Contextual Factors and Running Demands in Elite Female Soccer: A Comparison Between Starters and Non-Starters

This study examined how contextual factors influence match-running performance in elite women's soccer, with a focus on differences between starters (i.e. players who began the match) and nonstarters (i.e. players who entered the match as substitutes and played for at least 5 minutes). A total of 95 women's players from four teams competing in the Brazilian Women's First Division were monitored across 60 matches using 10-Hz GPS devices. Running performance was analyzed in both absolute and relative terms (m·min^-1) across five speed zones, PlayerLoad, accelerations, and decelerations metrics. The contextual variables examined included opponent level, match location, number of days between matches, and the momentary point-difference. Starters covered greater absolute distances, while nonstarters exhibited higher relative demands in moderate- to high intensity zones and accelerations. Starters displayed higher relative distances in low intensity running. As part of the positional comparison, midfielders covered the greatest total distance, while external defenders and forwards performed more high-intensity actions. Central defenders had the lowest physical demands across all metrics. Nonstarters showed greater sprinting distances in matches against stronger opponents when playing at home. The momentary point-difference also influenced physical performance, with more balanced matches associated with reduced running outputs across positions and roles. Additionally, greater running outputs were observed in matches with ≤4 days of recovery, especially in low-to-moderate intensity zones. Performance staff should adopt role-specific and context-approach training strategies, considering starter status and match contextual demands to prescribe compensatory training loads in elite women's soccer.