Match running performance in Brazilian professional soccer players: comparisons between successful and unsuccessful teams

• DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00324-x
• Publication Date: 2021-08-17T09:02:52Z
• Authors: Rodrigo Aquino; Luiz Guilherme Go...; Marcos Galgaro; Thiago Santi Maria; Eduardo Rostaiser; Alejandro Pastor; Hadi Nobari; Gabriel Rodrigues...; Maxwell Viana Mor...; Fábio Yuzo Nakamura
• Keywords: Match play; Team sport; Interquartile range

Abstract Background This study aimed to compare the match running performance between bottom- and top-ranked teams in professional soccer players over 2020 season of Brazilian National 2nd Division League. In addition, this verified independent interactive effects playing position contextual factors on outputs these teams. Methods Forty-eight male outfield participated (top-ranked team, n = 24; bottom-ranked 24). The distance- accelerometry-based measures were recorded during 69 matches using a global positioning system (10 Hz) integrated with an accelerometer (400 Hz). Results team covered greater total distance [median (interquartile range); 10,330.0 m (1430.0)] high-acceleration [97.0 (32.0)] than home away [ p < 0.05, effect size (ES) small]. midfielders higher distance, high-speed (> 18 km h −1 ), high acceleration (≥ 3 s −2 high-deceleration (≤ −3 performed more sprints [(> 25 ) compared ( η 2 small-moderate]. against top-level opponents required values number only for ES small). Independent analysis showed that outcome (loss vs. draw win) was not influenced by both > 0.05; However, high-acceleration/deceleration loss Conclusions These findings should be considered when coaches practitioners interpret evaluating training intervention indicators.