Emre Altundağ

Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are among the most common non-contact injuries in football, often resulting in prolonged rehabilitation, high recurrence r

Although it is known that determining the external loads during matches and training is essential for coaches to understand game demands, optimize and specify players’ performance, or avoid overtraining or overload scenarios, it has been observed that the pre-match warm-up external load is neglected. The aims of this study were (i) assess the pre-match warm-up external load for female volleyball players and (ii) compare this load by player position. External loads (total distance, jump count, acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), ACCmax, DECmax, ACC/min, speedmax, metabolic load) of fourteen elite female volleyball players during pre-match warm-up were monitored with Local Positioning System (LPS) for a season and separated according to player positions (libero (L), outside hitter (OH), opposite (OPP), middle blocker (MB), setter (S)). Elite female volleyball players performed 888.1–1078.5 m total distance, 15.9–85.3 jumps (excluding L: 7.6 jumps), 18.5–31.8 ACC and 10.4–28.2 DEC counts, 13.1–15.3 m.sec− 1 speedmax and 214.2–406.0 m metabolic load during the pre-match warm-up. While S had significantly higher total distance, jump count, ACC and DEC count, ACCmax, ACC/min and speedmax (η2: large, p < .001), OH and OPP had the highest metabolic load (η2: large, p < .001). L had significantly higher ACCmax and DECmax, speedmax data accompanied by significantly lower total distance, ACC count and metabolic load (η2: large, p < .001). External load metrics during pre-match warm-up in female volleyball players showed clear positional differences. These findings highlight the need for coaches and strength and conditioning professionals to design role-specific warm-up strategies that reflect the physical demands of each position. By tailoring pre-match preparation in this way, practitioners may better optimize readiness, reduce the risk of fatigue or overload, and improve subsequent match performance.

This study aims to provide guidance for evidence-based training optimization by examining differences in position-specific internal and external training loads of elite youth soccer players. A total of 27 players from a U17 team competing in the Elite Academy League participated in the study, comprising four fullbacks, four forwards, eight wingers, seven midfielders, and four center-backs. The mean age of the players was 17 years, the mean height was 179.19 ± 6.05 cm, and the mean body weight was 71.62 ± 6.38 kg. Data were collected during the competition period. Internal training load was assessed using heart rate (minimum, average, and maximum) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). External load parameters included measures such as total distance, number of sprints, accelerations and decelerations, and time spent in Speed Zone 4 (21.0-23.99 km/h) and Speed Zone 5 (24.0 > km/h). The statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test determined the significance level as p ≤ 0.05. As a result of the study, significant differences were found among the values of Sprint (p < 0.001), Speed Zone 5 (p < 0.001), Acceleration (p < 0.001), Deceleration (p = 0.029), Training Load (p < 0.001) and Maximum Heart Rate (p < 0.001) according to positions. These findings emphasize the specific physical and physiological requirements of each position. Therefore, coaches and sports scientists must develop position-specific training programs considering these requirements. Such an approach can help athletes improve their performance, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure an effective recovery process. Tailoring training protocols to positional demands can enhance player performance, reduce injury risk, and optimize recovery strategies in elite youth football.

This study investigated the relationships between hamstring strength, flexibility, core endurance, jumping performance, single-leg bridge endurance, and knee joint range of motion (ROM) across six sports disciplines, including football, swimming, volleyball, karate, wrestling, and athletics. A total of 249 athletes (144 men, 105 women) aged 10–18 years participated, with a mean BMI of 22,6 kg/m² and an average of 4.9 years of sports experience. Regression analyses revealed sport-specific predictors of performance and injury risk. Dominant hamstring strength and torque were strong predictors of explosive move-ments like squat jumps in football (R²=0.74, p

This study investigates the positional differences in hamstring eccentric strength among academy football players and its implications for performance and injury prevention. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 125 male players aged 12-17 from a football academy in Turkey. Participants were categorized into six positional groups: forwards, midfielders, center-backs, full-backs, wingers, and goalkeepers. Eccentric hamstring strength was assessed using the iVMES H-BORD® device during Nordic hamstring exercises. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in hamstring eccentric strength across positions, though trends suggested that wingers and strikers exhibited higher maximal eccentric strength than defenders and goalkeepers. Additionally, older players (15-17 years) showed significantly higher hamstring strength than younger players (12-14 years), highlighting the importance of maturation and targeted strength training. While the findings emphasize the need for position-specific conditioning programs, the study's limitations include a small sample size and cross-sectional design. Further longitudinal research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of eccentric training and positional demands in youth football development. These results provide valuable insights for coaches and sports scientists to optimize injury prevention and performance enhancement in academy football.

Aim: This study aims to comprehensively examine health and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) parameters in professional football players on match days. The research seeks to identify the relationships between these two crucial variables, offering practical guidance to enhance sports science and coaching practices and ultimately improve player performance. Method: The study was conducted on 21 professional football players who participated in 35 league matches during the 2022-2023 season. The participants had an average age of 26.37 years, an average height of 182.52 cm, and an average weight of 74.14 kg, with 11 being foreign players and 10 being Turkish. The relationships between internal load (RPE) and variables such as sleep quality, fatigue perception, and muscle soreness (DOMS) were analyzed using a correlational research design. Results: According to the results of the Spearman correlation analysis, no significant correlation was found between health measures and RPE parameters. Conclusion: The absence of statistically significant relationships in the findings highlights the complexity of accurately capturing the interaction between wellness and RPE parameters. This result underscores the need for further research to explore whether alternative or supplementary methods might provide more nuanced insights. Sports scientists and coaches should remain cautious when adjusting training loads, recognizing the potential limitations of relying solely on RPE methods. Future studies could analyze the RPE and health data collected during different periods of the season from a long-term perspective, providing a clearer understanding of the changes between athletic performance and wellness.

The aim of this study is to examine the referee self-efficacy (REFS) levels of 2nd region football referees working in the Turkish Football Federation league, based on variables such as gender, classification, refereeing experience, licensed football playing experience, and the province where they work. A total of 204 referees (21 women, 183 men) working as Provincial Referees, Regional Referees, and Regional Assistant Referees in the provinces of Kocaeli, Sakarya, Bursa, and Kütahya participated in the study. Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. The findings showed that there was no significant difference in self-efficacy levels between referees who have played licensed football and those who have not; however, referees with licensed football experience had higher self-efficacy levels compared to those without. A significant difference was found in favor of male referees in terms of gender. The classification variable showed significant differences in physical competence, game knowledge, pressure, and overall REFS scores. Additionally, significant differences were detected in the pressure, decision-making, communication, and game knowledge sub-dimensions, as well as in overall REFS scores, based on refereeing experience. In terms of the province variable, a significant difference was found in the pressure sub-dimension. In conclusion, to enhance the self-efficacy levels of referees, customized training programs can be organized, especially for female referees and those who have not played licensed football. Additionally, regular training and supportive activities aimed at improving referees' physical competence, game knowledge, and decision-making skills under pressure should be planned. These programs could support the professional development of referees and improve their overall performance.

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of neuro-athletic training (NAT) on flexibility, spike speed, and upper extremity stability in elite volleyball players. Thirty professional male athletes aged 18–23 years old (mean age of 19.5 ± 1.77 years old in the NAT group and 19.8 ± 1.87 years old in the control group) participated, with 26 completing this study. The participants were randomly assigned into an NAT intervention group or a control group continuing traditional training. Both groups trained three days per week for eight weeks, with the NAT program targeting neuromuscular adaptations while maintaining equal total training durations. Flexibility was assessed using the Sit and Reach Test, spike speed was evaluated using the Pocket Radar Ball Coach, and upper extremity stability was measured using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). The NAT group demonstrated significant improvements across all performance metrics. Flexibility increased significantly (p = 0.040; Cohen’s d = 0.845), indicating improved range of motion and musculoskeletal adaptability. Spike speed showed a highly significant improvement (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.503), reflecting enhanced neuromuscular coordination and power. Similarly, upper extremity stability exhibited substantial gains (p = 0.002; Cohen’s d = 1.152), highlighting improved shoulder stability and motor control. In contrast, the control group did not show statistically significant changes in their flexibility (p = 0.236; Cohen’s d = 0.045), spike speed (p = 0.197; Cohen’s d = 0.682), or upper extremity stability (p = 0.193; Cohen’s d = 0.184). Between-group comparisons confirmed the superiority of the NAT intervention, with significant differences across all metrics (p-values ranging from 0.040 to <0.001) and effect sizes spanning from moderate to large (Cohen’s d = 0.845–1.503). These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of NAT in enhancing volleyball-specific performance metrics, emphasizing its potential to target neuromuscular adaptations for improved flexibility, power, and stability. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of NAT and its applicability across various sports disciplines.

This study aims to explore the interplay between locomotor demands and goal differentials to better understand their combined influence on overall success. Spanning three competitive seasons within the male Turkish Super League, this study analyzed all participating teams across 124 matches. Locomotor demands, including total distance (m) covered (TD), distances covered (m) at different speed thresholds (0.21–2.0 m/s; 2.01–4.0 m/s; 4.01–5.5 m/s; and 5.5–7.7 m/s), and the number of accelerations in range of 5.5–7.0 m/s (n), were quantified using an optical tracking system. Subsequently, regression models were employed to predict the total points earned by all teams over the three seasons. The logistic regression model, tailored to predict team categorization as high-points earners (HPE) or low-points earners (LPE) based on locomotor variables, exhibited a mean accuracy of 74%. Notably, total distance covered, running speed intervals between 4.4 and 5.5 m/s, and the number of accelerations in range of 5.5–7.0 m/s emerged as significant predictors of team success. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of running speed (4.01–5.5 m/s), number of accelerations, and total distance in predicting success for high-performing teams. Coaches can leverage these insights to refine training programs, thereby optimizing team performance, and fostering success in competitive environments.