Changes in countermovement jump performance and subjective readiness‐to‐train scores following a simulated soccer match
Wayne Lombard, Lindsay Starling, Luke Wewege, Mike Lambert
Abstract
Abstract The study investigated whether countermovement jump (CMJ) metrics and subjective responses to a readiness‐to‐train questionnaire (RTT‐Q) tracked simulated match‐induced acute fatigue. This was a randomized cross‐over repeated measures study. Participants were assigned into one of two groups; CONTROL or LIST. The LIST group performed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Run (LIST), which was designed to simulate the demands of a soccer match. The CONTROL performed light physical activity at an intensity of <65% of maximal heart rate. Each group performed three CMJ's and completed an RTT‐Q before (PRE), and again at 24 and 48 h after the LIST and/or CONTROL interventions. At 24 h there were significant differences in RTT‐Q answers between the Pre and 24 h for the LIST group for questions; “Do you feel physically strong today?” and “Do you have muscle soreness today?” ( p = 0.02 and 0.0008, respectively). The questions “Do you feel mentally strong today?” and “ Do you have muscle soreness today ?” ( p = 0.02 and p = 0.0001 respectively) were the only questions that had a significant difference between Pre and 48 h for the LIST group. None of the CMJ metrics (LIST or CONTROL) changed significantly at any stage of the experiment. Although fatigue was detected by changes in the RTT‐Q at 24 and 48 h after the LIST, none of the CMJ metrics changed. These findings suggest that subjective measures are more sensitive to low‐level fatigue than objective measures, thus effective monitoring should include both.