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This study aims to explore how small-sided games affect neuromuscular functions and cognitive performance in youth soccer players.

November 9, 2023Frontiers in PhysiologyOpen Access

Neuromuscular and perceptual-cognitive response to 4v4 small-sided game in youth soccer players

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Randomized trial examines how small-sided games impact agility and fatigue in youth soccer players, indicating important exercise implications.

This study aims to explore how small-sided games affect neuromuscular functions and cognitive performance in youth soccer players.
Sixteen youth soccer players participated in a 30-minute 4v4 small-sided game (SSG) protocol.
Performance was assessed pre- and post-SSG using countermovement jumps, agility tests, and a go/no-go task.
Subjective fatigue was evaluated using a visual analog scale.
Perception of fatigue increased by 41.56% (p = .001, g = 4.15), alongside a decrease in CMJ height by 6.65% (p = .014, g = .56).
Planned agility time increased by 4.04% (p = .002, g = .97) and reactive agility time increased by 6.45% (p = .003, g = .16).
High-speed running was associated with performance decrements, correlating with changes in CMJ height and agility times (rs = .66, p = .006).

Skala et al. (2023) studied this question.

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Randomized trial examines how small-sided games impact agility and fatigue in youth soccer players, indicating important exercise implications.