Individualized speed threshold to analyze the game running demands in soccer players using GPS technology (Umbral de velocidad individualizado para analizar en jugadores de fútbol mediante tecnología GPS las exigencias de sus desplazamientos en competici

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the relative running demands (m·min^-1), among different soccer players positions, coded by an absolute threshold vs. an individualized threshold based on splits of 10% of peak velocity, during friendly games, with the same tactical system and monitoring with a GPS. To this end he had 20 players on a semiprofessional soccer team. All players were monitored with a unit GPS (15 hz SPI-pro W2b, GPSport, Canberra, Australia).  They are measured peak velocity with a sprint of 40 m, and its activity in 4 friendly matches. The player’s activities were coded into five absolute speed thresholds and ten individualized speed thresholds. The absolute speed thresholds were: Very low intensity running (VLIR: 0-7 km·h^-1), Low intensity running (LIR: 7-13 km·h^-1), medium intensity running (MIR: 13-18 km·h^-1), high intensity running (HIR: 18-21 km·h^-1), and very high intensity running (VHIR: >21 km·h^-1). The individualized thresholds were from <10%, 10-20 %, 20-30%, 30-40%, 40-50%, 50-60%, 60-70%, 70-80%, 80-90%, and >90% of peak velocity (PV). Variables are presented as the mean (± SD), and the estimated precision is indicated with 90% confidence limits (CL). In addition to the analyses for statistical significance (i.e., paired t-tests), possible differences between players’ position was analysed (pairwise comparisons) for practical significance using magnitude-based inferences. The 30% of players get 80-90% of its peak velocity in match and 2.5% reaches 90-100% of its peak velocity.

Resumen. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las demandas de carrera ent jugadores de fútbol con diferentes roles empleando tecnología GPS, analizando y comparando sus desplazamientos durante partidos amistosos en base a un umbral absoluto, frente a un umbral individualizado al perfil locomotor del jugador. Para ello se les valoró su pico máximo de velocidad realizando un sprint de 40 m, así como su actividad locomotora en 4 partidos amistosos. Los desplazamientos de los jugadores codificaron en cinco umbrales de velocidad absolutos y diez umbrales de velocidad individualizados. Los umbrales de velocidad absolutos fueron: carrera de muy baja intensidad (VLIR: 0-7 km·h^-1), carrera de baja intensidad (LIR: 7-13 km·h^-1), carrera de intensidad media (MIR: 13-18 km·h^-1), carrera de alta intensidad  (HIR: 18-21 km·h^-1), y carrera de muy alta intensidad (VHIR: >21 km·h^-1). Los umbrales individualizados en base a su pico de velocidad máxima (PV) fueron:  <10%, 10-20 %, 20-30%, 30-40%, 40-50%, 50-60%, 60-70%, 70-80%, 80-90%, and >90% del PV. El 30% de los jugadores consiguen el 80-90% de su pico de velocidad en partidos y el 2.5 % alcanza el 90-100 % de su pico de velocidad.