Luis Suarez-Arrones

• PhD
• Pablo de Olavide University

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 7-week combined strength and power training program on body composition, aerobic capacity, strength, sprint, and agility in elite youth soccer players. Twenty-one players, divided into age groups (U14 and U16), participated in this study. In addition to four training sessions per week (plus matc...

Aims Flywheel resistance training has become more integrated within resistance training programs in a variety of sports due to the neuromuscular, strength, and task-specific enhancements reported with this training. This paper aimed to present the consensus reached by internationally recognized experts during a meeting on current definitions and gu...

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of different compositions in transition games (TGs) on the load of soccer players and to evaluate their performance in physical tests. Using a GPS system, 18 players were monitored during: 3vs2, 2vs1 and 1vs1. Distance covered (DC), DC 18–20.9 km·h-1, 21–23.9 km·h-1,>24 km·h-1, peak speed, acceler...

Evidence of the relationship between physical activity and gut microbiota composition is steadily increasing. The purpose of the study is to compare the gut microbiota composition of a group of elite male soccer players with a group of subjects with different physical activity levels. Cross-sectional studies were performed on 91 healthy young males...

This study aimed to provide reference values for anthropometric characteristics of elite male and female soccer players, considering a group of individuals from the general population as controls. The anthropometric profiles of 357 elite soccer players [184 males (age 24.3 ± 4.3 y) and 173 females (age 25.2 ± 5.1 y)] participating in the first Ital...

The aim of this study was to compare the running demands of transition games (TGs) and official matches, analysing their requirements according to the performance of each position. An observational design was used to examine the activity of 20 soccer players during official matches and TGs. GPS technology was used to monitor the total distance cove...

Background: Soccer is a game in constant evolution and the intensity of play is increasing. Nutrition can play a role in the physical performance of elite players, maintaining their health and facilitating recovery. It is important to cover players' energy demands, and low energy availability may therefore result in impaired performance. This study...

To ensure both optimal health and performances, monitoring physiological and psychological states is of main importance for athletes. It is well known that monitoring heart rate variability and using validated questionnaires is useful for monitoring both the health and training status of athletes of different sports. Motorsports such as rally requi...

Background Flywheel resistance training has become more integrated within resistance training programs in a variety of sports due to the neuromuscular, strength, and task-specific enhancements reported with this training. Objective This paper aimed to present the consensus reached by internationally recognized experts during a meeting on current d...

The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in internal and external load during Soccer-7 and Soccer-11, comparing positional requirements and neuromuscular fatigue in both modalities. Twenty-four young soccer players were monitored in Soccer-7 and Soccer-11 matches using global positioning systems. Total distance covered (TD), distance co...

Inertial training is one of the most popular training methodologies in recent years and one of the objects of study in recent literature. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the current literature surrounding the chronic effect of rotational inertial devices on the physical capacities of team sports athletes through jumping performance...

Inertial training is one of the most popular training methodologies in the last years and one of the objects of study in recent literature, however more studies are necessary to know its usefulness in young athletes. The aim of the current systematic review is to evaluate the current literature surrounding the chronic effect of inertial training on...

Inertial training is one of the most popular training methodologies in the last years and one of the objects of study in recent literature, however more studies are necessary to know its usefulness in young athletes. The aim of the current systematic review is to evaluate the current literature surrounding the chronic effect of inertial training on...

The aims of this study were to compare the influence of transition game (TG) size on the external and internal loads of young professional soccer players and to describe the high-speed profile of these drills in response to pitch dimensions. Eighteen young professional soccer players (age: 16.1 ± 0.3 years; height: 178.3 ± 5.4 cm; weight: 70.1 ± 6....

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different time periods on the internal and external loads of soccer players during small-sided games (SSGs). Seventeen young soccer players performed a SSG of 5 vs. 5 + 5 with 2 floaters, where two teams had possession of the ball, and one had to recover it. With established periods of 30 s (SSG3...

This study examined the training load on professional soccer players during transition games performed with different bout durations, and their effects on speed and jump tests. Fourteen young soccer players played a transition game with different bout durations: 15 (TG15), 30 (TG30) and 60 (TG60) seconds. Total distance covered (DC), accelerations...

Citation: Castillo-Rodríguez, A.; Durán-Salas, Á.; Giménez, J.V.; Onetti-Onetti, W.; Suárez-Arrones, L. The Influence of Pitch Dimensions during Small-Sided Games Abstract: The aims of this study were to (i) analyze the physical and physiological responses of four matches competition and (ii) to investigate the relationships among three different p...

The purpose of this study was to compare the fascicle length, angle pennation and mechanical properties of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) in dominant and non-dominant limbs in previously injured and uninjured professional football players. Fifteen professional football players were recruited to participate in this study. Seven players had suff...

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness and stiffness of the biceps femoris long head, and eccentric hamstring strength between injured dominant limbs, injured non-dominant limbs, uninjured dominant limbs and uninjured non-dominant legs in previously injured players, and between...

Background Muscle strain injuries (MSIs) in the hamstrings are among the most prevalent injuries in elite soccer. We aimed to examine the relation between biomechanical maladaptation in eccentric strength and neuromuscular factors separated by their time and frequency domains. Methods 20 elite soccer players with a previous history of unilateral M...

Present soccer demands are increasing in terms of running requirements and numbers of matches until youth soccer players experience several periods of fixture congestion during the season. Currently, congested periods have not been extensively studied in this population. For this reason, the aim of this study was to compare the running demands of p...

The presence of inter-limb asymmetries can influence strength performance and represent an injury risk factor for team sport athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of changes in resistance loads using different assessment modalities on the magnitude and the direction of inter-limb asymmetry within the same leg. Fifteen young e...

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of tactical behavior on physical performance of the three best Spanish soccer teams. Team 1 employed a 1-4-4-2 formation with compact defence and direct attacks, Team 2 employed an indirect style of play with a 1-4-3-3 formation and Team 3 used a 1-4-3-3 formation with elaborate attacks and str...

The aims of this study were to compare the load of three tasks designed to train features of soccer: a transition game, a small-sided game with a change of playing area, and a large-sided game. Twenty young elite players performed these tasks. Variables measured were total distance covered (DC), distance covered at 14.0-17.9 km·h-1 (DC 14.0-17.9 km...

The aim was to determine if players with a prior hamstring strain injury (HSI) exhibit bilateral deficits in knee flexor eccentric strength and hamstring muscle volume and differences in sprinting performance compared with players without a history of HSIs. Forty-six male professional soccer players participated in this study. Eccentric knee flexor...

Training programming and periodisation is widely acknowledged as crucial for optimising training responses. The achievement of physical aims is impossible when attempted without considering the different possibilities of periodisation, which is understood as the structuring of the training process and competition participation into various phases,...

The purpose of this study was to examine the load of regular players and floater players in a specific small-sided game. Twenty semi-professional soccer players performed one 4vs4+2, modifying the position of the floaters (internal, external, zone, square and without floaters). Total distance covered, distance covered at speeds between 7-13.9 km·h−...

We outline a case of success in the rehabilitation of a Romanian first-division soccer player who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture with a meniscal tear during competition in the 2012–2013 season. The ligament was reconstructed with an autologous hamstrings graft and partial meniscectomy was performed. The player returned to sam...

Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of strength training to maximize soccer player performance during competition. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effects of different strength training protocols on short-sprint and vertical jump performance of professional soccer players from the first division of their countries. The fo...

Objective: In soccer, vertical jump means jumping toward a ball. Since no vertical jump test includes the ball as a reference element, the effect that the ball would have in a vertical jump test is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the biomechanical differences between run-up vertical jump measurements without (Run-up Vertical Jump) and...

Background: The purpose of the present study was to analyse the internal and external loads on regular and floater players during standardized small-sided games (SSGs) with different numbers of players (teams of 3, 5, or 7 players). Methods: Fifteen male semi-professional football players played different SSGs maintaining the same relative area...

The aim was to investigate the preventive effect of a complex training program based on holistic hamstring health understanding in elite professional soccer players. This study involved an elite club in Europe and was conducted over 12 seasons. The last 2 seasons were the intervention period and the others were the control seasons. During the inter...

The aim was to compare the running activity in official matches with that achieved in two small-sided games, designed with the same relative area per player but with different constraints and field dimensions, aiming to stimulate high-speed and very-high-speed running. Seventeen young professional players played one 5 vs. 5+5 with 2 floaters, varyi...

The primary aim of the present study was to analyze mechanical responses during inertial knee- and hip-dominant hamstring strengthening exercises (flywheel leg-curl and hip-extension in conic-pulley), and the secondary aim was to measure and compare regional muscle use using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Mean power, peak power, mean veloci...

Coaches at the professional level are often concerned about negative side effects from testing and intensive resistance training periods, and they are not willing to base their training prescriptions on data obtained from semiprofessional or amateur football players. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability and effecti...

This study aimed to determine whether spikes in acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) are associated with injury incidence, and to examine the differences in external load due to greater or lesser exposure to matches and the long-term effects of the load during a chronic seasonal period. Fifteen professional soccer players belonging to the squad of a...

The purpose of the study was to examine the differences in bilateral deficit (BLD) at different loadings during the half-squat jump (SJ) and horizontal countermovement jump (HCMJ) to determine if there is a relationship with linear sprint or change of direction (COD). The second goal was to check if fast players were more powerful in SJ and HCMJ th...

During COVID-19 home confinement, athletes are likely exposed to some level of detraining (i.e. the partial or complete loss of training-induced morphological and physiological adaptations), as a consequence of insufficient and/or inappropriate training stimuli. Such changes may result in impaired performance and increased injury risk if, upon rest...

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between countermovement jump (CMJ) height and inertial power in squat and sprint variables with change of direction (COD) performance. Fifty young healthy active males participated in the study. To determine these relationships, we carried out a 10-m linear sprint test (T 10 m), vertical jum...

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the short and long-term effects of a simple strength training program on muscle injury prevention in soccer players. Methods: Twenty-seven U-19 elite male soccer players participated in the study. The investigation was conducted over two consecutive and similar seasons (e.g. the same staff, players, wee...

The aim of this study was to determine the most effective anthropometric equations or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) devices for quantifying the sensitivity to change in fat-free mass (FFM) in elite young soccer players, in comparison with measurements using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), between the pre- and mid-season. A total of...

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a detraining period (DTP) (i.e., off-season) with an individually prescribed training program, and a retraining period (RTP) (i.e., pre-season) combining soccer and flywheel-based strength training on fat-free mass (FFM) and fat-mass (FM) in 10 elite professional male soccer players. The present st...

Based on the high financial and logistical costs associated with the assessment of body composition with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), this study determined which field method has the best correlation with DXA data, and developed an equation to estimate fat-free mass (FFM) using the field anthropometric data in international soccer player...

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los cambios en la composición corporal, la fuerza y el rendimiento de sprint en respuesta a toda una temporada competitiva de entrenamiento de fútbol complementada con 2 sesiones a la semana de entrenamiento con sobrecarga excéntrica inercial en jóvenes futbolistas profesionales masculinos. Se evaluó la com...

Context: As the number of injuries in young soccer players increases, an epidemiological study is the first step in improving preventive strategies. Objectives: To analyze the injury profile of a Spanish professional soccer club's academy during 4 consecutive seasons and to examine the injury incidence across different chronological age groups....

The present prospective cohort study investigated changes in body composition (BC) in young male football players (n = 18, 16.1 ± 0.8 years; 181.0 ± 0.1 cm; 71.3 ± 4.9 kg) after combined football and strength training (ST) during a whole in-season period (26 weeks). BC was measured at whole-body absolute and regional levels by dual-energy X-ray abs...

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the consequence of implementing a Nordic Hamstring exercise (NHE) protocol during the first 15 to 17 weeks of the season to assess the effect on sprinting and NHE strength (NHEs) in professional football players. The study examined 50 healthy male professional football players (age 18.8±0.8yr; height 176...

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of the modification of the game spatial orientation (greater width or depth) on the internal and external load of soccer players based on their individualized physical profile. For this purpose, the internal and external load responses of 10 youth soccer players were analysed during training session...

The aim of the present study was to analyze the number and the % of maximum accelerations, and the distance covered among different soccer players' positions, classifying them with GPS technology according to an individual threshold based on the maximum acceleration capacity. 20 players were observed during four matches (n=80). All players undertoo...

This study determined the most effective field method for quantifying fat-free mass (FFM) in elite youth male soccer players compared to dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) values and to develop prediction equations for FFM based on anthropometric variables. Forty-one male elite-standard youth soccer players, ages 16.2–18.0 years, undertook FFM assessm...

The aim of this study was to describe the changes in body composition, strength and sprint performance in response to an entire competitive season of football training supplemented with 2 inertial eccentric-overload training sessions a week in young male professional soccer players. Whole body and regional composition (assessed using dual-energy X-...

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar la influencia de la modificación de la orientación del espacio de juego (mayor anchura o profundidad) en la carga interna y externa de los jugadores de fútbol relativizada en función de su perfil físico. Para ello se analizó la respuesta de carga interna y externa de 10 jugadores juveniles de fútbol durante...

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar la influencia de la modificación de la orientación del espacio de juego (mayor anchura o profundidad) en la carga interna y externa de los jugadores de fútbol relativizada en función de su perfil físico. Para ello se analizó la respuesta de carga interna y externa de 10 jugadores juveniles de fútbol durante...

The aim of the present study was to analyze the number and the % of maximum accelerations, and the distance covered among different soccer players’ positions, classifying them with GPS technology according to an individual threshold based on the maximum acceleration capacity. 20 players were observed during four matches (n=80). All players undertoo...

The study aimed to compare the chronic eccentric-overload training effects of unilateral (lateral lunge) vs bilateral (half-squat) using an inertial device, on hypertrophy and physical performance. Twenty-seven young team sports male players performed a 4 sets of 7 repetitions of inertial eccentric overload training, biweekly for 6 weeks, distribut...

This study determined the most effective field method for quantifying body fat percentage in male elite youth soccer players and developed prediction equations based on anthropometric variables. Forty-four male elite-standard youth soccer players aged 16.3–18.0 years underwent body fat percentage assessments, including bioelectrical impedance analy...

Objective: In soccer players, body fat mass (FM) is commonly estimated by assessment methods such as skinfolds, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The main aim was to cross-validate the 3 field methods for quantifying body fat against a recent model of DXA. Methods: This study involved a group of 18 i...

Introduction Due to its high incidence, muscle injury is one of the major problems for football players. The aim was to analyse the rate and characteristics of muscle injuries in the academy of a Spanish professional football team (Spanish First Division) during a complete competitive season (2015–2016) using a prospective cohort design. Material...

Abstract. To analyse the effect of an eccentric-overload training program (i.e., lateral squat exercise using a flywheel device) on performance in junior elite soccer players. Sixteen soccer players (14.7 ± .2 years) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: control group (n=8, CG) and strength group (n=8, SG). The SG complemented the soccer training wit...

The aim of the current research was to find out the differences that exist between the external load in high-velocity actions (SP+) in competitions and in training sessions of professional soccer team. We took as SP+ indicators those actions that the soccer players performed over 23 km·h -1 and could be held for at least 1 second. It was monitored...

The aim of this study was to compare external load, calculated by an accelerometer training load model, the number and intensity of accelerations and decelerations, and the acceleration:deceleration ratio between playing positions during basketball matches. Twelve elite male basketball players (mean±SD, age: 25.5±5.2 years; (range: 19-36 years); bo...

Background: The aim of the current study was to analyse the acceleration profile in elite professional soccer players according to their initial speed but also considering players' position. Methods: Players' accelerations profiles were analysed using a relative acceleration profile according to the initial speed (S1, from 0 to 7 km/h; S2, from...

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los patrones de movimiento y la intensidad del ejercicio en series de juegos reducidos (JR) manipulando el tamaño del espacio y la presencia o no de contacto. 10 jugadoras de un equipo de rugby siete femenino fueron monitorizadas mediante un GPS para medir los patrones de movimiento, y con un pulsómetro para...

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the match-to-match variability obtained using GPS devices, collected during official games in professional soccer players. Methods: GPS-derived data from nineteen elite soccer players were collected over two consecutive seasons. Time-motion data for players with more than five full-match were analyzed (n=...

Resumen. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el efecto de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza con sobrecarga excéntrica (squat lateral ejecutado en un dispositivo inercial) sobre el rendimiento en futbolistas junior de élite. Dieciséis futbolistas de 14.7 ± .2 años de edad fueron asignados aleatoriamente en dos grupos: grupo control (n=8, G...

The aim of the current research was to find out the differences that exist between the external load in high-velocity actions (SP+) in competitions and in training sessions of professional soccer team. We took as SP+ indicators those actions that the soccer players performed over 23 km·h-1 and could be held for at least 1 second. It was monitored 2...

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los patrones de movimiento y la intensidad del ejercicio en series de juegos reducidos (JR) manipulando el tamaño del espacio y la presencia o no de contacto. 10 jugadoras de un equipo de rugby siete femenino fueron monitorizadas mediante un GPS para medir los patrones de movimiento, y con un pulsómetro para...

This research compared the physical and heart rate demands of three medium-sided games with the same number of players per team (six) but different playing areas throughout four successive working periods. The two games played in relatively larger areas (large and medium) were performed with regular goals and goalkeepers, so the most reduced game (...

The aim of this research was to compare the effects of two different neuromuscular training programs (vertical vs. horizontal orientation), conducted during 6 weeks, on the physical performance of soccer players in-season. Sixteen soccer players of 16.6 0.3 years were randomly assigned to two equally large experimental groups, and both supplemented...

The aim of the study was to compare the relative running demands (m·min-1), among different soccer players positions, coded by an absolute threshold vs. an individualized threshold based on splits of 10% of peak velocity, during friendly games, with the same tactical system and monitoring with a GPS. To this end he had 20 players on a semiprofessio...

The aim of the study was to compare the relative running demands (ṁmin-1), among different soccer players positions, coded by an absolute threshold vs. an individualized threshold based on splits of 10% of peak velocity, during friendly games, with the same tactical system and monitoring with a GPS. To this end he had 20 players on a semiprofession...

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the relationships between repeated sprint ability (RSA) and anthropometric measures as well as fitness qualities in soccer players. Twenty-one professional soccer players performed several anthropometric and physical tests including countermovement vertical jumps (CMJs), a straight-line 30 m s...

The aim of this study was to examine the kinematics and kinetics (force, velocity and acceleration) and blood lactate concentration of the Versapulley (VP) device in comparison with free weight (FW) exercise at a similar external load. Fifteen rugby players randomly performed two training sessions of 6 sets of 6 repetitions with 20 s of recovery in...

Aim: To analyze the effects of two resistance training (RT) programs that used the same relative loading but different repetition volume, using the velocity loss during the set as the independent variable: 15% (VL15) vs. 30% (VL30). Methods: Sixteen professional soccer players with RT experience (age 23.8 ± 3.5 years, body mass 75.5 ± 8.6 kg) we...

The aim of this study was to examine the kinematics and kinetics (force, velocity and acceleration) and blood lactate concentration of the Versapulley (VP) device in comparison with free weight (FW) exercise at a similar external load. Fifteen rugby players randomly performed two training sessions of 6 sets of 6 repetitions with 20 s of recovery in...

The aim of this study was to ascertain the differences in kinetic and kinematic profiles between better and poorer performers of the vertical jump within a homogeneous group of trained adults. Fifty rugby players were divided into low scoring (LOW) and high scoring (HIGH) groups based on their performance in the vertical jump. The force, velocity,...

The present study examined site-specific hamstring muscles use with functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in elite soccer players during strength training. Thirty-six players were randomized into four groups, each performing either Nordic hamstring, flywheel leg-curl, Russian belt or the hip-extension conic-pulley exercise. The transverse rel...

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of accumulated internal training load during the preseason (4 weeks) on changes in the intermittent performance, in a professional soccer team. Twelve professionals soccer players (Mean±SD age 27.7±4.3 years; height: 177.1±6.2 cm; body mass: 73.1±5.2 kg; % body fat (Faulkner): 10.2±1.2) belonging to...

The purpose of this study was to analyse the raw lifting speed collected during four different resistance training exercises to assess the optimal sampling frequency. Eight physically active participants performed sets of Squat Jumps, Countermovement Jumps, Squats and Bench Presses at a maximal lifting speed. A linear encoder was used to measure th...

What is the most recommended alternative method to DXA to assess changes in body fat percentage in elite youth soccer players?

Purpose: To examine the effects of a standard off-season period (OSP) on aerobic, sprint and jumping performance, body and blood composition in a top-level soccer team. Methods: Nineteen soccer players were measured. The OSP included to 2-week of no training (resting phase) and 4 week period of moderate-training load (phase in which each player...

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of unilateral and bilateral resistance training on single-leg power output, between-limb imbalance (BLI), bilateral deficit (BLD), change of direction (COD), linear sprinting and jumping performance in young elite basketball players. Methods: Twenty-two young (U-16 to U-19) male ba...

This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare individual muscle use in exercises aimed at preventing hamstring injuries. Thirty-six professional soccer players were randomized into 4 groups, each performing either Nordic hamstring, flywheel leg curl, Russian belt or conic-pulley exercise. MRIs were performed before and imm...

The aim of the present study was to compare internal load between friendly matches (FM) and a small-sided game (SSG) with a tactical component (STG: 6 vs. 6 + 2 neutral players) in professional football players. Ten players were assessed by Heart Rate (HR) monitors in 5 FM and 3 sessions of a SSG. The relative internal training load (ITLR) was quan...