Soccer players should spend 72-96 hours recovering between soccer matches in order to maintain their level of physical performance and participate in one match per week to maintain a low injury rate, according to a study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Researchers analyzed 32 professional soccer players by examining the total distance, high-intensity distance, sprint distance and number of sprints during 52 home matches. The injuries and player participation in matches and training were recorded throughout the season.
Researchers found that these tasks were not affected by the number of matches per week. However, the injury rate was significantly higher when players participated in two matches per week as opposed to one. The researchers recommend applying player rotation for a lower injury rate among the athletes.
Read the abstract for "Effect of 2 Soccer Matches in a Week on Physical Performance and Injury Rate."
Read other coverage on sports medicine studies:
- Study: Gender Could Influence Likelihood of Dominant Leg ACL Injury
- Study: Young Patients May Not Need Surgery For a Torn ACL
- Study: 5:30-o'Clock Portal Successful in Anterior-Inferior Shoulder Joint Procedures
Researchers analyzed 32 professional soccer players by examining the total distance, high-intensity distance, sprint distance and number of sprints during 52 home matches. The injuries and player participation in matches and training were recorded throughout the season.
Researchers found that these tasks were not affected by the number of matches per week. However, the injury rate was significantly higher when players participated in two matches per week as opposed to one. The researchers recommend applying player rotation for a lower injury rate among the athletes.
Read the abstract for "Effect of 2 Soccer Matches in a Week on Physical Performance and Injury Rate."
Read other coverage on sports medicine studies:
- Study: Gender Could Influence Likelihood of Dominant Leg ACL Injury
- Study: Young Patients May Not Need Surgery For a Torn ACL
- Study: 5:30-o'Clock Portal Successful in Anterior-Inferior Shoulder Joint Procedures