Resumo

LAGO-PENAS, Carlos; GARCIA, Antonio  e  GOMEZ-LOPEZ, Maite. The influence of a congested fixture calendar on physical performance in elite soccer. CPD [online]. 2016, vol.16, n.1, pp.287-294. ISSN 1989-5879.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of playing a high amount of minutes in competition during the season on elite soccer performance. Distances covered at various speeds and the time spent in high-intensity activities by 68 players that completed the entire match in the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 were examined. A k mean analysis classified the players according to the number of minutes played throughout the season: high, medium and low amount of minutes. Additional variables such as the score-line, quality of the opponent and playing position were included. Data were examined through linear regression analysis. Overall, the results suggested that playing a high amount of minutes during the season does not affect physical performances in elite soccer. Central Midfielders covered higher total distances and distances covered at high speed than the other playing positions (p<0.01), while Central Defenders covered significantly less distance than the other playing positions (p<0.01). Winning or losing match status was not associated with changes on the physical performance profiles of the players. These results could be used by coaches and analysts to improve the design of assignment and the team and players performance assessment.

Palavras-chave : Soccer; performance; congested schedule; fatigue.

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