Short versus long small-sided game training during Ramadan in soccer players. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baklouti, Hana; Rejeb, Noureddine; Aloui, Asma; Jaafar, Hamdi; Ammar, Achraf; Chtourou, Hamdi; Girard, Olivier; Souissi, Nizar
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 24(2017)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Ramadan -- Small-sided training -- Training load -- Hoff test; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To compare the effects of two small-sided game (SSG) training formats (4 × 4 min (SSG-S) and 2 × 8 min (SSG-L)) conducted during Ramadan on Hoff and five-jump (5JT) tests' performances and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Design: Three group, case-control. Setting: Field tests. Participants: Twenty-four male soccer players were divided into 3 groups: 2 groups undertaking 4 weeks of SSG-S (n = 8) or SSG-L (n = 8) during Ramadan and a control group (n = 8). Main outcome measures: The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Hooper questionnaires' scores and 5JT and Hoff test's performances were measured before (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (R4). Results: Compared to BR, fatigue estimated by POMS and Hooper questionnaires was higher at R4 in all groups (ES = 0.77–1.57, p < 0.05). Hoff test distance increased to the same extent in SSG-S and SSG-L groups (+7.38–7.39%, ES = 1.49–1.93, p < 0.001). Mean sRPE scores measured during Ramadan were higher after SSG-L (6.49 ± 0.38) than SSG-S (5.61 ± 0.14) sessions (+15.58%, ES = 2.79, p < 0.001). Conclusions: SSG training can be implemented as an efficient intervention to avoid detraining and equally improve soccer-specific physical performance during Ramadan. Given the lower perceptual responses associated with shorter SSG sequences, this modality would be better tolerated during the fasting month, and therefore is recommended. Highlights: Training should not be interrupted in soccer players during Ramadan. Small-sided game training allows improving aerobic fitness during Ramadan. Similar gains are observed after short and long bouts of small-sided game training. Shorter small-sided game bouts are associated with lower perceived fatigability. Shorter small-sided game training sequences are recommended during Ramadan.