The effects of running velocity-matched treadmill versus overground-simulated soccer match-play on heart rate and rate of perceived exertion in recreationally trained soccer players: A preliminary study

Abstract

Background: There are various attempts to replicate the demands of soccer match-play, simulating the irregular pattern of locomotion based on motion analysis of actual soccer match-play, using either treadmill or underground protocols. Aims: The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether the modified treadmill versus overground soccer-specific simulation replicated the physiological effects of match-play. Methods: Six healthy (n = 6) recreationally soccer-trained male players (age, 24 ± 2 years; height, 173 ± 7 cm and body mass, 76 ± 6 kg) participated in this repeated measure design study. During the testing session, each player completed a 45-min treadmill and overground-simulated match-play involving the same average running velocity. Heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded every 5 min throughout the simulation. Results: The physiological responses in the overground simulation (heart rate 169 ± 9 beats.min−1; RPE 14 ± 1) were significantly greater than the treadmill simulation (heart rate 145 ± 12 beats.min−1; RPE 12 ± 1). Conclusions: The heart rate and RPE response in the overground simulation was consistent with soccer players during actual match-play. The treadmill simulation, however, demonstrated a lesser physiological response compared to that as observed during match-play likely due to the exclusion of utility movements and high accelerations and deceleration.