Comparison of the neuromuscular response to three different Turkish, semi-professional football training sessions typically used within the tactical periodization training model

This study examined the neuromuscular responses to three typical football (soccer) training sessions and the reliability of peak speed (PS) measured during a submaximal running test (SRT) for identifying neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) status. Jump height (CMJ(H)) and peak velocity (CMJ(PV)) were collected from a CMJ test, while peak speed (PS) was collected during an SRT before and after each training session. Large effect size (ES) decreases were observed in each variable post-training (ES; - 1.42 to - 2.32). Significant differences (> 0.001) were detected between each football session's external load variables. Coefficients of variations were small (< 10%) with moderate (CMJ(PV); 0.53, PS; 0.44) and strong (CMJ(H); 0.72) intraclass correlation coefficients between pre-test measures. The demands of each football session aligned with the principles of tactical periodization and were sufficient to produce the fatigue necessary to elicit physiological adaptations. PS was also shown to be a viable measure of monitoring NMF status.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of three typical football training sessions on neuromuscular responses and examined the reliability of peak speed (PS) measured during a submaximal running test (SRT) in identifying neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) status. The results showed a significant decrease in all variables after the training sessions. The external load variables of each football session differed significantly. The study also demonstrated that PS can be a reliable measure for monitoring NMF status.