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Meta-Analysis
. 2020 Oct 2;15(10):e0240135.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240135. eCollection 2020.

Post-competition recovery strategies in elite male soccer players. Effects on performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Albert Altarriba-Bartes  1   2 , Javier Peña  1   2 , Jordi Vicens-Bordas  2   3   4 , Raimon Milà-Villaroel  5 , Julio Calleja-González  6
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Post-competition recovery strategies in elite male soccer players. Effects on performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Albert Altarriba-Bartes et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Aims: The main aim of the present review was to update the available evidence on the value interest of post-competition recovery strategies in male professional or semi-professional soccer players to determine its effect on post-game performance outcomes, physiological markers, and wellness indicators.

Methods: A structured search was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines using six online databases: Pubmed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The risk of bias was completed following the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials were conducted to determine the between and within-group effects of different recovery strategies on performance, physiological markers and wellness data. Final meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMD).

Results: Five randomized controlled trials that used Compression Garments (n = 3), Cold Water Immersion (n = 1), and acute Sleep Hygiene Strategy (n = 1) were included. Greater CMJ values at 48h for the intervention group (SMD = 0.70; 95% CI 0.14 to 1.25; p = 0.001; I2 = 10.4%) were found. For the 20-m sprint and MVC, the results showed no difference either at 24h or 48h. For physiological markers (CK and CRP) and wellness data (DOMS), small to large SMD were present in favor of the intervention group both at 24h (-0.12 to -1.86) and 48h (-0.21 to -0.85). No heterogeneity was present, except for MVC at 24h (I2 = 90.4%; p = 0.0012) and CALF DOMS at 48h (I2 = 93.7%; p = 0.013).

Conclusion: The use of recovery strategies offers significant positive effects only in jumping performance (CMJ), with no effects on the 20-m sprint or MVC. Also, the use of recovery strategies offers greater positive effects on muscle damage (physiological markers and wellness data), highlighting the importance of post-match recovery strategies in soccer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Eligibility flow diagram showing the selection process for the inclusion studies in this meta-analysis.
n: sample size.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Risk of bias (RCTs).
Fig 3
Fig 3. Meta-analysis of primary outcomes (counter movement jump; 20-m sprint and maximal voluntary contraction) at 24 hours and 48 hours.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Time trends for primary and secondary outcomes from the experimental and control group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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