The Effects of Fatigue on Landing Performance in Young Female Soccer Players

Abstract

Objectives. Jumping and landing constitute two movements that are used with a very high frequency in all sports and are two skills that have received a lot of attention in the literature because of their relationship with injury risk. The aim of this study is to analyze the following aspects: (a) to determine whether fatigue negatively affects landing technique after a jump, and (b) to test whether different metabolic and neuromuscular exercises have an effect on the landing technique. Materials and methods. The sample is composed of young female soccer players Under 14 (n = 29, 13.06 ± 1.27 years, 47.8 ± 2.6 kg; 143.2 ± 3.4 cm). Before and after two training protocols aimed at determining the state of fatigue (functional agility short-term fatigue protocol, and RSA protocol), landing technique was assessed using the Landing ErrorScoring System (LESS). Results. The LESS assessment for the pre-fatigue and post-functional agility short-term fatigue protocol conditions showed a value of 6.78 ± 0.81 and 8.74 ± 0.77 respectively (p > 0.001, ES: 1.39). The LESS assessment for the post-RSA protocol condition was 8.52 ± 0.87; this score was statistically significantly higher than the pre-fatigue condition (p > 0.001, ES: 1.24). Conclusions. Intensive exercise, both neuromuscular and metabolic, appears to have an effect on the landing technique of young female soccer players.