Article,
Effect of peak intensity periods on temporary fatigue and recovery kinetics in professional male football
Affiliations
- [1] Faroese Nursing Association [NORA names: Faroe Islands; Europe, Non-EU; Nordic];
- [2] University of the Faroe Islands [NORA names: Faroe Islands; Europe, Non-EU; Nordic];
- [3] University of Exeter [NORA names: United Kingdom; Europe, Non-EU; OECD];
- [4] University of Southern Denmark [NORA names: SDU University of Southern Denmark; University; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD]
Abstract
We analysed peak 1-, 2- and 5-min periods and the associated 5-min recovery period in matches from three consecutive seasons in the Danish Superliga. A semi-automatic multicamera system was used to collect high-speed running distance (≥5.5 m/s; HSRD), sprint distance (≥7.0 m/s; SpD) and distance covered during intense acceleration (≥3 m/s; AccD). Analysis included 479 players and 6042 to 9671 match observations using rolling average. Distances covered per minute during the peak periods were significantly higher than match averages: HSRD (207–772%), SpD (447–1793%), and AccD (383–1096%). Distances covered per min were lower during 1-min recovery periods than match average for HSRD following peak 1-, 2- and 5-min period (29%, 6%, 3%, 2%, 2%; 35%, 11%, 0%, 2%, 3%; and 45%, 29%, 13%, 8%, 4%; p < 0.05, respectively), and for SpD (20%, 3%, 7%, 3% (4% higher in the 5th min); 24%, 12%, 3%, 0%, 7%; and 39%, 29%, 18%, 17%, 12%; p < 0.05, respectively). Opposite, AccD increased in the following 1-min recovery periods following peak 1-, 2- and 5-min periods (68%, 89%, 94%, 88%, 90%; 47%, 86%, 93%, 90%, 88%; 23%, 56%, 76%, 85%, 87%; p < 0.05) compared to match averages. Intensity was higher during shorter periods, whereas performance decrements were largest after longer peak periods for HSRD and SpD, whereas no decrement was observed in AccD.