A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Small-Sided Games on the Repeated Sprint Ability in Soccer
Open Access
- 18 December 2020
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Asian Research Association in International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports
- Vol. 9 (4), 70-84
- https://doi.org/10.34256/ijpefs2048
Abstract
To determine the effect of small-sided games (SSG) on the repeated sprint ability (RSA) in male soccer players. A meta-analysis was conducted in which studies were selected from the electronic databases Medline, SPORTDiscus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Results: Six studies were included and 44 effect sizes (ES) were computed from 116 men (age = 18.0 ± 2.8 yr., height = 175.8 ± 3.3 cm, weight = 68.6 ± 5.6 kg, body mass index [BMI] = 22.3 ± 1.1 kg–m2, VO2max = 56.9 ± 2.1 ml–kg-1–min-1). The SSG training improved the overall RSA performance (ES = -.54, 95%CI = -.89, -.20, p < .05), reduced RSA total time (ES = -.41, 95%CI = -.81, -.01, p < .05), and fatigue index (ES = -.83, 95%CI = -1.65, -.02, p < 0.05). Moderator analysis showed that the fatigue index is impaired when several sessions/week are performed (β = .69, 95%CI = .29, 1.10, R2 = 82.9, p = .001) and is enhanced when the duration of the intervention is extended over several weeks (β = -.25, 95%CI = -.47, -.03, R2 = 56.6, p = .05). The methodological use of SSG enhances the capacity of repeated sprints, while technical and tactical elements are worked concomitantly.Keywords
This publication has 62 references indexed in Scilit:
- Physical and Technical Comparisons between Various-Sided Games within Professional SoccerInternational Journal of Sports Medicine, 2013
- An optimal search filter for retrieving systematic reviews and meta-analysesBMC Medical Research Methodology, 2012
- Repeated-Sprint Ability – Part ISports Medicine, 2011
- Time–motion, heart rate, perceptual and motor behaviour demands in small-sides soccer games: Effects of pitch sizeJournal of Sports Sciences, 2010
- Repeated-Sprint Sequences During Youth Soccer MatchesInternational Journal of Sports Medicine, 2010
- Sixth International Conference on Sport, Leisure and Ergonomics: 14–16 November 2007Journal of Sports Sciences, 2009
- Factors influencing physiological responses to small-sided soccer gamesJournal of Sports Sciences, 2007
- Physiological and Metabolic Responses of Repeated-Sprint ActivitiesSports Medicine, 2005
- Measuring inconsistency in meta-analysesBMJ, 2003
- Meta-analysis in clinical trialsControlled Clinical Trials, 1986