Mapping Multi-Modal Fatigue in Elite Soccer Through Sweat-Omics Perspectives: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biochemistry
• Physiology

Background:

• Elite soccer fatigue involves complex physical, metabolic, psychological, and neuromuscular factors.
• Current fatigue monitoring methods in sports are often invasive or lack real-time data.
• Non-invasive biomarkers in sweat offer a promising alternative for fatigue assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize sweat-based biomarkers associated with multifaceted fatigue in elite soccer.
• To evaluate the potential of identified biomarkers for non-invasive, real-time fatigue monitoring.
• To assess the technological readiness of sweat biomarker monitoring in soccer.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a narrative review of studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• Focused on sweat biomarkers related to neuromuscular, metabolic, inflammatory, and psychological fatigue.
• Utilized a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework to assess biomarker maturity.

Main Results:

• Identified key sweat biomarkers for fatigue: lactate, sodium, cortisol, IL-6, and hypoxanthine.
• Highlighted the potential of these biomarkers for non-invasive fatigue monitoring in soccer.
• Noted underrepresentation of youth and female populations in current research.
• Assessed the technological maturity of sweat biomarker analysis.

Conclusions:

• Sweat biomarkers show significant promise for non-invasive fatigue monitoring in elite soccer.
• A translational framework and further research are needed for real-world application.
• Future studies should address underrepresented populations and enhance technological readiness.