The biomechanical and physiological response to repeated soccer-specific simulations interspersed by 48 or 72 hours recovery

•Standardised protocols (SSEP) can be used to simulate short-term fixture congestion.•Two SSEPs were interspersed by 48 or 72 h recovery.•A number of physiological and mechanical measures were recorded during the SSEPs.•There was no difference in the fatigue response associated with two SSEPs.•These data have implications for the design and management of activity schedules.

PurposeTo assess the residual fatigue response associated with the completion of two successive soccer-specific exercise protocols (SSEP).MethodsTwenty male soccer players were pair-matched before completing SSEPs, interspersed by either 48 or 72 h. Outcome variables were measured every 15 min, and comprised uni-axial measures of PlayerLoad, mean (HR) and peak heart rate (HRpeak), blood lactate concentration, mean and peak (V˙O2peak) oxygen consumption, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).ResultsNo significant (P > 0.05) group interactions were identified for any outcome variables. Uni-axial (and total) PlayerLoad exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for time, with the exception of the relative contribution of medial lateral PlayerLoad™. Total PlayerLoad during the final 15 min (222.23 ± 15.16 a.u) was significantly higher than all other time points. All other outcome variables also exhibited a significant main effect for time, with HR, HRpeak and V˙O2peak also exhibiting significantly higher values in the first trial. There was also a significant (P = 0.003) trial*time interaction for RPE.ConclusionsWith equivalence at baseline, there was no difference in the fatigue response associated with two SSEPs interspersed by either 48 or 72 h recovery. The current study has implications for the design and micro management of training and competition schedules.