Using Microtechnology and the Fourier Transform for the Analysis of Effective Activity Time in Professional Soccer

Abstract

Abstract Oliva-Lozano, JM, Chmura, P, Granero-Gil, P, and Muyor, JM. Using microtechnology and the Fourier Transform for the analysis of effective activity time in professional soccer. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2491–2495, 2023—This study aimed to investigate the use of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for the analysis of effective activity time in professional soccer by (a) exploring the relationship between this variable and standard external load parameters and (b) analyzing the effective activity time during official professional soccer matches. Twenty-six male players participated in the study. Each player was categorized as midfielder, central defender, full-back, wide-midfielder, or forward. Tracking systems based on inertial sensors (4 3D accelerometers, 3 3D gyroscopes, and 1 magnetometer), and global positioning systems technology were used to collect external load measures for 35 matches. Each match was analyzed considering 15-minute periods to explore the evolution of effective activity time during the matches. The extra time from each match was also included. Fast Fourier transform duration may be a representative variable of effective activity time, given the strong positive correlation with the external load variables (p < 0.001). The linear regression analysis showed that the variables that significantly contributed to the model (R 2 = 0.97) were the total of steps and the distance covered. The mean effective activity time in soccer match play was ∼48.69 minutes. This time significantly changed depending on factors such as the period of the match (F = 239.05; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.60) or playing position (F = 16.99; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.06). The greatest effective activity time was observed for all playing positions in the 0′–15′ period. However, the 60′–75′ period showed the lowest effective activity times compared with the rest of the 15-minute periods for all positions except for forwards (75′–90′). From a practical standpoint, sports performance practitioners may consider these results to improve the individualization of training and match demands. Also, a more accurate indicator of exercise intensity may be obtained (e.g., multiplying the rating of perceived exertion by the effective activity time).