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Activity profile of competition soccer
J Bangsbo1, L Nørregaard, F Thorsø
1August Krogh Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences = Journal Canadien Des Sciences Du Sport
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Soccer players cover approximately 10.8 km per match. High intensity running correlates with blood lactate levels, indicating recent activity, but offers limited insight into overall match performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Soccer Performance Analysis
Background:
- Understanding soccer player movement patterns is crucial for performance optimization.
- Assessing the relationship between physical exertion and physiological markers like blood lactate is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the movement patterns of elite soccer players during competitive matches.
- To investigate the correlation between physical activity and blood lactate concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Filming 14 top-level soccer players during competitive matches.
- Measuring distances covered and high-intensity running activities.
- Analyzing blood lactate levels in relation to match activity.
Main Results:
- Mean distance covered was 10.80 km, with midfielders covering 10% more distance than defenders and forwards.
- No significant differences in high-intensity running were observed between player positions.
- A significant positive correlation (r=0.61) was found between high-intensity running and blood lactate concentration.
Conclusions:
- High-intensity running is a valid metric for comparing soccer players' match activity.
- Blood lactate levels in soccer primarily indicate the type of activity performed shortly before sampling, rather than overall match exertion.