Metrics details. Resistance to fatigue is a key factor in injury prevention that needs to be considered in return-to-sport RTS scenarios, especially after severe knee ligament injuries. Fatigue should be induced under game-like conditions. The SpeedCourt SC is a movement platform for assessing multidirectional sprint performance, typical of game-sports, due to change-of-direction movements in response to a visual stimulus.
Therefore, this study analysed the acute fatigue effects of different SC protocols on metabolic load, cognitive function and neuromuscular performance. Pre- and post-exercise, metabolic load was measured per blood lactate concentration BLaC , cognitive function per reaction time RT , and neuromuscular performance including multiple rebound jumps MRJ height, primary outcome variable; Reactive Strength Index, RSI and 5 m sprint times SP5.
P1 induced higher BLaC values 4. All protocols caused an improved cognitive function and neuromuscular performance. The former may be related to enhanced noradrenergic activation or exercise specificity which induced an improved stimulus processing. The latter may be explained by a possible post-activation performance enhancement effect on jump and sprint performance.
A shorter relief duration in W:R as opposed to sprint distance per interval produced higher BLaC values. The protocols may serve as reference data for improved RTS decision-making in elite female soccer players. Februar , Retrospectively Registered.
Peer Review reports. Field-based game sports such as soccer or handball are characterized by an intermittent activity profile with a common stop-and-go pattern of play [ 1 , 2 ]. Game sport athletes frequently engage in short high-intensity or maximal running efforts e.
