Uncovering the influence of contextual factors on short peak periods in Women`s football

Abstract

<p>Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether different contextual factors influence short peak periods, and further uncover its reasons for variability, in female football matches. Different rolling average (RA) time periods (10, 30 and 60 seconds) was applied. <p>Methods: With an observational study design, 59 players from four elite women’s football teams in Norway`s top division were monitored during competitive matches over two seasons, with 3123 match observations. Total distance (TD), high-speed distance (HSD), sprint distance (SD), and high external load (HEL) were established and assessed. 5 independent contextual variables were assessed including position (CD, WD, CM, WM, and S), match half, starter vs. substitute, home/away, and time in half. Physical performance data was collected using STATSport GPS APEX. Linear mixed modelling was used to account for cross-sectional observations and repeated measures. <p>Results: Position showed statistical significance as a contextual factor on several occasions, particularly WD presented higher values than all other positions. Playing first-half and away matches were more demanding than playing second-half and at home. Whether a player is a starter or a substitute, varied across different metrics. Lastly, the time of occurrence in half affects the outcome of short peak periods. <p>Conclusions: As this is the first study conducted on short peak periods <1-min in female football, using TD, HSD, SD and a composed variable HEL, practitioners more easily can develop training drills that better reflect peak periods. Coaches and players must take in consideration the multivariate combination of physical and contextual factors that affect short peak periods in training planning and acknowledge the variability of measuring peak periods through distance metrics.