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Physiological characteristics of female soccer players and health and performance considerations: A narrative review
Randell, Rebecca Clifford, Thomas Drust, Barry Moss, Samantha Unnithan, Viswanath De Ste Croix, Mark Datson, Naomi Martin, Daniel Mayho, Hannah Carter, James
Randell, Rebecca
Clifford, Thomas
Drust, Barry
Moss, Samantha
Unnithan, Viswanath
De Ste Croix, Mark
Datson, Naomi
Martin, Daniel
Mayho, Hannah
Carter, James
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2021-04-12
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Abstract
Female soccer has seen a substantial rise in participation, as well as increased financial support from governing bodies over the last decade. Thus, there is an onus on researchers and medical departments to develop a better understanding of the physical characteristics and demands, and the health and performance needs of female soccer players. In this review we discuss the current research, as well as the knowledge gaps, of six major topics: physical demands, talent identification, body composition, injury risk and prevention, health, and nutrition. Data on female talent identification are scarce, and future studies need to elucidate the influence of relative age and maturation selection across age groups. Regarding the physical demands, more research is needed on the pattern of high-intensity sprinting during matches and the contribution of soccer-specific movements. Injuries are not uncommon in female soccer players, but targeting intrinsically modifiable factors with injury prevention programmes can reduce injury rates. The anthropometric and physical characteristics of female players are heterogenous and setting specific targets should be discouraged in youth and sub-elite players. Menstrual cycle phase may influence performance and injury risk; however, there are few studies in soccer players. Nutrition plays a critical role for health and performance and ensuring adequate energy intake remains a priority. Despite recent progress, there is considerably less research in female than male soccer players. Many gaps in our understanding of how best to develop and manage the health and performance of female soccer players remain.
Citation
Randell, R. K., Clifford, T., Drust, B., Moss, S. L., Unnithan, V. B., De Ste Croix, M. B. A. ... Rollo, I. (2021). Physiological characteristics of female soccer players and health and performance considerations: A narrative review. Sports Medicine, 51, 1377–1399. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01458-1
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Springer
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Sports Medicine
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Article
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The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01458-1
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ISSN
0112-1642
EISSN
1179-2035