Comparison of muscle pain measurements of football players before and after the competition according to their positions

This study was carried out to examine the changes in muscle pain thresholds of football players before and after the competition according to the positions they play and to evaluate the significance of these changes. The research was carried out with the participation of 22 licensed football players actively playing in the Bitlis Provincial Super Amateur League. The muscle pain thresholds of the participants were measured with a pressure algometer at two separate times, before and immediately after the official competition. The muscle groups in which muscle pain thresholds were measured were determined as Rectus Femoris, Vastus Intermedius, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis, Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Achilles Tendon, Peroneus Longus, Tibialis Anterior and Adductor Longus. The findings of the research revealed that defense, midfield and offensive players showed significant differences in some muscle groups. Significant decreases were observed in the Rectus Femoris, Vastus Intermedius, Vastus Medialis, Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Achilles Tendon and Peroneus Longus muscles of the football players in the defensive position (p<0.05). Similar significant decreases were detected in the Vastus Intermedius, Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Achilles Tendon, Peroneus Longus and Tibialis Anterior muscles in midfield players. In offensive players, Vastus Intermedius, Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Achilles Tendon, Peroneus Longus and Tibialis Anterior muscle groups were significantly affected (p<0.05). Large ("d">1.0) and very large ("d">1.5) effect sizes were recorded especially in the Gastrocnemius, Soleus and Achilles Tendon muscle groups. Differences in muscle pain thresholds according to positions can guide the shaping of specific training programs to protect athletes' muscle health, prevent injuries and optimize performance.