Determining the neuromuscular and energetic requirements of loaded and unloaded sprint efforts through experimental modeling new integrated approaches
type: CreativeWork
description: Sprinting is a critical component of performance in soccer, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the neuromuscular and metabolic demands placed on athletes during high-intensity actions. Despite the widespread use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in monitoring these demands, discrepancies between GPS-derived data and physiological responses measured through electromyography (EMG) suggest that current methods may underestimate/overestimate the effective intensity of sprinting efforts. This Doctoral Thesis aims to bridge this gap by providing a detailed analysis of sprinting performance in elite youth soccer players, utilizing GPS and EMG methodologies. The research is structured around four interconnected studies, each contributing to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing sprint performance and offering practical applications for optimizing training in soccer. Objective. The primary objective of this thesis is to evaluate the neuromuscular and metabolic demands of sprinting in soccer players using advanced assessment techniques. Specifically, the thesis aims to compare GPS and EMG-derived metrics in various sprinting conditions, analyze muscle activation patterns under different loading conditions, explore the utility of isometric and dynamic strength measures, and investigate the distinct demands of acceleration, high-speed running and deceleration. Methodology. Study 1 compares GPS and EMG methodologies for calculating metabolic power (MP) and energy cost (EC) during sprinting. Sixteen elite U17 soccer players participated in this study, performing submaximal runs and sprints while being monitored through portable GPS-IMU units and surface EMG. The findings reveal significant differences between the two methods, with EMG providing a more accurate representation of the energetic commitment required during sprints. Study 2 examines muscle activation patterns and the effects of various resistance sprints. Seventeen elite U17 soccer p…
abstract: Sprinting is a critical component of performance in soccer, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the neuromuscular and metabolic demands placed on athletes during high-intensity actions. Despite the widespread use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in monitoring these demands, discrepancies between GPS-derived data and physiological responses measured through electromyography (EMG) suggest that current methods may underestimate/overestimate the effective intensity of sprinting efforts. This Doctoral Thesis aims to bridge this gap by providing a detailed analysis of sprinting performance in elite youth soccer players, utilizing GPS and EMG methodologies. The research is structured around four interconnected studies, each contributing to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing sprint performance and offering practical applications for optimizing training in soccer. Objective. The primary objective of this thesis is to evaluate the neuromuscular and metabolic demands of sprinting in soccer players using advanced assessment techniques. Specifically, the thesis aims to compare GPS and EMG-derived metrics in various sprinting conditions, analyze muscle activation patterns under different loading conditions, explore the utility of isometric and dynamic strength measures, and investigate the distinct demands of acceleration, high-speed running and deceleration. Methodology. Study 1 compares GPS and EMG methodologies for calculating metabolic power (MP) and energy cost (EC) during sprinting. Sixteen elite U17 soccer players participated in this study, performing submaximal runs and sprints while being monitored through portable GPS-IMU units and surface EMG. The findings reveal significant differences between the two methods, with EMG providing a more accurate representation of the energetic commitment required during sprints. Study 2 examines muscle activation patterns and the effects of various resistance sprints. Seventeen elite U17 soccer p…
author: Grassadonia, Gabriele
language: en
keywords: Energy cost, Metabolic power, Apparent efficiency, Soccer players, Sport performance, Coste energético, Potencia metabólica, Eficiencia aparente, Futbolistas, Rendimiento deportivo
license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
date published: 2024
date modified: 2026-07-24T03:17:52Z
provider: Universidad Catolica de Murcia - Doctoral
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Universidad Catolica de Murcia - Doctoral

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/10952/9018