Self-Paced Team-Sport Match Simulation Results in Reductions in Voluntary Activation and Modifications to Biological, Perceptual, and Performance Measures at Halftime and for up to 96 Hours Postmatch.

Tofari, PJ, Kemp, JG, and Cormack, SJ. Self-paced team-sport match-simulation results in reductions in voluntary activation and modifications to biological, perceptual, and performance measures at halftime and for up to 96 hours postmatch. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3561-3572, 2018-Assessing responses to soccer match play is limited by match variability or unrealistic simulations. To address this, the biological, perceptual, and performance responses were assessed using a self-paced, simulated soccer match protocol using a nonmotorized treadmill. Twelve male team-sport athletes performed the 90-minute simulation. Match activity, quadriceps twitch interpolation (voluntary activation [%VA] and potentiated twitch [POT]), biochemical markers, strength and power performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and self-report wellness were collected prematch, halftime, postmatch, and 2, 24, 48, 72, and 96-hour postmatch. Change compared with prematch was calculated using effect size ±90% confidence limit, and relationships were assessed using regression analysis. Subjects covered 12,445.8 ± 768.7 m at 87.1 ± 3.2% maximal heart rate (mean ± SD). Reductions in %VA and POT was present at halftime (-0.38 ± 0.46 and -0.79 ± 0.30, respectively) and persisted postmatch. Squat jump height decreased at halftime (-0.42 ± 0.31) and was decreased until Post96. Perceptual fatigue, soreness (-0.92 ± 0.88 and -1.49 ± 0.76, respectively), and creatine kinase (CK) (1.11 ± 0.43) peaked at Post24. Pretest strength (N·kg) correlated with changes in CK (r = -0.58 to -0.81), peak oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) correlated with reduced perceived wellness at Post24 (r = 0.44-0.58) and RPE post (r = -0.71 ± 0.28). High-speed running correlated with soreness (r = 0.42) and very high-speed running with reduced POT (r = 0.61). Previously, unreported half-time reductions in %VA and POT plateaued by postmatch, suggesting a role in regulating second-half performance. Perceptual and neuromuscular responses seem related to running intensity. Greater lower-body strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak were associated with less CK (i.e., muscle damage) and perceptual responses postmatch, respectively, suggesting a training focus should be placed on these capacities.