Recovery kinetics of countermovement jump performance after soccer matches: differences between starters and non-starters: Recovery of countermovement jump performance in soccer

The present study aimed to explore differences in the recovery kinetics of countermovement jump performance in starting and non-starting soccer players after the competition. Twelve male outfield players (age: 27.05 ± 4.31 years; height: 177.50 ± 4.56 cm; body mass: 71.48 ± 4.63 kg) were included in this case series study. It included two data collection periods within a single competitive season, each encompassing one official match and the subsequent 48-h recovery period. Each participant was included in the starting line-up only in one match. Countermovement jump performance was monitored on each morning of the match-day, and subsequent measurements were acquired immediately post-, at 24-h and at 48-h post-match. Both output-orientated and time-based metrics were obtained from each jump. Afterwards, each participant's data was compared between two conditions: when they were a starter (included in the starting line-up) and when they were a non-starter (not included in the starting line-up, regardless of match playing time). Time-related changes in performance within each group were determined using a repeated-measures ANOVA with Holm post hoc analysis and the Cohen's d effect size statistic. Group differences in performance at post-match, 24-h, and 48-h post-match were determined by conducting ANCOVA with Holm post hoc analysis and partial eta squared, using pre-match values as covariates. Compared to baseline, jump height and propulsive impulse were significantly decreased at 24-h post-match only in starters (p < 0.001), while no significant time-related changes were found in non-starters. Compared to non-starters, starters exhibited a longer propulsive phase duration post-match (p = 0.037), lower jump height and propulsive impulse at 24-h post-match (p = 0.019, p = 0.005, respectively), and lower absolute peak power at 48-h post-match (p = 0.042). Thus, both jump outcome and movement strategy responses to neuromuscular fatigue evidenced a faster recovery of countermovement jump performance in non-starters players.