Evaluation of Neuromuscular Fatigue in a Repeat Sprint Ability, Countermovement Jump and Hamstring Test in Elite Female Soccer Players

Abstract

The straight-line run is the most frequent action in soccer goal scoring situations, and it deserves considerable attention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the neuromuscular fatigue produced by an independent repeat sprint ability (RSA) test, a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a hamstring test (HT) in elite female soccer players. Twenty-four elite female soccer players participated in the study. The evaluation protocol included hamstring and CMJ tests before an RSA test (6 × 40 m 30 s rest), and hamstring and CMJ post-tests. Significant differences were found between pre–post HT measurements in the maximum angulation of the right leg (p = 0.012 Effect Size (ES) = 0.27), and the maximum velocity was higher in the left leg after RSA (p = 0.023 ES = 0.34). CMJ height after RSA was significantly lower than before the RSA test (p < 0.001 ES = 0.40). The sprint total time (SprintTT) and percentage difference (%Dif) increased throughout the RSA (p < 0.001, and ES = 0.648 and ES = 0.515, respectively). In elite female soccer players, it seems that the fatigue induced by an RSA test can be assessed through the loss of CMJ height and the different performance variables extracted from the RSA itself (e.g., SprintTT, Ideal Sprint). These findings could contribute to better performance management and injury prevention for elite female soccer players.