The effect of soccer match induced fatigue on biomechanical parameters and neuromuscular performance

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of soccer match induced fatigue on landing biomechanical parameters and neuromuscular performance. A total of 18 young professional male soccer players of the Altınordu Football Club, with mean age of 20.1 ± 3.6 yrs, mean body weight of 73.1 ± 2.0 kg, and mean height of 180.2 ± 5.9 cm participated in the study as volunteers. Fatigue level was assessed with the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion and Pain scale before and following an official football match. The drop jump test was applied before and following the match. Jump height (cm), jump power (W), the relative power (W/kg) and reactive strenght index were measured using a force platform. Off-the-shelf camcorders recorded frontal and sagittal plane views of the subject performing the task. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) was scored from replay of this video. Pre-match and post-match LESS scores were calculated. According to Borg Perceived Pain and Fatigue Scale, before the match the players average fatigue level was 7.2 ± 1.1; after the match the average level of fatigue was 17.9 ± 1.9. The difference of before and after the match Borg Perceived Pain and Fatigue Scale score was statistically significant idi (p˂0.05). The pre- match average jump height, jump power, relative power and reactive strength index of the cases were 38.7 ± 5.5 cm, 2752.7 ± 566.9 W, 38.7 ± 9.1 W/kg and 0.10 ± 0.04, respectively. The post-match average jump height, jump power, relative power and reactive strength index of the cases was 37.8 ± 5.5 cm, 2742.3 ± 541.7 W, 37.8 ± 8.4 W/kg and 0.10 ± 0.03, respectively. Pre-match Landing Error Scoring System average was 6.4 ± 2.0, and post-match score was 8.4 ± 2.6. There were no statistically significant differences between pre-match and post-match neuromuscular element scores. However, pre-match and post-match Landing Error Scoring System scores were statistically significant different for the players. It was concluded that fatigue that occurs in a soccer match disrupts landing biomechanics. Impairment of landing biomechanics releated with reduction of postural control, proprioceptive acuity and neromuscular control.