Key result
Matches associated with higher physical demands than training but no difference in nocturnal HRV.
Why the study?
Monitoring fatigue and player status when applying training stimuli is key to optimizing development, motivating an evaluation of the interaction between internal and external load during training and matches in elite youth soccer.
Observational (n=17)
Nocturnal HRV variables do not differ between pre- and post-match in elite youth soccer players, but pre-match HRV may predict match physical performance.
HRV stability despite elevated match demands warrants caution in recovery interpretation; leaves open pre-match HRV's predictive value for performance in youth soccer.
Monitoring fatigue and performance is important for adjusting training loads in soccer. Therefore, knowing the status of the player when applying a training stimulus is key to optimizing the players’ development. This study aims to evaluate the interaction between internal and external load, during training and matches, in an elite youth soccer team. Methods: seventeen youth players of the highest Spanish category were monitored with GPS devices during training and matches, as well as recording their nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV). We employed a linear mixed model to assess the physical demands between training and matches, and to compare the HRV variables. Results: a higher total distance (+2993.35–5746.56 m; ES = 1.4), distance at high intensity (+641.24–1907 m; ES = 1.5), sprint distance (+350.46–795.05 m; ES = 2.1), number of sprints (+18.38–41.58; ES = 1.9), and number of repeated sprints (+5.91–15.30; ES = 1.7) (all p < 0.001), but not in the number of accelerations, were reported during the matches when compared to the training sessions during the 11 weeks. The analysis of the HRV variables showed no significant differences between the accumulated values during a training week, providing similar results pre-match or post-match (p > 0.05). The LF/HFRATIO showed a negative influence on the total distance ran, distance at high intensity, distance in sprint, number of sprints, and repeated sprint. RRMEAN was positively related to the sprint number. Conclusion: the results of the present study suggest that nocturnal HRV variables are not different between pre-match and post-match. Furthermore, it suggests that LF/HFRATIO and RRMEAN during pre-match can determine the external load that the player will be able to complete during the match.
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Sánchez‐Sánchez et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Elite youth soccer players (n=17). Matches vs. Training sessions was evaluated on Physical demands and nocturnal heart rate variability. Matches elicited higher physical demands than training sessions (e.g., total distance ES=1.4, p<0.001), while nocturnal heart rate variability did not differ between pre- and post-match (p>0.05).
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