The impact of heated garments on substitute performance in soccer match-play

soccer substitutes experience lengthy periods of limited to no activity, before entering match play, which can lead to decrements in muscle temperature and performance. The present study determined whether performance and perceptual responses are affected following the implementation of a passive heat intervention used by substitutes in cold (∼7 °C) conditions.

on two occasions, 10 trained male soccer players completed a standardised pre-match warm-up, followed by 45 min of being a substitute. After this, players completed a half-time re-warm-up before an additional 15 min of passive rest, replicating 60 min as a substitute.

substitutes wore a standardised tracksuit (CON) or heated trousers (HEAT), over typical soccer attire. Core temperature and perceptual data were recorded every 15 min. Following the 60 min, players entered an 11 vs. 11 match for the final 30 min which included measurement of GPS variables.

upon match entry, players felt warmer (P < 0.01) and more comfortable (P < 0.01) in HEAT compared to CON, without differences in core temperature (P = 0.223). Furthermore, participants felt less fatigued (P < 0.05) and more motivated (P < 0.01). Throughout the match, distance covered at >21 km/h (325 ± 187 vs. 210 ± 113 m/h; P < 0.05) and the number of Band 3 accelerations (>3 m/s; 9.67 ± 5.1 vs. 6.11 ± 3.8; P < 0.05) increased in HEAT compared to CON.

implementing a passive heating intervention before match entry, positively impacts physical performance and perceptual responses for soccer substitutes in cold conditions.