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

Abstract: 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[middle dot]kg-1) 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 (r2 = 0.42) and very high-speed running with reduced POT (r2 = 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.