Countermovement Jump Recovery in Professional Soccer Players Using an Inertial Sensor

McHugh, Malachy, Clifford, Tom, Abbott, Will, Kwiecien, Susan, Kremenic, Ian, DeVita, Joseph and Howatson, Glyn (2019) Countermovement Jump Recovery in Professional Soccer Players Using an Inertial Sensor. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 14 (1). pp. 9-15. ISSN 1555-0265

Preview

Text (Full text) McHugh et al - Countermovement Jump Recovery in Professional Soccer Players Using an Inertial Sensor.pdf - Accepted Version Download (924kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of an inertial sensor for assessing recovery in professional soccer players.

Methods
In a randomized, crossover design, 11 professional soccer players wore shorts fitted with phase change material (PCM) cooling packs or uncooled packs (control) for 3 h after a 90 minute match. Countermovement jump (CMJ) performance was assessed simultaneously with an inertial sensor and an optoelectric system, pre match, and 12, 36 and 60 h post match. Inertial sensor metrics were flight height, jump height, low force, countermovement distance, force at low point, rate of eccentric force development, peak propulsive force, maximum power, and peak landing force. The only optoelectric metric was flight height. CMJ decrements, and effect of PCM cooling were assessed with repeated measures ANOVA. Jump heights were also compared between devices.

Results
For the inertial sensor data there were decrements in CMJ height on the days after matches (88±10% of baseline at 36 h P=0.012, effect size 1.2, for control condition) and accelerated recovery with PCM cooling (105±15% of baseline at 36 h, P=0.018 vs. control, effect size 1.1). Flight heights were strongly correlated between devices (r=0.905, P<0.001) but inertial sensor values were 1.8±1.8 cm lower (P=0.008). Low force during countermovement was increased (P=0.031) and landing force was decreased (P=0.043) after matches, but neither were affected by the PCM cooling intervention. Other CMJ metrics were unchanged after matches.

Conclusions
This small portable inertial sensor provides a practical means of assessing recovery in soccer players.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads