 . The recent exponential advancement of match analysis systems such as multi-camera and Global Position System Technology has enabled the evaluation of player’s external load during specific training in elite and sub-elite competitive and recreational soccer 5,6 . Besides the replicability and accuracy of match analysis hardware of vital importance is the validity and reliability of the variables used to describe player’ activities constituting the back bone of external load evaluation. External training load is usually assessed evaluating distances and time performed in arbitrary selected speed categories 1,4 . This method approach has been used for practical issues as the data interpretation is straightforward for training (i.e. sprinting, speed-endurance training) and not requiring for definition consideration of acceleration calculations that would need the use of often not sustainable devices 7,8 . Despite the interest in information obtained through the speed method, if acceleration is not considered the actual nature of soccer specific training results is underestimated 1,4 . Recently a metabolic approach (MP) was proposed to provide an instantaneous picture of soccer specific activities7 . This method considers acceleration and speed to profile individual distances and time spent by players at arbitrary chosen estimated power thresholds 4,7 . The metabolic approach assumes that the energy produced by a player during actual match-play is a direct result of the product of the running cost from acceleration and the corresponding instantaneous speed 7 . The relative cost of accelerations is evidenced from the DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 5. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. steady state O2 of running at an inclination that corresponds to the supposed body inclination of the player during the acceleration bout. The theoretical framework of the MP relies on the assumed constant energetic cost of running across players and on the estimation of the energetic cost of acceleration from a mainly aerobic exercise performed in a stationary to quasi stationary status 7,9 . Furthermore, a strong relationship between acceleration and body inclination is postulated when player can variate acceleration ratio with no significant variation on body posture 7 . Additionally, MP estimates the energetic cost of accelerations from incline running performed by endurance up-hill runners in an laboratory set-up questioning the contextual validity of this assumption for soccer 9,10 . Despite these theoretical and practical incongruences that pose questions about the internal validity of this novel approach, several papers were recently published a-critically considering this issue 10 . Furthermore match-analysis systems software provide by defaults MP variables with the aim to profile player game performance during soccer-specific training. However the actual superiority of the MP versus the classic arbitrary speed zone approach has yet to be examined in detail, posing doubt about the effectiveness of this interesting novel approach. While the MP approach may provide a more detailed tracking of player’s game activity, there is limited research regarding the validity of this method 4,7 . Furthermore in the paper that firstly proposed the MP approach no objective evaluation was provided by authors regarding the actual superiority (i.e. statistical verification) and interchangeability of the metabolic approach with the classic speed method. Indeed in the Osgnach et al.7 study only descriptive statistics were reported (i.e. means and standard deviations). Thus, information regarding the objective difference and or association of the MP approach over the speed threshold method is unknown. Additionally being the MP approach based on acceleration calculation the associated error using common video-tracking systems may provide a large measurement bias 7 . This information has huge practical implications as a growing number of DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 6. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. match analysis systems are reporting players activity with the MP variables in the attempt to characterise match and training external-load. Therefore the aim of this descriptive study was to examine the association between classic speed and MP approach in tracking the external-load of elite level players during highly competitive official matches. It was hypothesized that there would be a large association between the two match analysis approaches. Methods Subjects Match physical performance was assessed in 1200 male outfield soccer-players (age 24.5±0.8, height 176.4±4.5 cm, body mass 74.6 kg) playing in the first division Championships of Germany (Bundesliga 1), England (English Premier League) and Spain (Liga BBVA) during the 2013-14 season. Written informed consent was obtained from players organisation to treat anonymously the collected data for research purpose. This study design was approved by the Institutional Research Board before commencement of this study. Design With the aim to examine methods interchangeability a descriptive correlation design was considered. Match physical-performance was evaluated in professional top-class players competing during European first-division championships matches. This provided population specificity and internal validity of this research design. Association between selected arbitrary speeds and MP zones was performed tracking players match activities with a validated multi-camera semi-automatic system (operating at 25 hz) 11,12 . Games were randomly selected from a proprietary match database in order to warrant external validity. DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 7. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Methodology Sixty official matches were considered for calculations, they were randomly selected in reason of 20 from each national league (Germany, England and Spain) database. Players were tracked for the entire duration of the game using a multicamera semi-automatic system (Prozone Sport, Leeds, UK) working at 25 hz 11,12 . Home and away teams data were available for each of the 60 games considered. Players were tracked for match physical-performance using either speed and MP arbitrary selected intensity zones. In order to examine match tempo of the most competitive leagues of the world only physical match variables tracking high-intensity activities were considered. They were as follows;  Distance covered at High-Intensity (speed ≥ than 16 km·h-1 , HI);  Distance covered at High-Intensity Running (speed ≥18.97≤21.99 km·h-1 , HIR);  Distance covered at Very High-Intensity Running (speed>21.99 km·h-1 , VHIR);  Distance covered with High-Intensity Accelerations (acceleration ≥2 m·s2 , DAcHI);  Distance covered with High-Intensity Decelerations (deceleration ≤-2 m·s2 , HIDec);  Distance covered with Very High-Intensity Deceleration (deceleration ≤ -3 m·s2 , VHIDec);  Distance covered with Very High-Intensity Acceleration (acceleration ≥ 3 m·s2 , VHIAcc);  Distance covered at High-Intensity (MP≥20 watt·kg-1 , MPHI). To characterize global match coverage the total distance (TD) covered and the average MP (AMP) were calculated. Data were processed with proprietary software (K- SportOnline, K-Sport, Montelabbate, PU, Italy) and then analysed with commercially available spreadsheets (Excel, Microsoft, USA) and with a dedicated statistical package (Statistica 10, Statsoft, USA). DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 8. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Statistical Analysis Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation and confidence interval (95%CI). Assumption of normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk W-test. Variables association was assessed using Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients. Qualitative magnitude of associations was reported according to Hopkins (2002) as follows: trivial r < 0.1, small 0.1 < r < 0.3, moderate 0.3 < r < 0.5, large 0.5 < r < 0.7, very large 0.7 < r < 0.9, nearly perfect r > 0.9 and perfect r= 1. Partial correlations were used for path analysis when necessary. Differences between variables were assessed with paired t-tests using a Bonferroni correction to account for comparison number. The Cohen’s d was used to assess effect-size (ES) 13 . According to Hopkins et al. 14 ES of above 4, between 4 and 2, between 2 and 1.2, between 1.2 and 0.6, between 0.6 and 0.2 and 0.2 and 0 were considered as huge, very large, large, moderate, small, and trivial respectively. In order to provide normative cues for metrics changes the Smallest Worthwhile Change (SWC) was considered according to Hopkins et al. 14 Measure agreement was assessed with Bland and Altman plots with bias test against the zero difference hypothesis for significance. Significance was set at p 0.05. Preliminary power calculation showed that to obtain the a statistical power of 80% would be necessary 400 cases. The final power obtained with this study design was higher than 90% (1200 cases). Results Descriptive statistics and SWC for the considered variables depicting match physical- performance are reported in table 1. Data showed high inter-match (CV>10%) variations for all the considered variables but not for TD, AMP and MPHI. Bland and Altman plot statistic showed a significant measurement bias of 980.63± 87.82m (95%CI 964.75  996.51, p<0.0001) between MPHI and HI distances. Upper and lower 95% limits of agreement were 1152.77 (95%CI 1125.56  1179.97) and 808.50m (95%CI 781.29  835.70) respectively DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 9. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. (Figure 1). Plot of MPHI and HI difference vs mean showed the existence of a moderate data heteroscedasticity (r= 0.38, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.22  0.53) suggesting the likelihood of a systematic measurement error as variables magnitude increased. A nearly perfect association was found between MPHI and HI (r=0.93, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.91 0.95, Fig. 2). The MPHI was very largely associated with TD (r=0.84, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.78  0.89) HIDec (r=0.73, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.63  0.80) and HIR (r=0.87, p<0.0001 95%CI 0.82  0.91). The HI showed very large correlation with TD (r=0.74, p<0.0001, CI95% 0.64  0.81) and AMP (r=0.73, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.63  0.80). The AMP was very largely associated with TD (r=0.85, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.79  0.89) and deceleration categories VHIDec (r=0.72, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.62 0.79) and , HIDec (r=0.76, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.68  0.83). Discussion This is the first study to assess the associations between two data analysis methods for assessing external load in soccer, specifically; speed and metabolic power of arbitrarily chosen activity categories. The main finding of this descriptive comparative study was the almost perfect association (r=0.93) between the distance covered at a high-intensity speed (≥16 km·h-1 ) with that accumulated at high-intensity using the MP approach (≥20 watt·kg-1 ). However, practical very large absolute differences (i.e. 52%) in variable magnitude were detected between HI and MPHI distance covered. These results confirm the original work hypothesis for relative but not absolute interchangeability of the two external load approaches here considered. Match and training high-intensity is considered as a relevant construct in modern soccer with a number of papers providing direct or indirect evidence 1,15 . This study used two methods considering arbitrary categories to depict match high-intensity activity according to DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 10. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. the methods of Osgnach et al. 7 . However, in the original paper the authors failed to report any quantitative basic statistic to compare methods and as a result information about measure interchangeability was not provided. The speed (≥16 km·h-1 ) and MP (≥20 watt·kg-1 ) thresholds used in this study were assumed to represent the average speed and corresponding relative metabolic power at the estimated maximal aerobic-speed in professional soccer players 7 . This enabled direct comparison between the two considered methods for external- load detection to evaluate their concurrent (i.e. magnitude association) and convergent construct (i.e. measure agreement) validity. The results of this study showed that speed and MP approach possess an almost perfect relative (i.e. r= 0.93) but a poor absolute interchangeability (measurement bias of 981m). This suggest that the two external-load methods are sensible in depicting player’s high-intensity activity reported as distance covered in arbitrary match high-intensity categories thresholds. However, the reported huge difference in absolute values between the HI and MPHI underlines the difference in the informing criteria of the two methods. The lower HI distance compared to MPHI was likely the result of the inability of the speed threshold method to consider the accelerative phases of high-intensity efforts thus underestimating actual match HI demands. Indeed using the speed approach HI distance accumulates only when players exceed the set velocity threshold (≥16 km·h- 1), thus neglecting the preparatory phase involving high-intensity accelerative efforts 4 . Given these limitations in the speed approach the metabolic power approach was introduced in the attempt to account for instantaneous acceleration gradients during actual match-play 7 . Despite the theoretical interest provided by the MP approach its essential use of acceleration data provide some concern about the validity of this novel method 4,10 . Indeed the acceleration data per se have an inherent systematic error consequence of filtering and sampling rate 7 . The reported error in acceleration data collection and the required technology DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 11. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. for valid measurement limits the practical interest of the MP approach 10 . Additionally the reported iso-power phenomenon considered as the likelihood of producing the same MP values with an unpredictable variation in instantaneous acceleration and speed data, may produce construct derived artefacts 7 . Indeed consideration for high-intensity bouts can be done when actually they are in a lower intensity phenomenological domain. Data difference of supposed convergent constructs was reported as a practical representative of measurement variability (causal and random changes) 16 . Explorative data analysis showed large association between MPHI and HI absolute difference with distance covered (r=-0.62, p<0.0001, from -0.72 to -0.50,) and time spent at DAcHI (r= -0.70, p<0.0001, from -0.78 to -0.60). This finding may represent an effect of speed maintenance over the MPHI production during the highly competitive matches considered in this study. The very large (r= 0.87, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.82  0.91) association between HIR and MPHI may partially confirm this assumption. Furthermore when controlling for HIR the association between MPHI and HI changed from almost perfect into the lower range of the very large correlation categories (i.e. from 0.93 to 0.74). Additionally HI showed to be only moderately correlated with acceleration and deceleration performed during the match by players (r from 0.44 to 0.51, p<0.0001) confirming the lack of sensitivity of the speed threshold approach in accurately tracking player’s match high-intensity activities. Although more thorough analyses are necessary, the results of this study support the idea that the effect of movement speed on MP is more pronounced than the supposed added advantage of considering acceleration as a variable informing energy cost. Further studies providing more detailed information about the real genesis of MP are warranted. The data reported in this study were captured with a semi-automated multi-camera system previously tested for validity and reliability and used for disseminating match performance in most of the relevant reports published in soccer performance profiling DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 12. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. 5,11,12,17 . Methods comparison was carried-out studying match physical performance in players participating in the most important championships of the world such us English Premier League (United Kingdom), Liga BBVA (Spain) and Bundesliga 1 (Germany). Given the number of matches considered and the number of cases processed, this data possesses a great internal validity as it is representative of elite level soccer. Match analysis data showed to be in line with those provided by previous descriptive studies using similar or the same video capture system11,18-21 . Indeed Osgnach et al.7 introducing the MP approach studied a population of Italian professional soccer players that were reported to cover a match total distance of 10,950 ± 1044 m with 1996m and 2839m covered at HI and MPHI respectively. This study was the first to report random match data pooled from different European top class leagues. Given that, the data reported may be considered as reference for match-analysts and coaches interested in physical match activities (Table 1). Data variability is a key factor in match analysis to determine the probability of causal match to match changes in physical performance and to detect team or individual fitness and or technical-tactical differences. In this study absolute inter-teams variability (i.e. CV%) were below 5% for TD, AMP showing high measurement stability for these global match-activity variables 22 (Table 1). Higher CV% values were found in this study for the variables addressing match high- intensity (i.e. C>10%) with MPHI showing a CV lower than 10%. These findings are in line with those reported by other authors for English Premier League championship matches confirming the high variability of high-intensity activities in top class soccer 18,19 . In this context acceleration and decelerations showed the highest variability with CV above 20 and 25% respectively. In order to detect casual changes the SWC may result of great practical interest. 14 According to this study data changes in the team mean from 2.3 and 1.8% may be regarded as causal match performance variations for HI and MPHI respectively. DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 13. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Practical Applications Match and training external-load may provide key information for training individualisation. Particularly at the elite level absolute performance variables may better depict the intra individual and team differences. Thus, the use of valid and reliable methods to profile match and training internal load result are vital. Given this study data the speed and metabolic approaches showed similar sensitivity in depicting player and team profiles of the supposed high-intensity constructs. Indeed the reported almost perfect association between HI and MPHI provided evidence of construct converge (i.e concurrent validity). However despite relative method interchangeability the reported very large absolute measure differences (d > 4, ES) suggest accurate a priori choice of the data analysis method. The use of the MP approach to provide concurrent consideration of speed and acceleration requires further examination into the issue of population validity of the equation used for acceleration derived energy-cost calculation and criterion validity. Additionally the provided equation should be refined in order to account for collisions, tackles, jumps and non-orthodox exercise-modes like sideward and backward running 1,10 . Conclusions The scientific limitations of the MP approach should be acknowledged by practitioners when using this measure for reporting purposes. Moreover, recent validation studies suggest caution in using MP when evaluating the external load in soccer players during pre-planned shuttle running10 . Finally, the mismatch between the considerable higher estimated anaerobic contribution to soccer match physical-performance and actual physiological measures question the internal validity of the MP approach7,10 . DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 14. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Acknowledgments No financial support was provided for the completion of this study. The authors declare no conflict of interest with the finding reported in this study. DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 15. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. References 1. Stølen T, Chamari K, Castagna C, Wisløff U. Physiology of Soccer: An Update. Sports Med. 2005;35:501-536. 2. Impellizzeri FM, Rampinini E, Coutts AJ, Sassi A, Marcora SM. Use of RPE-based training load in soccer. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2004;36:1042- 1047. 3. Impellizzeri FM, Rampinini E, Marcora SM. Physiological assessment of aerobic training in soccer. J Sports Sci. 2005;23:583 – 592. 4. Manzi V, Impellizzeri F, Castagna C. Aerobic fitness ecological validity in elite soccer players: a metabolic power approach. Journal of strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association. 2014;28:914-919. 5. Buchheit M, Allen A, Poon TK, Modonutti M, Gregson W, Di Salvo V. Integrating different tracking systems in football: multiple camera semi-automatic system, local position measurement and GPS technologies. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2014;32:1844-1857. 6. Randers MB, Nielsen JJ, Bangsbo J, Krustrup P. Physiological response and activity profile in recreational small-sided football: no effect of the number of players. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2014;24 Suppl 1:130-137. 7. Osgnach C, Poser S, Bernardini R, Rinaldo R, di Prampero PE. Energy cost and metabolic power in elite soccer: a new match analysis approach. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010;42:170-178. 8. Carling C, Bloomfield J, Nelsen L, Reilly T. The role of motion analysis in elite soccer: contemporary performance measurement techniques and work rate data. Sports Med. 2008;38:839-862. 9. Minetti AE, Moia C, Roi GS, Susta D, Ferretti G. Energy cost of walking and running at extreme uphill and downhill slopes. J Appl Physiol. 2002;93:1039-1046. 10. Stevens TG, De Ruiter CJ, Van Maurik D, Van Lierop CJ, Savelsbergh GJ, Beek PJ. Measured and estimated energy cost of constant and shuttle running in soccer players. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2015;47:1219-1224. 11. Sarmento H, Marcelino R, Anguera MT, CampaniCo J, Matos N, LeitAo JC. Match analysis in football: a systematic review. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2014;32:1831- 1843. 12. Di Salvo V, Collins A, McNeill B, Cardinale M. Validation of Prozone:A new video- based performance analysis system International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 2006;6:108-119. 13. Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1988. DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 16. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. 14. Hopkins WG, Marshall SW, Batterham AM, Hanin J. Progressive statistics for studies in sports medicine and exercise science. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2009;41:3-13. 15. Impellizzeri FM and Marcora SM. Test validation in sport physiology: lessons learned from clinimetrics. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 2009;4:269-277. 16. Bland JM and Altman DG. Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement. Lancet. 1986;1:307-310. 17. Randers MB, Mujika I, Hewitt A, Santisteban J, Bischoff R, Solano R, Zubillaga A, Peltola E, Krustrup P, Mohr M. Application of four different football match analysis systems: a comparative study. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2010;28:171-182. 18. Di Salvo V, Gregson W, Atkinson G, Tordoff P, Drust B. Analysis of high intensity activity in Premier League soccer. International journal of sports medicine. 2009;30:205-212. 19. Gregson W, Drust B, Atkinson G, Salvo VD. Match-to-match variability of high- speed activities in premier league soccer. International journal of sports medicine. 2010;31:237-242. 20. Rampinini E, Coutts AJ, Castagna C, Sassi R, Impellizzeri FM. Variation in top level soccer match performance. Int J Sports Med. 2007;28:1018-1024. 21. Rampinini E, Impellizzeri FM, Castagna C, Coutts AJ, Wisloff U. Technical performance during soccer matches of the Italian Serie A league: effect of fatigue and competitive level. Journal of science and medicine in sport / Sports Medicine Australia. 2009;12:227-233. 22. Atkinson G and Nevill AM. Statistical methods for assessing measurement error (reliability) in variables relevant to sports medicine. Sports Medicine. 1998;26:217- 238. DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 17. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Figure 1. Bland and Altman Plot of the MPHI and HI variables. DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 18. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Figure 2. Relationship (r=0.93) between match distances performed at high-intensity using the metabolic power (MPHI) and speed threshold (HI) notations. R² = 0.8734 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 MPHI(m) HI (m) DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0
  • 19. “The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison” by Castagna C et al. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc. Table 1 Values of match activities considered in this study. Variable TD AMP HI HIR VHIR MPHI HIAcc HIDec VHIDec VHIAcc Mean 10672.79 10.65 1778.34 482.04 239.81 2758.97 635.93 611.91 209.30 214.81 SD 347.74 0.49 208.00 67.46 48.22 240.99 118.21 97.68 47.75 55.90 CV% 3.26 4.61 11.70 13.99 20.11 8.73 18.59 15.96 22.81 26.02 Min 9417.76 9.14 1156.22 298.91 127.86 2028.14 397.10 437.58 120.24 106.44 Max 11595.77 12.09 2310.62 656.80 335.05 3344.14 911.68 889.97 380.48 370.11 SWC 69.55 0.10 41.6 13.49 9.64 48.20 23.64 19.54 9.55 11.18 DownloadedbyETSUon09/18/16,Volume0,ArticleNumber0