Variation in Accelerometer-Derived Instantaneous Acceleration Distribution Curves of Elite Male Soccer Players According to Playing Position: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The incorporation of triaxial accelerometers into Global Positioning Systems (GPS) has significantly advanced our understanding of accelerations in sports. However, inter-positional differences are unknown. This study aimed to explore the variability of acceleration and deceleration (Acc) distribution curves according to players’ positions during soccer matches. Thirty-seven male players from a national-level Portuguese club were monitored using 10 Hz GPS with an embedded accelerometer during the 2021/2022 season. Resultant Acc was obtained from the x (lateral), y (frontal/back), and z (vertical) axes and expressed in gravitational units (g). Statistical Parametric Mapping was employed to compare playing positions: central defenders (CD), fullbacks (FB), central midfielders (CM), wide midfielders (WM), and strikers (ST). All positions exhibited a decreasing Acc distribution curve, very similar in shape, with a high frequency of events in the lower ranges (i.e., 0 to 1 g) and a lower frequency of events in the higher values (2 to 10 g). Post hoc comparisons revealed significant differences between all positions, except between FB and WM. Out of 1000 points in the curve, CD had 540, 535, 414, and 264 different points compared to FB, CM, WM, and ST, respectively. These findings indicate that players in different positions face distinct demands during matches, emphasizing the need for position-specific Acc analysis and training programming. By analyzing Acc as a continuous variable, this study highlights the importance of individualized monitoring to ensure the comprehensive and precise tracking of all player activities, without overlooking or omitting critical information.