Mental and physical fatigue changes in elite u19 male football players: a comparison of microcycles with one match and two matches per week
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.118756Keywords:
Mycrocicle, Mental load, mental fatigue, football, performanceAbstract
Introduction: The cognitive and mental demands placed on football players are considerable. Athletes must consistently maintain vigilance, execute swift decision-making, process incoming information efficiently, and regulate emotional responses effectively.
Objective: This study investigated the weekly fluctuations in Countermovement Jump (CMJ) performance, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), mental fatigue (MF), and mental load (ML) in elite U19 football players across microcycles featuring single or double match weeks. Methodology: Eighteen elite male U19 football players from Spain participated during the 2024–2025 season. CMJ performance was assessed 30 minutes before and 20 minutes after each training session, while RPE, MF, and ML were evaluated following each session.
Results: Findings revealed an inverse relationship between players’ RPE and pre-competition jump performance. Critically, during M2-Opt sessions, scheduled 48 hours prior to a match and often associated with double competition weeks, players reported significantly higher RPE and MF scores. This indicated elevated physical and mental demands on match day minus two (MD-2), coinciding with diminished jump performance. These fatigue levels were consistent with observed weekly microcycle fluctuations, highlighting MD-2.
Discussion: The significant influence of pre-match demands on physical and mental fatigue, culminating in impaired performance, underscores the necessity for coaches to meticulously manage training loads.
Conclusion: Prioritizing athlete recovery and strategically minimizing strenuous physical and mental stimuli in the days leading up to competition are crucial to optimize performance, mitigate injury risk, and ensure competitive readiness in elite youth football.
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