Carlo Castagna

University of Urbino | UNIURB · Department of Biomolecular Science

The influence of biological maturity status on talent identification and development in youth soccer has been debated extensively. Alternative methods have thus recently emerged to estimate maturity status, such as the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS), but their relationship with physical capabilities of young soccer players still needs to be deter...

This study analyzed the physiological and physical demands of recreational team handball (RTH) and the training sessions' (matches) intensity variability in 50-77-year-old postmenopausal women (n = 20) without prior experience with the sport. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), distance covered, time spent in differe...

Background Increased basketball game frequency may affect athlete performances, especially during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). The objective of the present investigation was to assess the impacts of increased game frequency periods crossing the RIF on body composition, sleep habits, indices of well-being, recovery state, and dietary intake i...

In this study we aimed at analysing the effects of different weekly exercise volumes (1, 2 or 3 times 60‐min) on bone health, body composition and physical fitness of inactive middle‐to‐older‐aged males, after 16 weeks of recreational team handball (RTH). Fifty‐four men (68 ± 4 years, stature 169 ± 6 cm; body mass 78.4 ± 10.7 kg; fat mass 27.1 ± 5....

This study examined the physical and physiological demands and perceived experience of a multicomponent exercise mode, recreational team handball (TH), for middle-aged/elderly men and women, played as same- vs. mixed-gender 6v6 game formats. Matches’ heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), perceived experience, activity profile, player load and accele...

To compare the locomotor demands of several ball/running drills with the official match peak, locomotor demands determined across different time-windows of the same duration in top-class male soccer players (n = 40). Total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR, 15-20 km⋅h −1), very high-speed running (VHSR, 20-24 km⋅h −1), sprint and acceleration+...

This study aimed at examining the dose-response of a recreational team handball (TH) exercise-based programme on cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in inactive middle-aged-to-elderly males without TH experience. Fifty-four inactive men middle-aged-to-elderly (67.5±4.2 years; stature 168.8±6.2 cm; body mass 78.4±10.7 kg; fat mass 27.1±5.3%;...

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the "11 for Health" programme on musculoskeletal fitness. Methods: A total of 108 Danish children aged 10-12 years participated in the study, with 61 children in the intervention group (IG, 25 girls and 36 boys) and 47 children in the control group (CG, 21 girls and 26 boys). Measurements were conducted bef...

Multidirectional jumping and repeated sprint ability are crucial performance factors in basketball. The main aim of this investigation was to examine the neuromuscular performance and body balance adaptations following basketball-specific combined training programs based on drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint versus multidirectional plyo...

We studied the long‐term effects of a multicomponent exercise training protocol (recreational team handball training, RTH) on global health status in inactive postmenopausal women. Participants ( n = 45; age 65 ± 6 years, stature 157 ± 6 cm, body mass 66.2 ± 9.4 kg, fat mass 41.4 ± 5.5%, VO 2peak 25.7 ± 3.6 mL/min/kg) were randomised into a control...

We aimed at examining the criterion validity and sensitivity of heart-rate recovery (HRRec) in profiling cardiorespiratory fitness in male recreational football players in the untrained and trained status, using endurance field-tests. Thirty-two male untrained subjects (age 40 ± 6 years, VO2max 41.7 ± 5.7 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, body mass 82.7 ± 9.8 kg, sta...

Football performance involves several physical abilities that range in aerobic, anaerobic, and neuromuscular domains; however, little is known about their interplay in profiling individual physical attributes. This study aimed to profile physical performance in youth football players according to their training status. One hundred seven young male...

This study described the physical and physiological demands, activity profile and fun levels of recreational team handball (TH) game formats in over 60-year-old men with no previous experience with this sport (n = 17, 67.4±3.3 years). The participants performed 5v5, 6v6 and 7v7 matches (3x15-min periods) with fixed pitch size (40x20 m). In all test...

This study aimed to examine the differences in physical match activities and heart rate (HR) responses experienced by Brazilian field referees (FRs) and assistant referees (ARs) during official matches from three different championship levels (Serie A, Serie B and Regional). The sample was composed of 51 FRs (age: 36.3 ± 4.7 years) and 87 ARs (age:...

To compare the locomotor demands of a wide range of soccer-specific or running drills with the official match peak demands determined across different time-windows of the same duration. Forty top-class soccer players competing in European championship and international UEFA competitions were monitored across two competitive seasons. Total distance...

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health in the general population. The heart rate (HR) ratio method (HRratio) is a valid, easy and accessible method for estimating VO2max in well-trained subjects. This study examined the validity of using the HRratio to estimate VO2max in recreational football players i...

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between maximal and submaximal neuromuscular field tests, match physical activity levels and biological maturation in youth football players. Methods: Sixty-four football players from under 14 to under 17 age groups were assessed. Players performed a Repeated-Sprint Ability test,...

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease of physical activity levels, with impact on the cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal systems, due to imposed lockdown, and social distancing measures (1,2). Furthermore, COVID-19 infection appears to limit the capacity to perform exercise at the same intensity as previously (3). Purpose: To ass...

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an additional small-sided games (SSGs) training program during Ramadan intermitting fasting (RIF) on technical performance depending on changes in body composition, sleep habits, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Twenty-four professional male basketball players from the Tunisian first...

Purpose To examine the influence of player number, bout duration and their interaction on small-sided game (SSG) variations in running performance, perceptual response and technical components in under-14 soccer players. Methods Eleven players randomly performed 3v3 and 5v5 SSG of 4 × 5 min, 2 × 10 min and 20 min duration. Total distance (TD), dis...

This study aimed to examine the acute physiological effect of shuttle-run-based high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) performed at the same relative speed (i. e., 100% PST−CAR) on sand (SAND) and grass (GRASS) in male junior soccer players. Seven Under-23 Brazilian national league (“Série A”) soccer players completed four testing sessions in...

Background: This study aim was to profile physical fitness in talented football referees (FR) with performance relevant field-tests across time. Methods: Thirty-eight male FR (age 28±1.5 years, height 178±5.1 cm, body mass 69.0±7.34 kg, body fat 17.2±2.87%) were observed for 15 months. Endurance was assessed with the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery...

The aim of this study was at examining the validity and reliability of a marketed bioimpedance (BIA) scale for body composition assessment, in children engaged in an educational football project (FIFA 11 for Health). One-hundred and twenty-seven children (70 boys and 57 girls; age 10.7±0.5 years, body mass 41.2±9.0 kg, Body mass index 18.5±3.3 kg·m...

The main aim of this paper was to examine the association between pre-match well-being status with match internal and external load in field (FR) and assistant (AR) soccer referees. Twenty-three FR and 46 AR participated in this study. Well-being state was assessed using Hooper Scale and match external and internal loads were monitored with Stryd P...

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the fitness profile of Italian male national teams Team-Handball players of different competitive level. Methods: Forty-one male handball players from the Senior (n=21, height 1.90±0.06m, body mass 94.04±11.59kg, BMI 26.13±2.45) and the Junior (n=20, height 1.86±0.06m, body weight 84.99±12.52kg, B...

This study reports the effects of a recreational team handball exercise programme (randomised controlled trial, RCT) on bone health, postural balance and body composition in untrained postmenopausal women without previous experience of the sport. Sixty-seven postmenopausal women without previous experience of team handball practice (68.3±6.2 years,...

This study analyzed the impact of performing four consecutive football matches separated by 48‐72 hours during a FIFA tournament on physical load, technical performance and plasma markers of redox state, muscle damage and inflammation in elite female players. Forty‐eight players from three national teams were evaluated at seven time points: before...

Quantifying muscle fatigue is a key aspect of everyday sport practice. A reliable and objective solution that can fulfil this task would be deeply important for two main reasons: (i) it would grant an objective indicator to adjust the daily training load for each player and (ii) it would provide an innovative tool to reduce the risk of fatigue-rela...

Background Postmenopausal women have an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which can be counteracted by conventional exercise regimes or recreational football. Less is known about the impact of exercise programmes based on other team sports. Thus, we examined the effects of recreational team handball on aerobic performance, cardio...

Multidirectional repeated sprints with quick changes-of-direction (CoD) are considered a key performance determinant in basketball. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week CoD sprint training program compared to regular basketball training on selected measures of physical fitness and physiological adaptations in male...

Recreational team sports offer an alternative form of exercise to inactive individuals across the lifespan and sexes. Soccer is the most investigated recreational team sport reporting a wide range of health benefits, including cardiovascular (CV) health. The quest for novel paradigms to promote exercise in the general population, recently extended...

Objective To analyze the incidence and injury pattern in Spanish football (soccer) referees. Method In this retrospective study, Spanish referees filled out an online survey during a training camp organized by the Referees Technical Committee of the Real Federación Española de Fútbol. The survey included questions on aspects of refereeing qualific...

Research question: The recent COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a total lockdown of the major football leagues, aiming to prevent the threat of an uncontrolled spread of infections, and forcing the players and match officials to home-based physical training. Differently from players, no health and physical fitness maintenance guidelines were published...

This is the presentation that I have been invited to provide during the 2018 ECSS.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the conditions for competitive football around the globe dramatically. Several competitions and leagues have been cancelled or postponed. Players have firstly been forced to training in solitude. In a second stage, players start training in small groups with strict contact restriction and return to competitive play...

The aim of this editorial is to discuss the football evolution and prepare the players, the coaches, sports medicine and sports science staff for the future game demands. The game tactical evolution is expected to elevate the players' physical demands. This together with the congested schedule will impose additional physical and mental load to the...

PurposeTo examine the accuracy of practical indirect methods (i.e., recreational football match and estimation equations) in assessing individual maximal heart rate (HRmax) in recreational football players. Sixty-two untrained male participants engaged in a recreational football intervention (age 39.3 ± 5.8 years, VO2max 41.2 ± 6.2 ml·kg−1·min−1, b...

The aims of the study were: a) to analyze the reproducibility of the Modified Agility Test (MAT) according to two types of displacement (i.e. constrained [MATtop] vs free [MATfree]), b) to examine the explanatory capacity of anthropometric characteristics and neuromuscular performance on the ability to change the direction (CODA), c) to look into t...

Purpose To examine the suitability of three versions and two levels of the Yo-Yo intermittent tests for assessing and tracking aerobic fitness status development in male recreational football players. Sixty-six untrained participants (age 39 ± 6 years, VO2max 41.2 ± 6.2 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹, body mass 81.9 ± 10.8 kg, height 173.2 ± 6.4 cm) partook in a 12...

Submaximal field tests are especially recommended when repeated testing is warranted. This study aimed at assessing the validity of the submaximal versions of the Yo‐Yo intermittent tests in male recreational football players in untrained and trained status. The participants’ (n=66; age 39.3±5.8 years, VO2max 41.2±6.2 ml·kg‐1·min‐1, body mass 81.9±...

Sport training sessions impose physiological stress that could result in transient physiological, metabolic and kinematic changes. Fatigue is thus expected to lead to biomechanical compensation behaviors, altering normal subject motor patterns. The nature of these changes depends on the type, duration and intensity of exercise. Furthermore, fatigue...

This study aimed at examining the suitability of a standard treadmill test (TT), popular intermittent field tests and small‐sided recreational football matches to induce maximal heart rate (HRmax) in recreational football players. Sixty‐six male sedentary untrained subjects (age 39.3±5.8 years, VO2max 41.3±6.2 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, body mass 81.9±10.8 kg,...

The aim of the study was to examine the associations between maximal and submaximal field tests with match physical activity and biological maturation in youth football players. Sixty-eight youth football players (U14, U15, U16, U17) performed maximal and submaximal field endurance tests. Biological maturity was estimated calculating the distance f...

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the internal and external load imposed by Long Sprint Ability (LSA) oriented small-sided games (SSG) using different players-to-pitch area ratio (densities) in soccer players. Methods Nineteen professional soccer players from the same soccer club (age 17.1±0.3 years, height 1.76±0.69 m, body mass 69.7±9...

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the variations in the lipid profile and testosterone (T)/cortisol (C) ratio during the observance of Ramadan (R) in addition to two training programs (small-sided games [SSG] and repeated sprint ability [RSA]) in basketball players. METHODS: Sixteen male basketball players (mean±SD: age: 23.4±2.3years; height: 1....

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between accumulated global positioning system-accelerometer-based and heart rate-based training metrics and changes in high-intensity intermittent-running capacity during an in-season phase in professional soccer players. Methods: Eleven male professional players (mean [SD] age 27.2 [4.5] y) performed the...

Abstract Fernandes-Da-Silva, J, Castagna, C, Teixeira, AS, Carminatti, LJ, Francini, L, Póvoas, SCA, and Antonacci Guglielmo, LG. Ecological and construct validity of a repeated sprint test in male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2019—This study aimed to examine the relationship between a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test...

Purpose: To profile sprint endurance performance of elite-level female soccer players. Methods: Twenty-five female national-team soccer players (age 25.1 [2.7] y, body mass 59.6 [3.6] kg, height 168.5 [4.1] cm) were tested for sprint endurance, performing 5 maximal sprints, interspersed with 30 seconds of active recovery (5 × 30 m) and a 30-seco...

Purpose.: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of ball-drills and repeated sprint ability training during the regular season in basketball players. Methods.: Thirty players were randomized into 3 groups: ball-drills training (BDT, n=12; 4x4min, 3 vs 3 with 3min passive recovery), repeated sprint ability training (RSAT, n=9, 3x6x20...

Recreational team handball is an intermittent high-intensity exercise mode with physiological demands in the range of those found to enhance health and physical fitness of sedentary adults. We examined the effects of a short-term team handball-based training programme on physical fitness and metabolic and cardiovascular health of sedentary 33-55-ye...

Purpose: To examine the reliability of age-adapted submaximal Yo-Yo (Yo-Yosubmax) intermittent tests in untrained schoolchildren aged 9-16 years (n = 139; 72 boys and 67 girls) and within children with high and low percentage of body fat (%BF). Methods: Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 children's (YYIR1C), Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 1...

Background. Most studies related to the effect of Ramadan fasting on aerobic and anaerobic performances found in the literature were concerned with individual sports; even studies on team sports were mostly dedicated to football, and none of those studies were involved basketball competitions. Objectives. This field investigation examined the effec...

This study examines heart rate (HR) and perceived experience during same- versus mixed-gender soccer played as small- (SSG) and large-sided (LSG) games. HR, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and fun scores were determined in 134 pupils (50 girls, 84 boys) randomly assigned to same- and mixed-genders formats playing 2x15-min of SSG (2v2, 4v4) and...

As of 2017, the international football federation introduced the change of direction ability test (CODA) and the 5×30 m sprint test for assistant referees (ARs) and continued the 6×40 m sprint test for field referees (FRs) as mandatory tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between performance in these tests and running perfor...

The aim was to examine the external and the internal match loads (ML) of field referees (FR) attending teams of different ranking during championship matches. Twenty FR who officiated in thirty official soccer matches (30 observations), participated in our study. The criteria for allocating the soccer referees ML results were based on the teams’ fi...

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of match period on the movement patterns of hockey players according to their playing position under the introduction of quarters. Methods: Sixteen sub-elite level Spanish National League male hockey players participated in the study (age: 25.5 ± 2.9 years; body mass: 74.6 ± 5.5 kg). Gl...

Background Understanding soccer players’ match-related fatigue and recovery profiles likely helps with developing conditioning programs that increase team performance and reduce injuries and illnesses. In order to improve match recovery (the return-to-play process and ergogenic interventions) it is also pivotal to determine if match simulation prot...

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and the association with relevant match activities (ecological validity) of an age-adapted field test for intermittent high-intensity endurance known as Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 children test (YYIR1C) in young male soccer players. Twenty-eight young male outfield soccer players (ag...

Castagna, C, Bizzini, M, D'Ottavio, S, and Araújo Póvoas, SC. Gender differences in aerobic fitness in top-class soccer referees. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2017-The aim of this study was to assess the aerobic-fitness differences between male and female top-class soccer field referees (FRs). This with the purpose to provide cutoff values u...

Castagna, C, Bizzini, M, Araújo Póvoas, SC, Schenk, K, Büsser, G, and D'Ottavio, S. Aerobic fitness in top-class soccer referees. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2017-The aim of this study was to examine the aerobic fitness status of top-class male soccer officials using a cross-sectional design and known population group constructs. Fifty-two...