Current Match Analysis Techniques Can Underestimate Intense Periods of High-Velocity Running

Section: Technical Report

Authors: Matthew C. Varley , George P. Elias , Robert J. Aughey

Affiliations: Matthew C. Varley and George P. Elia are with the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, School of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Melbourne. Robert J. Aughey is with the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, School of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, and the Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract:
Purpose: To compare the peak 5-min period of high-velocity running (HiVR) during a soccer match using a pre-defined vs a rolling time interval. Methods: Player movement data was collected from nineteen elite Australian soccer players over 11 competitive matches (77 individual match files) using a 5-Hz global positioning system. Raw velocity data was analysed to determine the period containing the greatest HiVR distance per match half and the distance covered in the subsequent epoch. Intervals were identified using either a pre-defined (distance covered in 5-min at every 5-min time point) or rolling (distance covered in 5-min from every time point) method. The percentage difference ± 90% confidence limits (Cl) were used to determine differences between methods. Results: Pre-defined periods underestimated peak distance covered by up to 25% and overestimated the subsequent epoch by up to 31% compared to rolling periods. When the distance decrement between the peak and following period was determined there was up to a 52% greater reduction in running performance using rolling periods compared to pre-defined. Conclusions: It is recommended that researchers use rolling as opposed to pre-defined periods when determining specific match intervals as they provide a more accurate representation of the HiVR distance covered. This will avoid the underestimation of both match running distance and the decrement in running performance following an intense period of play. This may have practical implications for not only researchers but also staff involved within a club setting who use this reduction as evidence of transient fatigue during a match.