Difference in sprinting stiffness, peak power, peak force and peak velocity between soccer players in different game positions

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate if there is any difference in the sprinting stiffness (Kvert and Kleg) and peak FVP between three groups of soccer players: Defenders (DEF), Midfielders (MID) and Attackers (ATT), and to help with categorization of soccer players using sprinting stiffness and peak FVP. Short sprints are more essential in soccer, with straight-line sprinting frequently observed before a goal. With sprinting stiffness being associated to running speed, it can be used as a parameter to differentiate between players of different position, as a higher stiffness value suggests that an individual can run at higher speed. Likewise, other parameters such as peak velocity, peak power and peak force (peak FVP) can also be used. A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted, 14 participants in each category (n = 42) were recruited. Participants went through 3 x 30 metres sprint at 100% effort on grass, with Speedlight™ timing gates measuring their split timing, and Optogait™ floor-based photocell system measuring their contact time (tc) and flight time (tf) during sprinting. No significant difference was found between sprinting stiffness and game positions of soccer players (p > 0.05). Significant difference was found between peak FVP and game positions of soccer players (p < 0.05), with ATT possessing the highest means for peak FVP values. In conclusion, this study highlights the differences between players in different game positions for easier categorization. It also highlights the effect on sprinting stiffness when the study involves repeated sprinting and is performed on grass.