Relationships between running demands in soccer match-play, anthropometric, and physical fitness characteristics: a systematic review

The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature that has investigated the relationships between anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics and match-play running demands in female and male soccer players at youth and senior levels. Using PRISMA guidelines, four databases were searched: PubMed/NCBI, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. Twenty-seven articles were selected resulting in a sample of 991 players (687 youth and 304 senior). Three studies related anthropometric measures to running demands during the matches and reported poor relationships (R-2 = 4-36%). Incremental treadmill tests performed in laboratory settings showed large-to-very large correlations with total distance covered and/or high-intensity running activity during matches (R-2 = 20-50%). Values for the Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery test levels 1 and 2 were associated with total distance covered and high-intensity running activity across all studies. This study collected scientific evidence that can aid sport science and coaching practitioners in understanding the construct validity of anthropometric and laboratory- and field-based assessments.