Castagna Et Al.2016

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The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison
Article in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance · September 2016

DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0160
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International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer:

Methods Comparison
Journal: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Manuscript ID IJSPP.2016-0160.R1
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Manuscript Type: Original Investigation
High-Intensity, Association Football, Match Analysis, High-intensity,

Keywords:
Metabolic Power
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Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Page 1 of 27 International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
1 Title of the Article:
2 The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison
3 Submission Type:
4 Original Investigation
5 Authors:
6 Carlo Castagna1,2, Matthew Varley3, Susana Cristina Póvoas Araújo4 and Stefano D’Ottavio2
7 Authors’ Affiliations:
8
9 1) Fitness training and biomechanics laboratory, Italian Football Federation (FIGC),
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10 Technical Department, Coverciano (Florence), Italy;
11 2) University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy;
12 3) College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Footscray PO Box 14428,
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13 Melbourne VIC 8001, Australia;
14 4) Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development,
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15 CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal.

16
17 Contact Details for the Corresponding Author:
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18 Carlo Castagna PhD, via Sparapani 30, 60131, Ancona, Italy;
19 tel: +39 071-2866532, @mail: castagnac@libero.it

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21 Preferred Running Head: Match External Load in Soccer

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22 Abstract Word Count: 219 words

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23 Text-Only Word Count: 2734 words
24 Number of Figures and Tables: 1 table and 2 figure
25 References number: 18 citations
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International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Page 2 of 27
33 Abstract
34 The aim of this study was to test the interchangeability of two match-analysis approaches for
35 external-load detection considering arbitrary selected speeds and metabolic power (MP) thresholds
36 in male top-class level soccer. Data analyses were performed considering match physical
37 performance of 120 team data (1200 player cases) of randomly selected Spanish, German and
38 English first division championship matches (2013-14 season). Match analysis was performed with
39 a validated semi-automated multi-camera system operating at 25 Hz. During a match players
40 covered 10673±348m of which 1778±208 and 2759±241m were performed at High-Intensity using
41 the speed (≥16 km·h-1, HI) and metabolic power notations (≥20 watt·kg-1, MPHI). High-intensity
42 notations were nearly perfect associated (r=0.93, p<0.0001). A huge method bias (980.63± 87.82m.
43 d=11.67) was found when considering MPHI and HI. Very large correlations were found between
44 match total distance covered and MPHI (r=0.84, p<0.0001) and HI (r=0.74, p<0.0001). Players
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45 high-intensity decelerations (≥-2 m·s2) coverage was very largely associated with MPHI (r=0.73,
46 p<0.0001). The results of this study showed that the speed and MP methods are highly
47 interchangeable at relative (magnitude rank) but not absolute (measure magnitude) level. As a
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48 results the two physical match analysis methods can be independently used to track match external-
49 load in elite level players. However match-analyst decisions must be based on single method use in
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50 order to avoid bias in external-load determination.
51 Key word: High-Intensity, Association Football, Match Analysis, High-intensity, Metabolic Power
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67 Introduction
68 In modern soccer training control and regulation is regarded as a relevant methodological procedure
69 to optimize training adaptations to maximize match performance 1-3. Training progress is the result
70 of the interplay of external and internal loads imposed on players during training sessions 2.
71 Although physiological adaptations are mediated by internal load functional variation the doses
72 necessary for obtaining them are practically seized monitoring training external load 4. The recent
73 exponential advancement of match analysis systems such as multi-camera and Global Position
74 System Technology has enabled the evaluation of player’s external load during specific training in
75 elite and sub-elite competitive and recreational soccer 5,6. Beside the replicability and accuracy of
76 match analysis hardware of vital importance is the validity and reliability of the variables used to
77 describe player’ activities constituting the back bone of external load evaluation. External training
78 load is usually assessed evaluating distances and time performed in arbitrary selected speed
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79 categories 1,4. Despite the interest in information obtained through the speed method, if acceleration
80 is not considered the actual nature of soccer specific training results is underestimated 1,4. Recently
81 a metabolic approach (MP) was proposed to provide an instantaneous picture of soccer specific
activities7. This method considers acceleration and speed to profile individual distances and time
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83 spent by players at arbitrary chosen estimated power thresholds 4,7. While the MP approach may
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84 provide a more detailed tracking of player’ game activity, there is limited research regarding the
85 validity of this method 4,7. Furthermore in the paper that firstly proposed the MP approach no
86 objective evaluation was provided by authors regarding the actual superiority (i.e. statistical
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87 verification) and interchangeability of the metabolic approach with the classic speed method.
88 Indeed in the Osgnach et al.7 study only descriptive statistics were reported (i.e. means and standard
89 deviations). Thus, information regarding the objective difference and or association of the MP
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90 approach over the speed threshold method is unknown. This information has huge practical
91 implications as a growing number of match analysis systems are reporting players activity with the
92 MP variables in the attempt to characterise match and training external-load.
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93 Therefore the aim of this descriptive study was to examine the association between classic speed
94 and MP approach in tracking the external-load of elite level players during highly competitive
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95 official matches. It was hypothesized that there would be a large association between the two match
96 analysis approaches.
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98 Methods
99 Subjects
100 Match physical performance was assessed in 1200 male outfield soccer-players (Age 24.5±0.8,
101 height 176.4±4.5 cm, Body mass 74.6 kg) playing in the first division Championships of Germany
102 (Bundesliga 1), England (English Premier League) and Spain (Liga BBVA) during the 2013-14
103 season. Written informed consent was obtained from players organisation to treat anonymously the
104 collected data for research purpose. This study design was approved by the Institutional Research
105 Board before commencement of this study.
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107 Design
108 The metabolic approach assumes that the energy produced by a player during actual match-play is a
109 direct result of the product of the running cost from acceleration and the corresponding
110 instantaneous speed 7. The relative cost of accelerations is evidenced from the steady state O2 of
111 running at an inclination that corresponds to the supposed body inclination of the player during the
112 acceleration bout. The theoretical framework of the MP relies on the assumed constant energetic
113 cost of running across players and on the estimation of the energetic cost of acceleration from a
114 mainly aerobic exercise performed in a stationary to quasi stationary status 7,8. Furthermore, a
115 strong relationship between acceleration and body inclination is postulated when player can variate
116 acceleration ratio with no significant variation on body posture. Additionally MP estimates the
117 energetic cost of accelerations from incline running performed by endurance up-hill runners in an
118 laboratory set-up questioning the contextual validity of this assumption for soccer 8,9. Despite these
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119 theoretical and practical incongruences that pose questions about the internal validity of this novel
120 approach, several papers were recently published a-critically considering this issue 9. Furthermore
121 match-analysis systems software provide by defaults MP variables with the aim to profile player
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122 game performance during soccer-specific training. However the actual superiority of the MP versus
123 the classic arbitrary speed zone approach has yet to be examined in detail, posing doubt about the
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124 effectiveness of this interesting novel approach. With the aim to examine methods
125 interchangeability a descriptive correlative design was considered. This evaluating match physical-
126 performance in professional top-class players competing during European first-division
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127 championships matches. This provided population specificity and internal validity of this research
128 design. Association between selected arbitrary speeds and MP zones was performed tracking
129 players match activities with a validated multi-camera semi-automatic system (operating at 25 hz)
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130 . Games were randomly selected from a proprietary match database in order to warrant external
131 validity.
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133 Methodology
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134 Twenty official matches were randomly selected from the database of each championship. Players
135 were tracked for the entire duration of the game using a multicamera semi-automatic system
136 (Prozone Sport, Leeds, UK) working at 25 hz. Home and away teams data were available for each
137 of the 60 games considered. Players were tracked for match physical-performance using either
138 speed and MP arbitrary selected intensity zones. In order to examine match tempo of the most
139 competitive leagues of the world only physical match variables tracking high-intensity activities
140 were considered. They were as follows;
141 • Distance covered at High-Intensity (speed ≥ than 16 km·h-1, HI);

142 • Distance covered at High-Intensity Running (speed ≥18.97≤21.99 km·h-1, HIR);
143 • Distance covered at Very High-Intensity Running (speed>21.99 km·h-1, VHIR);
144 • Distance covered with High-Intensity Accelerations (acceleration ≥2 m·s2 , DAcHI);
145 • Distance covered with High-Intensity Decelerations (deceleration ≥-2 m·s2 , HIDec);
146 • Distance covered with Very High-Intensity Deceleration (deceleration ≤ -3 m·s2 (VHIDec);
147 • Distance covered with Very High-Intensity Acceleration ≥ 3 m·s2 (VHIAcc);

148 • Distance covered at High-Intensity MP≥20 watt·kg-1 (MPHI).
149 To characterize global match coverage the total distance (TD) covered and the average MP (AMP)
150 were calculated. Data were processed with proprietary software (K-SportOnline, K-Sport,
151 Montelabbate, PU, Italy) and then analysed with commercially available spreadsheets (Excel,
152 Microsoft, USA) and with a dedicated statistical package (Statistica 10, Statsoft, USA).
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154 Statistical Analysis
155 Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation and confidence interval (95%CI). Assumption of
156 normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk W-test. Variables association was assessed using
157 Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients (i.e. r). Qualitative magnitude of associations
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158 was reported according to Hopkins (2002) as follows: trivial r < 0.1, small 0.1 < r < 0.3, moderate
159 0.3 < r < 0.5, large 0.5 < r < 0.7, very large 0.7 < r < 0.9, nearly perfect r > 0.9 and perfect r= 1.
160 Partial correlations were used for path analysis when necessary. Differences between variables were
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161 assessed with paired t-tests using a Bonferroni correction to account for comparison number. The
162 Cohen’s d was used to assess effect-size (ES) 12. According to Hopkins et al. 13 ES of above 4,
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163 between 4 and 2, between 2 and 1.2, between 1.2 and 0.6, between 0.6 and 0.2 and 0.2 and 0 were
164 considered as huge, very large, large, moderate, small, and trivial respectively. Measure agreement
165 was assessed with Bland and Altman plots with bias test against the zero difference hypothesis for
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166 significance. Significance was set at p≤ 0.05.
167 Results
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168 Descriptive statistics for the considered variables depicting match physical-performance are
169 reported in table 1. Data showed high inter-match (CV>10%) variations for all the considered
170 variables but TD, AMP and MPHI. Bland and Altman plot statistic showed a significant
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171 measurement bias of 980.63± 87.82m (95%CI 964.75 − 996.51, p<0.0001) between MPHI and HI
172 distances. Upper and lower 95% limits of agreement were 1152.77 (95%CI 1125.56 to 1179.97) and
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173 808.50m (781.29 − 835.70) respectively (Figure 1). Plot of MPHI and HI difference vs mean
174 showed the existence of a moderate data heteroscedasticity (r= 0.38, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.22 to 0.53)
175 suggesting the likelihood of a systematic measurement error as variables magnitude increased.
176 A nearly perfect association was found between MPHI and HI (r=0.93, p<0.0001, 95%CI
177 0.91− 0.95, Fig. 2). The MPHI was very largely associated with TD (r=0.84, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.78
178 − 0.89) HIDec (r=0.73, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.63 − 0.80) and HIR (r=0.87, p<0.0001 95%CI 0.82 −
179 0.91). The HI showed very large correlation with TD (r=0.74, p<0.0001, CI95% 0.64 − 0.81) and
180 AMP (r=0.73, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.63 − 0.80). The AMP was very largely associated with TD
181 (r=0.85, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.79 − 0.89) and deceleration categories VHIDec (r=0.72, p<0.0001,
182 95%CI 0.62− 0.79) and , HIDec (r=0.76, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.68 − 0.83).
183
184 ----Please insert table 1 and figure 1 and 2 about here-----
185

186 Discussion
187 This is the first study to assess the interchangeability of two data analysis methods for assessing
188 external load in soccer, specifically; speed and metabolic power of arbitrarily chosen activity
189 categories. The main finding of this descriptive comparative study was the almost perfect
190 association (r=0.93) between the distance covered at a high-intensity speed (≥16 km·h-1) with that
191 accumulated at high-intensity using the MP approach (≥20 watt·kg-1). However, practical very large
192 absolute differences (i.e. ∼52%) in variable magnitude were detected between HI and MPHI
193 distance covered. These results confirm the original work hypothesis for relative but not absolute
194 interchangeability of the two external load approaches here considered.
195 Match and training high-intensity is considered as a relevant construct in modern soccer with a
196 number of papers providing direct or indirect evidence 1,14. This study used two methods
197 considering arbitrary categories to depict match high-intensity activity according to the methods of
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198 Osgnach et al. 7. However, in the original paper the authors failed to report any quantitative basic
199 statistic to compare methods and as a result information about measure interchangeability was not
200 provided. The speed (≥16 km·h-1) and MP (≥20 watt·kg-1) thresholds used in this study were
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201 assumed to represent the average speed and corresponding relative metabolic power at the estimated
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202 maximal aerobic-speed in professional soccer players 7. This enabled direct comparison between the
203 two considered methods for external-load detection to evaluate their concurrent (i.e. magnitude
204 association) and convergent construct (i.e. measure agreement) validity. The results of this study
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205 showed that speed and MP approach possess an almost perfect relative (i.e. r= 0.93) but a poor
206 absolute interchangeability (measurement bias of ∼981m). This suggesting that the two external-
207 load methods are sensible in depict player’s high-intensity activity reported as distance covered in
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208 arbitrary match high-intensity categories thresholds. However the reported huge difference in
209 absolute values between the HI and MPHI underlines the difference in the informing criteria of the
210 two methods.
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211 The lower HI distance compared to MPHI was likely the result of the inability of the speed
212 threshold method to consider the accelerative phases of high-intensity efforts thus underestimating
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213 actual match HI demands. Indeed using the speed approach HI distance accumulates only when
214 players exceed the set velocity threshold (≥16 km·h-1), thus neglecting the preparatory phase
215 involving high-intensity accelerative efforts 4. Given these limitations in the speed approach the
216 metabolic power approach was introduced in the attempt to account for instantaneous acceleration
217 gradients during actual match-play 7.
218 Despite the theoretical interest provided by the MP approach its essential use of acceleration data
219 provide some concern about the validity of this novel method 4,9. Indeed the acceleration data per se
220 have an inherent systematic error consequence of filtering and sampling rate 7. The reported error in
221 acceleration data collection and the required technology for valid measurement limits the practical
222 interest of the MP approach 9. Additionally the reported iso-power phenomenon considered as the
223 likelihood of producing the same MP values with an unpredictable variation in instantaneous
224 acceleration and speed data, may produce construct derived artefacts 7. Indeed consideration for
225 high-intensity bouts can be done when actually they are in a lower intensity phenomenological
226 domain.

227 Data difference of supposed convergent constructs was reported as a practical representative of
228 measurement variability (causal and random changes) 15. Explorative data analysis showed large
229 association between MPHI and HI absolute difference with distance covered (r=-0.62, p<0.0001,
230 from -0.72 to -0.50,) and time spent at DAcHI (r= -0.70, p<0.0001, from -0.78 to -0.60). This
231 finding may represent an effect of speed maintenance over the MPHI production during the highly
232 competitive matches considered in this study. The very large (r= 0.87, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.82 −
233 0.91) association between HIR and MPHI may partially confirm this assumption. Furthermore
234 when controlling for HIR the association between MPHI and HI changed from almost perfect into
235 the lower range of the very large correlation categories (i.e. from 0.93 to 0.74). Additionally HI
236 showed to be only moderately correlated with acceleration and deceleration performed during the
237 match by players (r from 0.44 to 0.51, p<0.0001) confirming the lack of sensitivity of the speed
238 threshold approach in accurately tracking player’s match high-intensity activities. Although more
239 thorough analyses are necessary, the results of this study support the idea that the effect of
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240 movement speed on MP is more pronounced than the supposed added advantage of considering
241 acceleration as a variable informing energy cost. Further studies providing more detailed
242 information about the real genesis of MP are warranted.
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244 The data reported in this study were captured with a semi-automated multi-camera system
245 previously tested for validity and reliability and used for disseminating match performance in most
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246 of the relevant reports published in soccer performance profiling. Methods comparison was carried-
247 out studying match physical performance in players participating in the most important
248 championships of the world such us English Premier League (United Kingdom), Liga BBVA
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249 (Spain) and Bundesliga 1 (Germany). Given the number of matches considered and the number of
250 cases processed, this data possesses a great internal validity as it is representative of elite level
251 soccer. Match analysis data showed to be in line with those provided by previous descriptive studies
252 using similar or the same video capture system. Indeed Osgnach et al.7 introducing the MP
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253 approach studied a population of Italian professional soccer players that were reported to cover a
254 match total distance of 10,950 ± 1044 m with 1996m and 2839m covered at HI and MPHI
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255 respectively. This study was the first to report random match data pooled from different European
256 top class leagues. Given that, the data reported may be considered as reference for match-analysts
257 and coaches interested in physical match activities (Table 1).
258 Data variability is a key factor in match analysis to determine the probability of causal match to
259 match changes in physical performance and to detect team or individual fitness and or technical-
260 tactical differences. In this study absolute inter-teams variability (i.e. CV%) were below 5% for TD,
261 AMP showing high measurement stability for these global match-activity variables 16 (Table 1).
262 Higher CV% values were found in this study for the variables addressing match high-intensity (i.e.
263 C>10%) with MPHI showing a CV lower than 10%. These findings are in line with those reported
264 by other authors for English Premier League championship matches confirming the high variability
265 of high-intensity activities in top class soccer 17,18. In this context acceleration and decelerations
266 showed the highest variability with CV above 20 and 25% respectively. In order to detect casual
267 changes the smallest worthwhile change may result of great practical interest. According to this

268 study data changes in the team mean from 2.3 and 1.8% may be regarded as causal match
269 performance variations for HI and MPHI respectively.
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271 Practical Applications
272 Match and training external-load may provide key information for training individualisation.
273 Particularly at the elite level absolute performance variables may better depict the intra individual
274 and team differences. Thus, the use of valid and reliable methods to profile match and training
275 internal load result are vital. Given this study data the speed and metabolic approaches showed
276 similar sensitivity in depicting player and team profiles of the supposed high-intensity constructs.
277 Indeed the reported almost perfect association between HI and MPHI provided evidence of
278 construct converge (i.e concurrent validity). However despite relative method interchangeability the
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279 reported very large absolute measure differences (d > 4, ES) suggest accurate a priori choice of the
280 data analysis method. The use of the MP approach to provide concurrent consideration of speed
281 and acceleration requires further examination into the issue of population validity of the equation
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282 used for acceleration derived energy-cost calculation and criterion validity.
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283 Conclusions
284 The scientific limitations of the MP approach should be acknowledged by practitioners when using
285 this measure for reporting purposes. Furthermore, recent validation studies suggest caution in using
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286 MP when evaluating the external load in soccer players during pre-planned shuttle running9.
287 Finally, the mismatch between the considerable higher estimated anaerobic contribution to soccer
288 match physical-performance and actual physiological measures question the internal validity of the
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289 MP approach7,9.
290
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291 Acknowledgments
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292 No financial support was provided for the completion of this study. The authors declare no conflict
293 of interest with the finding reported in this study.
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296

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345 Legends of tables and figures
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347 Table 1. Values of match activities considered in this study.
348 Figure 1. Bland and Altman Plot of the MPHI and HI variables.
349 Figure 2. Relationship (r=0.93) between match distances performed at high-intensity using the
350 metabolic power (MPHI) and speed threshold (HI) notations.
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356 Table 1
Variable TD AMP HI HIR VHIR MPHI HIAcc HIDec VHIDec VHIAcc

Mean 10672.79 10.65 1778.34 482.04 239.81 2758.97 635.93 611.91 209.30 214.81
SD 347.74 0.49 208.00 67.46 48.22 240.99 118.21 97.68 47.75 55.90
CV% 3.26 4.61 11.70 13.99 20.11 8.73 18.59 15.96 22.81 26.02
Min 9417.76 9.14 1156.22 298.91 127.86 2028.14 397.10 437.58 120.24 106.44
Max 11595.77 12.09 2310.62 656.80 335.05 3344.14 911.68 889.97 380.48 370.11
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376 Fig.1
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389 Figure 2.
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1 Title of the Article:
2 The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison
3 Submission Type:
4 Original Investigation
5 Authors:
6 Carlo Castagna1,2, Matthew Varley3, Susana Cristina Póvoas Araújo4 and Stefano D’Ottavio2
7 Authors’ Affiliations:
8
9 1) Fitness training and biomechanics laboratory, Italian Football Federation (FIGC),
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10 Technical Department, Coverciano (Florence), Italy;
11 2) University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy;
12 3) College of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Footscray PO Box 14428,
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13 Melbourne VIC 8001, Australia;
14 4) Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development,
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15 CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal.

16
17 Contact Details for the Corresponding Author:
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18 Carlo Castagna PhD, via Sparapani 30, 60131, Ancona, Italy;
19 tel: +39 071-2866532, @mail: castagnac@libero.it

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21 Preferred Running Head: Match External Load in Soccer

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22 Abstract Word Count: 220 words

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23 Text-Only Word Count: 2903 words
24 Number of Figures and Tables: 1 table and 2 figure
25 References number: 22 citations
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27
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31
32

33 Abstract
34 Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the interchangeability of two match-analysis approaches
35 for external-load detection considering arbitrary selected speeds and metabolic power (MP)
36 thresholds in male top-class level soccer. Methods: Data analyses were performed considering
37 match physical performance of 120 team data (1200 player cases) of randomly selected Spanish,
38 German and English first division championship matches (2013-14 season). Match analysis was
39 performed with a validated semi-automated multi-camera system operating at 25 Hz. Results:
40 During a match players covered 10673±348m of which 1778±208m and 2759±241m were
41 performed at High-Intensity using the speed (≥16 km·h-1, HI) and metabolic power notations (≥20
42 watt·kg-1, MPHI). High-intensity notations were nearly perfect associated (r=0.93, p<0.0001). A
43 huge method bias (980.63± 87.82m. d=11.67) was found when considering MPHI and HI. Very
44 large correlations were found between match total distance covered and MPHI (r=0.84, p<0.0001)
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45 and HI (r=0.74, p<0.0001). Players high-intensity decelerations (≥-2 m·s2) coverage was very
46 largely associated with MPHI (r=0.73, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The results of this study showed
47 that the speed and MP methods are highly interchangeable at relative (magnitude rank) but not
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48 absolute (measure magnitude) level. The two physical match analysis methods can be
49 independently used to track match external-load in elite level players. However match-analyst
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50 decisions must be based on single method use in order to avoid bias in external-load determination.
51 Key word: High-Intensity, Association Football, Match Analysis, High-intensity, Metabolic Power
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66

67 Introduction
68 In modern soccer training control and regulation is regarded as a relevant methodological procedure
69 to optimize training adaptations to maximize match performance 1-3. Training progress is the result
70 of the interplay of external and internal loads imposed on players during training sessions 2.
71 Although physiological adaptations are mediated by internal load functional variation the doses
72 necessary for obtaining them are practically seized monitoring training external load 4. The recent
73 exponential advancement of match analysis systems such as multi-camera and Global Position
74 System Technology has enabled the evaluation of player’s external load during specific training in
75 elite and sub-elite competitive and recreational soccer 5,6. Besides the replicability and accuracy of
76 match analysis hardware of vital importance is the validity and reliability of the variables used to
77 describe player’ activities constituting the back bone of external load evaluation. External training
78 load is usually assessed evaluating distances and time performed in arbitrary selected speed
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79 categories 1,4. This method approach has been used for practical issues as the data interpretation is
80 straightforward for training (i.e. sprinting, speed-endurance training) and not requiring for definition
81 consideration of acceleration calculations that would need the use of often not sustainable devices
7,8
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82 . Despite the interest in information obtained through the speed method, if acceleration is not
83 considered the actual nature of soccer specific training results is underestimated 1,4. Recently a
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84 metabolic approach (MP) was proposed to provide an instantaneous picture of soccer specific
85 activities7. This method considers acceleration and speed to profile individual distances and time
86 spent by players at arbitrary chosen estimated power thresholds 4,7.
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87 The metabolic approach assumes that the energy produced by a player during actual match-play is a
88 direct result of the product of the running cost from acceleration and the corresponding
instantaneous speed 7. The relative cost of accelerations is evidenced from the steady state O2 of
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90 running at an inclination that corresponds to the supposed body inclination of the player during the
91 acceleration bout. The theoretical framework of the MP relies on the assumed constant energetic
92 cost of running across players and on the estimation of the energetic cost of acceleration from a
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93 mainly aerobic exercise performed in a stationary to quasi stationary status 7,9. Furthermore, a
94 strong relationship between acceleration and body inclination is postulated when player can variate
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95 acceleration ratio with no significant variation on body posture 7. Additionally, MP estimates the
96 energetic cost of accelerations from incline running performed by endurance up-hill runners in an
97 laboratory set-up questioning the contextual validity of this assumption for soccer 9,10. Despite these
98 theoretical and practical incongruences that pose questions about the internal validity of this novel
99 approach, several papers were recently published a-critically considering this issue 10. Furthermore
100 match-analysis systems software provide by defaults MP variables with the aim to profile player
101 game performance during soccer-specific training. However the actual superiority of the MP versus
102 the classic arbitrary speed zone approach has yet to be examined in detail, posing doubt about the
103 effectiveness of this interesting novel approach.
104 While the MP approach may provide a more detailed tracking of player’s game activity, there is
105 limited research regarding the validity of this method 4,7. Furthermore in the paper that firstly
106 proposed the MP approach no objective evaluation was provided by authors regarding the actual
107 superiority (i.e. statistical verification) and interchangeability of the metabolic approach with the
108 classic speed method. Indeed in the Osgnach et al.7 study only descriptive statistics were reported
109 (i.e. means and standard deviations). Thus, information regarding the objective difference and or

110 association of the MP approach over the speed threshold method is unknown. Additionally being
111 the MP approach based on acceleration calculation the associated error using common video-
112 tracking systems may provide a large measurement bias 7. This information has huge practical
113 implications as a growing number of match analysis systems are reporting players activity with the
114 MP variables in the attempt to characterise match and training external-load.
115 Therefore the aim of this descriptive study was to examine the association between classic speed
116 and MP approach in tracking the external-load of elite level players during highly competitive
117 official matches. It was hypothesized that there would be a large association between the two match
118 analysis approaches.
119
120 Methods
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121 Subjects
122 Match physical performance was assessed in 1200 male outfield soccer-players (age 24.5±0.8,
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123 height 176.4±4.5 cm, body mass 74.6 kg) playing in the first division Championships of Germany
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124 (Bundesliga 1), England (English Premier League) and Spain (Liga BBVA) during the 2013-14
125 season. Written informed consent was obtained from players organisation to treat anonymously the
126 collected data for research purpose. This study design was approved by the Institutional Research
Board before commencement of this study.
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128
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129 Design
130 With the aim to examine methods interchangeability a descriptive correlation design was
131 considered. Match physical-performance was evaluated in professional top-class players competing
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132 during European first-division championships matches. This provided population specificity and
133 internal validity of this research design. Association between selected arbitrary speeds and MP
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134 zones was performed tracking players match activities with a validated multi-camera semi-
135 automatic system (operating at 25 hz) 11,12. Games were randomly selected from a proprietary match
136 database in order to warrant external validity.
137
138 Methodology
139 Sixty official matches were considered for calculations, they were randomly selected in reason of
140 20 from each national league (Germany, England and Spain) database. Players were tracked for the
141 entire duration of the game using a multicamera semi-automatic system (Prozone Sport, Leeds, UK)
142 working at 25 hz 11,12. Home and away teams data were available for each of the 60 games
143 considered. Players were tracked for match physical-performance using either speed and MP
144 arbitrary selected intensity zones. In order to examine match tempo of the most competitive leagues
145 of the world only physical match variables tracking high-intensity activities were considered. They
146 were as follows;

147 • Distance covered at High-Intensity (speed ≥ than 16 km·h-1, HI);

148 • Distance covered at High-Intensity Running (speed ≥18.97≤21.99 km·h-1, HIR);
149 • Distance covered at Very High-Intensity Running (speed>21.99 km·h-1, VHIR);
150 • Distance covered with High-Intensity Accelerations (acceleration ≥2 m·s2 , DAcHI);
151 • Distance covered with High-Intensity Decelerations (deceleration ≤-2 m·s2 , HIDec);
152 • Distance covered with Very High-Intensity Deceleration (deceleration ≤ -3 m·s2, VHIDec);
153 • Distance covered with Very High-Intensity Acceleration (acceleration ≥ 3 m·s2, VHIAcc);
154 • Distance covered at High-Intensity (MP≥20 watt·kg-1, MPHI).
155 To characterize global match coverage the total distance (TD) covered and the average MP (AMP)
156 were calculated. Data were processed with proprietary software (K-SportOnline, K-Sport,
157 Montelabbate, PU, Italy) and then analysed with commercially available spreadsheets (Excel,
158 Microsoft, USA) and with a dedicated statistical package (Statistica 10, Statsoft, USA).
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160 Statistical Analysis

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161 Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation and confidence interval (95%CI). Assumption of
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162 normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk W-test. Variables association was assessed using
163 Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients. Qualitative magnitude of associations was
164 reported according to Hopkins (2002) as follows: trivial r < 0.1, small 0.1 < r < 0.3, moderate 0.3 <
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165 r < 0.5, large 0.5 < r < 0.7, very large 0.7 < r < 0.9, nearly perfect r > 0.9 and perfect r= 1. Partial
166 correlations were used for path analysis when necessary. Differences between variables were
167 assessed with paired t-tests using a Bonferroni correction to account for comparison number. The
168 Cohen’s d was used to assess effect-size (ES) 13. According to Hopkins et al. 14 ES of above 4,
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169 between 4 and 2, between 2 and 1.2, between 1.2 and 0.6, between 0.6 and 0.2 and 0.2 and 0 were
170 considered as huge, very large, large, moderate, small, and trivial respectively. In order to provide
171 normative cues for metrics changes the Smallest Worthwhile Change (SWC) was considered
according to Hopkins et al. 14 Measure agreement was assessed with Bland and Altman plots with
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172
173 bias test against the zero difference hypothesis for significance. Significance was set at p≤ 0.05.
174 Preliminary power calculation showed that to obtain the a statistical power of 80% would be
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175 necessary 400 cases. The final power obtained with this study design was higher than 90% (1200
176 cases).
177
178 Results
179 Descriptive statistics and SWC for the considered variables depicting match physical-performance
180 are reported in table 1. Data showed high inter-match (CV>10%) variations for all the considered
181 variables but not for TD, AMP and MPHI. Bland and Altman plot statistic showed a significant
182 measurement bias of 980.63± 87.82m (95%CI 964.75 − 996.51, p<0.0001) between MPHI and HI
183 distances. Upper and lower 95% limits of agreement were 1152.77 (95%CI 1125.56 − 1179.97) and
184 808.50m (95%CI 781.29 − 835.70) respectively (Figure 1). Plot of MPHI and HI difference vs
185 mean showed the existence of a moderate data heteroscedasticity (r= 0.38, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.22 −
186 0.53) suggesting the likelihood of a systematic measurement error as variables magnitude increased.

187 A nearly perfect association was found between MPHI and HI (r=0.93, p<0.0001, 95%CI
188 0.91− 0.95, Fig. 2). The MPHI was very largely associated with TD (r=0.84, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.78
189 − 0.89) HIDec (r=0.73, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.63 − 0.80) and HIR (r=0.87, p<0.0001 95%CI 0.82 −
190 0.91). The HI showed very large correlation with TD (r=0.74, p<0.0001, CI95% 0.64 − 0.81) and
191 AMP (r=0.73, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.63 − 0.80). The AMP was very largely associated with TD
192 (r=0.85, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.79 − 0.89) and deceleration categories VHIDec (r=0.72, p<0.0001,
193 95%CI 0.62− 0.79) and , HIDec (r=0.76, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.68 − 0.83).
194 ----Please insert table 1 and figure 1 and 2 about here-----
195
196 Discussion
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197 This is the first study to assess the associations between two data analysis methods for assessing
198 external load in soccer, specifically; speed and metabolic power of arbitrarily chosen activity
199 categories. The main finding of this descriptive comparative study was the almost perfect
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200 association (r=0.93) between the distance covered at a high-intensity speed (≥16 km·h-1) with that
201 accumulated at high-intensity using the MP approach (≥20 watt·kg-1). However, practical very large
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202 absolute differences (i.e. ∼52%) in variable magnitude were detected between HI and MPHI
203 distance covered. These results confirm the original work hypothesis for relative but not absolute
204 interchangeability of the two external load approaches here considered.
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205 Match and training high-intensity is considered as a relevant construct in modern soccer with a
206 number of papers providing direct or indirect evidence 1,15. This study used two methods
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207 considering arbitrary categories to depict match high-intensity activity according to the methods of
208 Osgnach et al. 7. However, in the original paper the authors failed to report any quantitative basic
209 statistic to compare methods and as a result information about measure interchangeability was not
provided. The speed (≥16 km·h-1) and MP (≥20 watt·kg-1) thresholds used in this study were
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211 assumed to represent the average speed and corresponding relative metabolic power at the estimated
maximal aerobic-speed in professional soccer players 7. This enabled direct comparison between the
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213 two considered methods for external-load detection to evaluate their concurrent (i.e. magnitude
214 association) and convergent construct (i.e. measure agreement) validity. The results of this study
215 showed that speed and MP approach possess an almost perfect relative (i.e. r= 0.93) but a poor
216 absolute interchangeability (measurement bias of ∼981m). This suggest that the two external-load
217 methods are sensible in depicting player’s high-intensity activity reported as distance covered in
218 arbitrary match high-intensity categories thresholds. However, the reported huge difference in
219 absolute values between the HI and MPHI underlines the difference in the informing criteria of the
220 two methods.
221 The lower HI distance compared to MPHI was likely the result of the inability of the speed
222 threshold method to consider the accelerative phases of high-intensity efforts thus underestimating
223 actual match HI demands. Indeed using the speed approach HI distance accumulates only when
224 players exceed the set velocity threshold (≥16 km·h-1), thus neglecting the preparatory phase
225 involving high-intensity accelerative efforts 4. Given these limitations in the speed approach the

226 metabolic power approach was introduced in the attempt to account for instantaneous acceleration
227 gradients during actual match-play 7.
228 Despite the theoretical interest provided by the MP approach its essential use of acceleration data
229 provide some concern about the validity of this novel method 4,10. Indeed the acceleration data per
230 se have an inherent systematic error consequence of filtering and sampling rate 7. The reported error
231 in acceleration data collection and the required technology for valid measurement limits the
232 practical interest of the MP approach 10. Additionally the reported iso-power phenomenon
233 considered as the likelihood of producing the same MP values with an unpredictable variation in
234 instantaneous acceleration and speed data, may produce construct derived artefacts 7. Indeed
235 consideration for high-intensity bouts can be done when actually they are in a lower intensity
236 phenomenological domain.
237 Data difference of supposed convergent constructs was reported as a practical representative of
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238 measurement variability (causal and random changes) 16. Explorative data analysis showed large
239 association between MPHI and HI absolute difference with distance covered (r=-0.62, p<0.0001,
240 from -0.72 to -0.50,) and time spent at DAcHI (r= -0.70, p<0.0001, from -0.78 to -0.60). This
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241 finding may represent an effect of speed maintenance over the MPHI production during the highly
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242 competitive matches considered in this study. The very large (r= 0.87, p<0.0001, 95%CI 0.82 −
243 0.91) association between HIR and MPHI may partially confirm this assumption. Furthermore
244 when controlling for HIR the association between MPHI and HI changed from almost perfect into
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245 the lower range of the very large correlation categories (i.e. from 0.93 to 0.74). Additionally HI
246 showed to be only moderately correlated with acceleration and deceleration performed during the
247 match by players (r from 0.44 to 0.51, p<0.0001) confirming the lack of sensitivity of the speed
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248 threshold approach in accurately tracking player’s match high-intensity activities. Although more
249 thorough analyses are necessary, the results of this study support the idea that the effect of
250 movement speed on MP is more pronounced than the supposed added advantage of considering
251 acceleration as a variable informing energy cost. Further studies providing more detailed
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252 information about the real genesis of MP are warranted.

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253 The data reported in this study were captured with a semi-automated multi-camera system
254 previously tested for validity and reliability and used for disseminating match performance in most
255 of the relevant reports published in soccer performance profiling 5,11,12,17. Methods comparison was
256 carried-out studying match physical performance in players participating in the most important
257 championships of the world such us English Premier League (United Kingdom), Liga BBVA
258 (Spain) and Bundesliga 1 (Germany). Given the number of matches considered and the number of
259 cases processed, this data possesses a great internal validity as it is representative of elite level
260 soccer. Match analysis data showed to be in line with those provided by previous descriptive studies
261 using similar or the same video capture system11,18-21. Indeed Osgnach et al.7 introducing the MP
262 approach studied a population of Italian professional soccer players that were reported to cover a
263 match total distance of 10,950 ± 1044 m with 1996m and 2839m covered at HI and MPHI
264 respectively. This study was the first to report random match data pooled from different European
265 top class leagues. Given that, the data reported may be considered as reference for match-analysts
266 and coaches interested in physical match activities (Table 1).

267 Data variability is a key factor in match analysis to determine the probability of causal match to
268 match changes in physical performance and to detect team or individual fitness and or technical-
269 tactical differences. In this study absolute inter-teams variability (i.e. CV%) were below 5% for TD,
270 AMP showing high measurement stability for these global match-activity variables 22 (Table 1).
271 Higher CV% values were found in this study for the variables addressing match high-intensity (i.e.
272 C>10%) with MPHI showing a CV lower than 10%. These findings are in line with those reported
273 by other authors for English Premier League championship matches confirming the high variability
274 of high-intensity activities in top class soccer 18,19. In this context acceleration and decelerations
275 showed the highest variability with CV above 20 and 25% respectively. In order to detect casual
276 changes the SWC may result of great practical interest. 14 According to this study data changes in
277 the team mean from 2.3 and 1.8% may be regarded as causal match performance variations for HI
278 and MPHI respectively.
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279
280 Practical Applications

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281 Match and training external-load may provide key information for training individualisation.
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282 Particularly at the elite level absolute performance variables may better depict the intra individual
283 and team differences. Thus, the use of valid and reliable methods to profile match and training
284 internal load result are vital. Given this study data the speed and metabolic approaches showed
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285 similar sensitivity in depicting player and team profiles of the supposed high-intensity constructs.
286 Indeed the reported almost perfect association between HI and MPHI provided evidence of
287 construct converge (i.e concurrent validity). However despite relative method interchangeability the
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288 reported very large absolute measure differences (d > 4, ES) suggest accurate a priori choice of the
289 data analysis method. The use of the MP approach to provide concurrent consideration of speed
290 and acceleration requires further examination into the issue of population validity of the equation
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291 used for acceleration derived energy-cost calculation and criterion validity. Additionally the
292 provided equation should be refined in order to account for collisions, tackles, jumps and non-
293 orthodox exercise-modes like sideward and backward running 1,10.
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294 Conclusions
295 The scientific limitations of the MP approach should be acknowledged by practitioners when using
296 this measure for reporting purposes. Moreover, recent validation studies suggest caution in using
297 MP when evaluating the external load in soccer players during pre-planned shuttle running10.
298 Finally, the mismatch between the considerable higher estimated anaerobic contribution to soccer
299 match physical-performance and actual physiological measures question the internal validity of the
300 MP approach7,10.
301
302 Acknowledgments
303 No financial support was provided for the completion of this study. The authors declare no conflict
304 of interest with the finding reported in this study.

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373 Legends of tables and figures
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375 Table 1. Values of match activities considered in this study.
376 Figure 1. Bland and Altman Plot of the MPHI and HI variables.
377 Figure 2. Relationship (r=0.93) between match distances performed at high-intensity using the
378 metabolic power (MPHI) and speed threshold (HI) notations.
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384 Table 1
Variable TD AMP HI HIR VHIR MPHI HIAcc HIDec VHIDec VHIAcc

Mean 10672.79 10.65 1778.34 482.04 239.81 2758.97 635.93 611.91 209.30 214.81
SD 347.74 0.49 208.00 67.46 48.22 240.99 118.21 97.68 47.75 55.90
CV% 3.26 4.61 11.70 13.99 20.11 8.73 18.59 15.96 22.81 26.02
Min 9417.76 9.14 1156.22 298.91 127.86 2028.14 397.10 437.58 120.24 106.44
Max 11595.77 12.09 2310.62 656.80 335.05 3344.14 911.68 889.97 380.48 370.11
SWC 69.55 0.10 41.6 13.49 9.64 48.20 23.64 19.54 9.55 11.18
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The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison

Article in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance · September 2016

Carlo Castagna Matthew Conroy Varley

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Susana Póvoas Stefano Dottavio

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The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer:

Journal: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

High-Intensity, Association Football, Match Analysis, High-intensity,

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

1 Title of the Article:

2 The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison

15 CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal.

18 Carlo Castagna PhD, via Sparapani 30, 60131, Ancona, Italy;

19 tel: +39 071-2866532, @mail: castagnac@libero.it

21 Preferred Running Head: Match External Load in Soccer

22 Abstract Word Count: 219 words

23 Text-Only Word Count: 2734 words

24 Number of Figures and Tables: 1 table and 2 figure

25 References number: 18 citations

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

50 order to avoid bias in external-load determination.

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

141 • Distance covered at High-Intensity (speed ≥ than 16 km·h-1, HI);

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

148 • Distance covered at High-Intensity MP≥20 watt·kg-1 (MPHI).

154 Statistical Analysis

166 significance. Significance was set at p≤ 0.05.

184 ----Please insert table 1 and figure 1 and 2 about here-----

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

271 Practical Applications

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

317 and downhill slopes. J Appl Physiol. 2002;93:1039-1046.

324 analysis system International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. 2006;6:108-119.

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

345 Legends of tables and figures

347 Table 1. Values of match activities considered in this study.

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Variable TD AMP HI HIR VHIR MPHI HIAcc HIDec VHIDec VHIAcc

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

1 Title of the Article:

2 The Evaluation of the Match External Load in Soccer: Methods Comparison

15 CIDESD, University Institute of Maia, ISMAI, Maia, Portugal.

18 Carlo Castagna PhD, via Sparapani 30, 60131, Ancona, Italy;

19 tel: +39 071-2866532, @mail: castagnac@libero.it

21 Preferred Running Head: Match External Load in Soccer

22 Abstract Word Count: 220 words

23 Text-Only Word Count: 2903 words

24 Number of Figures and Tables: 1 table and 2 figure

25 References number: 22 citations

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825

Human Kinetics, 1607 N Market St, Champaign, IL 61825