Does Prematch Neuromuscular Performance Affect Running Performance in Collegiate Elite Female Soccer?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Understanding the relationship between neuromuscular performance and in-game physical output is crucial for optimizing training and performance in elite female soccer.
• Player position may influence the demands on neuromuscular capabilities during matches, necessitating position-specific analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of prematch neuromuscular performance on match physical performance, specifically average high-speed running (HSR), in Division I collegiate female soccer players.
• To determine if player position moderates the relationship between neuromuscular performance and HSR.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen elite female soccer players were assessed for prematch neuromuscular performance using the countermovement jump (CMJ), measuring jump height (JH) and relative peak power (RPP).
• Match physical performance data, including average speed and HSR, were collected over 14 official matches.
• Linear mixed-effects models analyzed the relationship between CMJ variables (JH, RPP), player position, and match physical performance metrics.

Main Results:

• Prematch relative peak power (RPP) was a significant predictor of average high-speed running (HSR) (p = 0.003).
• Jump height (JH) and player position were not significant predictors of average HSR in the combined model.
• RPP alone significantly predicted variances in average HSR (p = 0.001), explaining a substantial portion of the variance in running performance.

Conclusions:

• Prematch countermovement jump relative peak power (RPP) is a key predictor of average high-speed running performance in collegiate female soccer.
• Neuromuscular assessment via CMJ RPP may offer valuable insights for talent identification and performance enhancement strategies in female soccer.
• Further research could explore the impact of other neuromuscular tests and training interventions on match-specific physical performance.