Peak running speed can be used to monitor neuromuscular fatigue from a standardized running test in team sport athletes
Joel Garrett, Zeki Akyıldız, Cédric Leduc, Daniel van den Hoek, Filipe Manuel Clemente, Luca Paolo Ardigò
Abstract
This study compared the sensitivity of peak running speed (PRS) measured during a submaximal run test (SRT) with a countermovement jump (CMJ) test to provide an alternate method of measuring neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). The study involved 20 semi-professional academy soccer players who performed a SRT and CMJ test, 24-hours pre-match, 24-, 48-, 72- and 96-hours post-match. Moderate decreases (effect-size (ES) ± 90% confidence intervals) were observed 24-hours post-match for CMJH; ES −0.70 ± 0.19, CMJPV; ES −0.92 ± 0.27 and PRS; ES −0.58 ± 0.11 with small decreases in CMJH; ES −0.36 ± 0.13 and PRS; ES −0.27 ± 0.23 still evident 48-hours post-match before returning to baseline 72-hours post-match. The results confirm PRS as an inexpensive alternate method of measuring NMF which, allows instantaneous real-time feedback on NMF. This can allow changes to be made immediately on-field within the post-match recovery phase without the need for further analysis or equipment.