Physical Therapy in Sport
Volume 8, Issue 4 , Pages 185-190, November 2007

The influence of soccer-specific fatigue on functional stability

  • Matt Greig

      Affiliations

    • Medical and Exercise Science Department, The Football Association, Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Nr Newport, Shropshire TF10 9AT, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +442077454960; fax: +442077455960.
    • ,
  • Colin Walker-Johnson

      Affiliations

    • Department of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, The University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, UK

Received 24 July 2006; received in revised form 8 February 2007; accepted 1 March 2007.

Abstract 

Objective

To quantify the influence of soccer-specific fatigue on functional stability.

Participants and design

Ten male semi-professional soccer players completed a 90min treadmill protocol replicating the activity profile of match-play with a passive 15min half-time interval.

Main outcome measures

At 15min intervals players completed a 30s single-legged balance task on an unstable platform. Balance performance was quantified as a stability index and the mean deflection of the platform.

Results

There was no significant (P>0.05) main effect for exercise duration in the stability index, suggesting that balance performance was maintained throughout the simulated match. However, the mean deflection of the platform was significantly (P<0.05) shifted toward anterior displacement during the last 15min of each half.

Conclusion

A change in balance strategy was evident during the latter stages of match-play, which may increase injury risk. It is recommended that soccer players perform proprioception training in the rested and exercised state to further develop neuromuscular control.

Keywords: Soccer, Stability, Fatigue, Injury

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PII: S1466-853X(07)00029-6

doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2007.03.001

Physical Therapy in Sport
Volume 8, Issue 4 , Pages 185-190, November 2007

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