Nutritional, physiological, and perceptual responses during a summer ultraendurance cycling event

Despite the rapid growth of mass participation road cycling, little is known about the dietary, metabolic, and behavioral responses of ultraendurance cyclists. This investigation describes physiological responses, perceptual ratings, energy balance, and macronutrient intake of 42 men (mean ± SD; age, 38 ± 6 years; height, 179.7 ± 7.1 cm; body mass, 85.85 ± 14.79 kg) and 6 women (age, 41 ± 4 years; height, 168.0 ± 2.9 cm; body mass, 67.32 ± 7.21 kg) during a summer 164-km road cycling event. Measurements were recorded 1 day before, and on the Event Day (10.5 hours) at the start (0 km), at 2 aid stations (52 and 97 km), and at the finish line (164 km). The ambient temperature was >39.0° C during the final 2 hours of exercise. The mean finish times for men (9.1 ± 1.2 hours) and women (9.0 ± 0.2 hours) were similar, as were mean gastrointestinal temperature (TGI), 4 hydration biomarkers, and 5 perceptual (e.g., thermal, thirst, pain) ratings. Male cyclists consumed enough fluids on the Event Day (5.91 ± 2.38 L; 49% water) to maintain body mass within 0.76 kg, start to finish, despite a sweat loss of 1.13 ± 0.54 L·h(-1) and calculated energy expenditure of 3,115 kcal·10.5·h(-1). However, men voluntarily underconsumed food energy (deficit of 2,594 kcal, 10.9 MJ) and specific macronutrients (carbohydrates, 106 ± 48 g; protein, 8 ± 7 g; and sodium, 852 ± 531 mg) between 0530 and 1400 hours. Also, a few men exhibited extreme final values (i.e., urine specific gravity of 1.035-1.038, n = 5; body mass loss >4 kg, n = 2; T(GI), 39.4 and 40.2°C). We concluded that these findings provide information regarding energy consumption, macronutrient intake, hydration status, and the physiological stresses that are unique to ultraendurance exercise in a hot environment.     

Heart rate responses and technical-tactical aspects of official 5-a-side youth soccer matches played on clay and artificial turf

Using a randomized crossover design, this study aimed to compare the heart rate (HR) responses and match analysis parameters (i.e., type of action; the number of players involved in an action; the number of passes performed in a collective action; precision of the shots; lost balls; ball interceptions; dribblings; and tackles) of official 5-a-side youth male soccer matches played over 2 pitch surface (i.e., clay vs. artificial turf) conditions. Twenty-two young male soccer players (age 8.3 ± 0.4 years) engaged in 2 consecutive 15-minute periods in each experimental condition. During the match, 53% of HR responses exceeded 85% of the individual HR(peak). No difference emerged between both pitch surfaces and match periods for HR and match analysis indicators. The two 15-minute periods resulted in being appropriate for 8-year-old players, in resembling the intensity of play and the intermittent nature of adult soccer. The similar HR responses and technical-tactical patterns observed on the 2 surfaces indicate that youth match play is not affected by differences in pitch surface. To support the development of individual and team skills of young soccer players, coaches are advised to prioritize game knowledge based on divergent thinking and experience, rather than traditional teaching based on instructions.     

Changes in Acid-base balance during simulated soccer match play

This study evaluated changes in markers of acid-base balance that occurred during simulated soccer match play. Sixteen academy soccer players participated in a soccer match simulation that consisted of 90 minutes of soccer-specific exercise with skills throughout. Blood samples were obtained before exercise (preexercise), every 15 minutes during the simulation (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes), and 10 minutes into the half-time break (half time). Blood lactate concentrations were elevated throughout exercise (preexercise: 1.5 ± 0.12 mmol·L; 90 minutes: 6.1 ± 0.7 mmol·L, time effect: p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.740). Relative to preexercise values, actual blood bicarbonate (preexercise: 28.02 ± 0.92 mmol·L; 90 minutes: 21.73 ± 0.65 mmol·L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.680), standard blood bicarbonate (preexercise: 25.97 ± 0.43 mmol·L; 90 minutes: 22.87 ± 0.31 mmol·L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.667), base excess (preexercise: 2.40 ± 0.54 mmol·L, 90 minutes: -1.57 ± 0.39 mmol·L, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.664), and pH (preexercise: 7.44 ± 0.01 units; 90 minutes: 7.39 ± 0.01 units, time effect = p < 0.01, partial-eta = 0.542) were depressed throughout the exercise. Interestingly, blood bicarbonate, base excess, and pH recovered at half time (p > 0.05). This is the first study to provide data concerning the acid-base balance of familiarized soccer players during exercise that simulates soccer match play. These findings suggest that (a) blood pH is reduced during soccer-specific exercise and (b) although buffering capacity is reduced throughout exercise, it returns to normal during half time. Further research is warranted to develop interventions that can maintain acid-base balance throughout the full duration of a soccer match.     

The influence of a congested calendar on physical performance in elite soccer

The aim of this study was to investigate recovery via analysis of activity profiles in a professional soccer team over an intense period of matches. A total of 172 outfield players from 27 Spanish League matches played by a professional team during the 2005-2006 season were analyzed using a multiple-camera match analysis system. The dependent variables were the distance covered by players at different intensities. Data were analyzed using an independent-sample t-test and a linear regression analysis with 5 independent variables: the number of matches played per week (1 or 2), match status (i.e., whether the team was winning, losing or drawing), match location (i.e., playing at home or away), quality of the opponents (strong or weak), and the individual playing position of the players. The main finding of this study suggests that the activity profiles of professional soccer players were not influenced by short recovery between matches. Although those players who played 2 matches a week covered less distance at maximal (>23 km·h(-1)), submaximal (19.1-23 km·h(-1)), and medium (14.1-19 km·h(-1)) intensities than those players who played 1 match a week, no significant differences were found. Moreover, results from this study seem to confirm that the elite soccer players' distance covered at various speeds is dependent on match contextual factors. The top-class players performed less high-intensity activity (>19.1 km·h(-1)) when winning than when they were losing (p < 0.05), but more distance was covered by walking and jogging when winning (p < 0.05). The home teams covered a greater distance than away teams at low intensity (<14.1 km·h(-1)) (p < 0.01). Finally, the better the quality of the opponent, the higher the distance covered by walking and jogging.     

Intensity of official Futsal matches

The purpose of this study was to assess the intensity of official Futsal matches, expressed in different ways. Fourteen male professional Futsal players from a First Division Brazilian team volunteered to participate in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) and the heart hate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO(2)) correlation were determined for each player. The match intensity was estimated from the players' average HR measured during 13 National Futsal League matches. The HR measurements were obtained while the players were in the court but the values recorded while the players were sitting on the bench were not considered. In addition, these HR values were used to estimate the intensity of the effort expressed as a percentage of the maximal HR (% HRmax), percentage of VO(2)max (% VO(2)max), kilocalories per minute (kcal·min(-1)), and total caloric expenditure. The mean intensity of the matches was 86.4 ± 3.8% HRmax, 79.2 ± 9.0% VO(2)max, 18.0 ± 2.2 kcal·min(-1), and 313 ± 9.3 kcal. It was concluded that official Futsal matches have high intensity when expressed in the different ways used in this study. The information provided by this research can be used for planning the athletes' workouts, diets, and resting periods.     

Physical responses of different small-sided game formats in elite youth soccer players

A major use of small-sided games (SSGs) in soccer training is the concomitant development of game-specific aerobic fitness. We hypothesize that the SSG formats of 2 vs. 2, 3 vs. 3, and 4 vs. 4 players reveal game-like intensities and therefore are most adequate to increase game-specific aerobic fitness. Heart rate (HR), percentage of maximum heart rate (HRmax), blood lactate concentration (La), and time-motion characteristics of 17 elite male youth soccer players (aged 14.9 ± 0.7 years, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max 61.4 ± 4.5 ml·kg·min, HRmax 199.6 ± 7.3 b·min) were collected by global positioning systems while performing the SSG formats. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and effect sizes were calculated to demonstrate the differences between SSG formats. Highest physiological responses were obtained in 2 vs. 2 (HR: 186 ± 7 b·min, HRmax: 93.3 ± 4.2%, La: 5.5 ± 2.4 mmol·L) followed by 3 vs. 3 (HR: 184 ± 8 b·min, HRmax: 91.5 ± 3.3%, La: 4.3 ± 1.7 mmol·L) and 4 vs. 4 (HR: 179 ± 7 b·min, HRmax 89.7 ± 3.4%, La: 4.4 ± 1.9 mmol·L). Pronounced differences were found for most physiological parameters and for time spent in the speed zones "walking" (<5.3 km·h), "moderate-speed running" (10.3-13.9 km·h), and "maximum sprinting" (≥26.8 km·h). The findings suggest that all the formats reveal game-like intensities and are suitable for aerobic fitness improvements. However, we found pronounced demands on the anaerobic energy supply in 2 vs. 2, whereas 3 vs. 3 and 4 vs. 4 remain predominantly on an aerobic level and differ mainly in the HR response. We suggest using 3 vs. 3 for soccer-specific aerobic fitness training.     

Daily protein and energy intakes of infants fed a commercial infant formula with a reduced protein concentration of 2.2 g/100 kcal: an impact of feeding interval on energy intake

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the protein and energy intakes of infants fed commercial infant Formula A (protein, 2.2 g/100 kcal; energy, 68 kcal/100 mL) and examined whether changes in feeding intervals are involved in constant energy intake. Daily nutritional intake of 378 Formula A-fed infants was assessed using reference values and compared to that of infants fed Formulas B (protein: 2.3 g/100 kcal, energy: 68 kcal/100 mL) and C (protein: 2.4 g/100kcal, energy: 70 kcal/100 mL). From 15 to 149 days of age, the mean formula volume and protein intake were 758–887 mL/day and 11.4–13.3 g/day, respectively, higher than the protein intake of breast-fed infants. Daily energy intake (86–129 kcal/kg/day) was comparable to the estimated energy requirements. Feeding intervals were shorter in infants fed Formulas A and B than in those fed Formula C, whereas energy intake was similar. The protein intake of infants decreased as the protein concentration per energy in infant formula was reduced, and accordingly the protein intake of Formula A-fed infants was significantly lower than that of Formula C-fed infants. In conclusion, the new composition of Formula A is suitable in protein and energy intake of infants, and daily energy intake remains constant by shortening in feeding intervals when the energy concentration in infant formula is reduced.

Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000023110     

Analysis of motor activities of professional soccer players

The objective of this study was to determine the distance covered by professional soccer players during matches with the use of the computerized match analysis system Amisco Pro? (version 1.0.2, Nice, France). Kinematic examination included the specification of the distance covered by 31 players participating in 4 matches in the Union of European Football Association Cup competitions during the 2008-2009 season. Data were analyzed based on players' positions on the pitch, changes in the players' motor activity intensity level, and match period (first or second half). The results of statistical analysis revealed that the average total distance covered by all players (n = 31) was 11,288 ± 734 m. With respect to the player's position on the pitch, the midfielders traveled the longest average distance (11,770 ± 554 m) during the game. This was 3% longer than the distance achieved by the attackers at 11,377 ± 584 m, and 7% longer than that achieved by the defenders 10,932 ± 728 m. The analysis of physical loads on soccer players during a match is highly useful for training individualization. It provides a tool for effective planning and for recording the loads on players, which is an indispensable element of modern coaching.     

Kinematics Analyses Related to Stretch-Shortening Cycle during Soccer Instep Kicking After Different Acute Stretching

ABSTRACT: Amiri-Khorasani, M, MohammadKazemi, R, Sarafrazi, S, Riyahi-Malayeri, S, and Sotoodeh, V. Kinematics analyses related to stretch-shortening cycle during soccer instep kicking after different acute stretching. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3010-3017, 2012-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of static and dynamic stretching within a preexercise warm-up on angular velocity of knee joint, deepest knee flexion (DKF), and duration of eccentric and concentric contractions, which are relative to the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) during instep kicking in professional soccer players. The kicking motions of dominant legs were captured from 18 Olympic professional male soccer players (height: 180.38 ± 7.34 cm; weight: 69.77 ± 9.73 kg; age: 19.22 ± 1.83 years) using 4 digital video cameras at 50 Hz. There was a significant difference in the DKF after the dynamic stretching (-3.22 ± 3.10°) vs. static stretching (-0.18 ± 3.19°) relative to the no-stretching method with p < 0.001. Moreover, there was significant difference in eccentric duration after the dynamic stretching (0.006 ± 0.01 seconds) vs. static stretching (-0.003 ± 0.01 seconds) relative to the no-stretching method with p < 0.015. There was a significant difference in the concentric duration after the dynamic stretching (-0.007 ± 0.01 seconds) vs. static stretching (0.002 ± 0.01 seconds) relative to the no-stretching method with p < 0.001. There was also a significant difference in knee angular velocity after the dynamic stretching (4.08 ± 3.81 rad·s) vs. static stretching (-5.34 ± 4.40 rad·s) relative to the no-stretching method with p < 0.001. We concluded that dynamic stretching during warm-ups, as compared with static stretching, is probably the most effective way as preparation for the kinematics characteristics of soccer instep kick, which are relative to the SSC.     

Physical fitness of elite Belgian soccer players by player position

The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the physical and physiological profile of elite Belgian soccer players with specific regard to the player's position on the field. The sample consisted of 289 adult players from 6 different first division teams. The players were divided into 5 subgroups (goalkeepers, center backs, full backs, midfielders, and strikers) according to their self-reported best position on the field. The subjects performed anaerobic (10-m sprint, 5 × 10-m shuttle run [SR], squat jump [SJ], and countermovement jump [CMJ]) and aerobic (incremental running protocol) laboratory tests. The strikers had significantly shorter sprinting times (5-, 5- to 10-m time, and SR) compared with the midfielders, center backs, and goalkeepers, whereas the full backs were also significantly faster compared with the goalkeepers and the center backs. The goalkeepers and the center backs displayed higher jumping heights (total mean SJ = 40.7 ± 4.6 cm and CMJ = 43.1 ± 4.9 cm) compared with the other 3 positions, whereas the strikers also jumped higher than the full backs and the midfielders did. Regarding the aerobic performance, both full backs and the midfielders (61.2 ± 2.7 and 60.4 ± 2.8 ml · min(-1) · kg(-1), respectively) had a higher VO2max compared with the strikers, center backs, and goalkeepers (56.8 ± 3.1, 55.6 ± 3.5, and 52.1 ± 5.0 ml · min(-1) · kg(-1), respectively). From this study, it could be concluded that players in different positions have different physiological characteristics. The results of this study might provide useful insights for individualized conditional training programs for soccer players. Aside from the predominant technical and tactical skills, a physical profile that is well adjusted to the position on the field might enhance game performance.     

Cognitive Functions in Elite and Sub-Elite Youth Soccer Players Aged 13 to 17 Years

Soccer players are required to anticipate and react continuously in a changing, relatively unpredictable situation in the field. Cognitive functions might be important to be successful in soccer. The current study investigated the relationship between cognitive functions and performance level in elite and sub-elite youth soccer players aged 13–17 years. A total of 47 elite youth soccer players (mean age 15.5 years, SD = 0.9) and 41 sub-elite youth soccer players (mean age 15.2 years, SD = 1.2) performed tasks for “higher-level” cognitive functions measuring working memory (i.e., Visual Memory Span), inhibitory control (i.e., Stop-Signal Task), cognitive flexibility (i.e., Trail Making Test), and metacognition (i.e., Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Design Fluency Test). “Lower-level” cognitive processes, i.e., reaction time and visuo-perceptual abilities, were also measured with the previous tasks. ANOVA’s showed that elite players outscored sub-elite players at the “higher-level” cognitive tasks only, especially on metacognition (p < .05). Using stepwise discriminant analysis, 62.5% of subjects was correctly assigned to one of the groups based on their metacognition, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility performance. Controlling for training hours and academic level, MANCOVA’s showed differences in favor of the elite youth soccer players on inhibitory control (p = .001), and cognitive flexibility (p = .042), but not on metacognition (p = .27). No differences were found concerning working memory nor the “lower-level” cognitive processes (p > .05). In conclusion, elite youth soccer players have better inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and especially metacognition than their sub-elite counterparts. However, when training hours are taken into account, differences between elite and sub-elite youth soccer players remain apparent on inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in contrast to metacognition. This highlights the need for longitudinal studies to further investigate the importance of “higher-level” cognitive functions for talent identification, talent development and performance in soccer.     

Effect of training intensity distribution on aerobic fitness variables in elite soccer players: a case study

The aim of this article was to quantify the distribution of training intensities and its effect on aerobic fitness in professional elite soccer players. Fourteen professional soccer players were observed during the prechampionship training period (6 weeks). Treadmill running speed and heart rates (HRs) at 2 and 4 mmol · L(-1) blood-lactate concentrations were assessed pre and posttraining. Training intensities were categorized using 3 HR zones: low intensity (

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HR 4 mmol · L(-1)). Analysis of the 504 individual training sessions showed that 73 ± 2.5, 19 ± 2.8, and 8 ± 1.4% of the total training time was spent at low, moderate, and high intensity, respectively (p < 0.001). Speed at 2 and 4 mmol · L(-1) significantly improved posttraining (5 and 7%, respectively, p < 0.01). Training spent at high intensity was significantly related to relative speed improvements at 2 mmol · L(-1) (r = 0.84, p < 0.001;) and 4 mmol · L(-1) (r = 0.65, p = 0.001). Players spent almost two-thirds of their training time at low intensities. However, only the time spent at high intensity (>90% of maximal HR) was related to changes in aerobic fitness. These results support the usefulness of the quantification of aerobic training load using HR. Furthermore, it stresses the effectiveness of the high-intensity training in soccer.     

武威市结核病患者膳食多样化水平及营养素摄入状况调查

目的：了解武威市结核病（TB）患者膳食多样化水平及各类营养素摄入情况。方法：选取武威市结核患者826名,由统一培训的结核病防治科医生,进行面对面的问卷调查,应用食物频率表收集调查对象消费的食物种类;24小时膳食回顾法收集调查对象膳食营养素摄入情况。采用9大类食物评价膳食多样化,每周食用一种食物计1分,最多为9种食物计9分。结果：膳食多样化评分（DDS）结果显示,分值为7分及以上的人群达到了51．5％,其中得分7分的人群达到总人数的33.3％,有48．5％不足7分,即没有达到膳食多样化。鱼虾类和豆类消费率最低,分别仅为6．7％和44．3％。能量及营养素分析结果显示：结核病患者每日能量和蛋白质摄入量分别为1563．9kcal和60．6g,仅达到推荐摄入量（RNI）的65．16％和80．67％,除了铁、锰、磷元素的摄入量达到了RNI之外,其余维生素及矿物质每日摄入量均不足,尤以视黄醇（122．2μg）和钙（224．7mg）最低,分别为RNI的15．28％和28．09％。膳食纤维、抗坏血酸和核黄素的摄入水平均不足RNI的50％。结论：武威市结核病患者膳食结构不均衡。建议积极改善营养、调整膳食结构,加强膳食营养相关知识的健康宣教,有效防治结核病。     

Acute effect of static and dynamic stretching on hip dynamic range of motion during instep kicking in professional soccer players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of static and dynamic stretching within a pre-exercise warm-up on hip dynamic range of motion (DROM) during instep kicking in professional soccer players. The kicking motions of dominant legs were captured from 18 professional adult male soccer players (height: 180.38 ± 7.34 cm; mass: 69.77 ± 9.73 kg; age: 19.22 ± 1.83 years) using 4 3-dimensional digital video cameras at 50 Hz. Hip DROM at backward, forward, and follow-through phases (instep kick phases) after different warm-up protocols consisting of static, dynamic, and no-stretching on 3 nonconsecutive test days were captured for analysis. During the backswing phase, there was no difference in DROM after the dynamic stretching compared with the static stretching relative to the no-stretching method. There was a significant difference in DROM after the dynamic stretching compared with the static stretching relative to the no-stretching method during (a) the forward phase with p < 0.03, (b) the follow-through phase with p < 0.01, and (c) all phases with p < 0.01. We concluded that professional soccer players can perform a higher DROM of the hip joint during the instep kick after dynamic stretching incorporated in warm-ups, hence increasing the chances of scoring and injury prevention during soccer games.     

Rotating night shift work and nutrition of nurses and midwives

Previous research points to some inappropriate nutritional habits among nurses working night shifts. However, the knowledge of specific nutritional components of their diet has been limited. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between rotating night shifts of nurses and midwives and their usual dietary intake of energy and nutrients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 522 Polish nurses and midwives: 251 working rotating night shifts (i.e. working night shift followed by a day off on a subsequent day) and 271 day workers. Polish adaptation of the Food Frequency Questionnaire, regarding 151 food items, was used to assess the usual dietary energy and nutrient intake. Data on occupational history and potential confounders were collected via face-to-face interviews. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumference were measured. Linear regression models: univariate (crude) and multivariate (adjusted) were run, with the nutrient intake as dependent variables, night work characteristics, and important confounders.

Among nurses and midwives working rotating night shifts, a significantly higher adjusted mean intake was found for the total energy (2005 kcal vs 1850 kcal) and total fatty acids (77.9 g vs 70.4 g) when compared to day workers, as well as for cholesterol (277 mg vs 258 mg), carbohydrates (266 g vs 244 g) and sucrose (55.8 g vs 48.6 g). Night shift work duration was inversely related to the consumption of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C and % energy from proteins. The higher energy consumption may contribute to increase risk of overweight and obesity among nurses working night shifts.     

Differences of energy intake and energy expenditure of elite Taekwondo players receiving summer vs. winter intensive training

[Purpose]

This study aimed to evaluate the energy expenditure and energy intake as an experiment of energy balance of elite Taekwondo players receiving summer vs. winter intensive training.

[Methods]

The summer training group (STG, n = 15) and the winter training group (WTG, n = 18) wore an accelerometer for the measurement of energy expenditure and maintained a daily dietary record for measurement of energy intake, for seven consecutive days during summer or winter intensive training.

[Results]

The total energy expenditure (TEE) (834.1 kcal, p < .001), the total counts (1,867 counts, p = .038), and the energy expenditure during moderate (384.6 kcal, p < .001) and vigorous activity (351.8 kcal, p < .001) were significantly lower in the STG than in the WTG. On the other hand, the macronutrient intake showed that intake of energy (902.7 kcal, p < .001), carbohydrates (82.6g, p < .001), and protein (93.9g, p < .001) in the STG were significantly lower than those of the WTG. When comparing TEE and total energy intake, the STG consumed 902.7 kcal less as energy than the WTG, while the STG performed 834.1 kcal more as TEE than that of the WTG.

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, both of the summer and winter intensive training are not proper for energy balance condition. Therefore, to promote the optimal energy balance during the summer or winter intensive training period, a training and sports nutrition program based on the amount of energy expenditure and energy intake for Taekwondo players should be considered.     

Optimal load maximizes the mean mechanical power output during upper extremity exercise in highly trained soccer players

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal load for the maximal power output during the acceleration phase of a power movement in bench press (BP) exercises of highly trained soccer players at the beginning of a competition period. Fifteen professional male soccer players with an average age of 26.1 ± 3.9 years, an average height of 183.3 ± 6.7 cm, an average body mass of 78.8 ± 7.2 kg, and an average 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of 83.3 ± 11.2 kg were employed as subjects in this study. Maximal mean power output during a BP at 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90% of their 1RM was measured to determine whether an optimal load exists that allows for the attainment of maximal power output. Three-dimensional upper extremity kinematic data were collected. Two force plates embedded in the floor and positioned below the bench were used to measure contact forces between the bench and ground during the lift. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to determine power output differences at different percentages of the 1RM. The results of this study indicated that loads of 50% of the 1RM resulted in greater mean power output during the complete positive power movement. Loads at 30 and 50% of the 1RM resulted in greater mean power output computed from the acceleration phase of the lift than did all loads and were not statistically different from each other. However, individual soccer players did not reach the maximum power output with the same relative load. In conclusion, when soccer players develop muscular power toward the end of when the most important competitions are scheduled, dynamic effort strength training with the range of load from 30 to 50% of 1RM BP should be used. During the competition period, a load of 50% of a 1RM should be used in a BP to maintain muscular power over a wide load range.