The aim of this study was to explore the effects of simulated soccer match play on neuromuscular performance in adolescent players longitudinally over a two-year period. Eleven players completed all measurements in both years of the study (1st year: age 16.0 ± 0.4 y; stature 178.8 ± 6.4 cm; mass 67.5 ± 7.8 kg; maturity-offset 2.24 ± 0.71 y). There was a significant reduction in hamstring strength after simulated match by the soccer-specific aerobic field test (SAFT90), with four out of eight parameters compromised in U16s (4.7-7.8% decrease) and six in the U17s (3.1-15.4%). In the U17s all of the concentric quadriceps strength parameters were decreased (3.7-8.6%) as well as the vastus lateralis and semitendinosus firing frequency (26.9-35.4%). In both ages leg stiffness decreased (9.2-10.2%) and reactive strength increased pre to post simulated match (U16 8.0%; U17 2.5%). A comparison of changes between age groups did not show any differences. This study demonstrates a decrease in neuromuscular performance post simulated match play in both ages but observed changes were not age dependent.

Faculty of Physical Culture Palacky University Olomouc 771 11 Olomouc Czech Republic

Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Charles University 162 52 Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Physical Education Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz 85 064 Bydgoszcz Poland

School of Sport and Exercise University of Gloucestershire Gloucester GL50 2RH UK

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