Relationships between running demands in soccer match-play, anthropometric, and physical fitness characteristics: a systematic review. (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aquino, Rodrigo; Carling, Christopher; Maia, José; Vieira, Luiz H. Palucci; Wilson, Robbie S.; Smith, Nicholas; Almeida, Rodrigo; Gonçalves, Luiz Guilherme C.; Kalva-Filho, Carlos Augusto; Garganta, Júlio; Puggina, Enrico F.
• Is Part Of: International journal of performance analysis in sport. Volume 20:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 534
• Page End: 555
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Association football -- testing -- physical performance -- construct validity -- sport science; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; 796.015
• DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2020.1746555
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-8668

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature that has investigated the relationships between anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics and match-play running demands in female and male soccer players at youth and senior levels. Using PRISMA guidelines, four databases were searched: PubMed/NCBI, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. Twenty-seven articles were selected resulting in a sample of 991 players (687 youth and 304 senior). Three studies related anthropometric measures to running demands during the matches and reported poor relationships (R 2 = 4-36%). Incremental treadmill tests performed in laboratory settings showed large-to-very large correlations with total distance covered and/or high-intensity running activity during matches (R 2 = 20-50%). Values for the Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery test levels 1 and 2 were associated with total distance covered and high-intensity running activity across all studies. This study collected scientific evidence that can aid sport science and coaching practitioners in understanding the construct validity of anthropometric and laboratory- and field-based assessments.