Physical Match Running Performance Indicators in Professional Greek Footballers Competing in a National League: A Two-Consecutive-Period Survey (2021/22 and 2022/23)

Abstract: Modern football demands a series of dynamic and unpredictable movements. This study aimed to assess changes in the physical performance of players across two consecutive periods (2021/22 and 2022/23) and evaluate their levels according to field position and match outcome. Fifty players from one team of the National Greek League-2, a new institution in Greek football, participated in this study. Data from 672 measurements of physical performance were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) during 58 matches. The measurements included Total Distance (TD), High-Speed Running (HSR), Very High-Intensity Speed Running (VHS), Maximal Sprining (MS), Distance/Time (D/T), High Metabolic Load Distance (HMLD), sprints and accelerations-decelerations. Non-parametric tests were used for evaluation. The players had a mean age of 20.5±1.1yrs. Defenders and midfielders accounted for 44.0% of the study subjects, with the majority of the 672 measurements (23.8%; k=160) were recorded in April. Almost all measurements showed a decrease in 2022/23 compared to 2021/22 (p<0.05), or were lower when the match outcome was a defeat compared to a draw/win (p<0.05). Defenders covered a greater mean TD (8236meters) than midfielders/forwards (7426 & 7255meters) (p=0.006) and had higher mean participation time (p<0.001). Midfielders demonstrated greater mean measurements of VHS, MS, HMLD, and sprints compared to defenders/forwards (p<0.05). The findings indicate that the time period, filed position, and match outcome significantly impact GPS measurements. These factors should be considered when planning and preparing teams for the league season. Keywords: Football; Global Positioning system (GPS); physical performance; match; total distance; High speed running. Title: Physical Match Running Performance Indicators in Professional Greek Footballers Competing in a National League: A Two-Consecutive-Period Survey (2021/22 and 2022/23) Author: Emmanouil Smpokos, Nikos Rikos, George Manolarakis, Christos Mourikis, Manolis Linardakis International Journal of Novel Research in Interdisciplinary Studies ISSN 2394-9716 Vol. 12, Issue 3, May 2025 - June 2025 Page No: 7-17 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 07-May-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15357801 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Physical%20Match%20Running%20Performance-07052025-3.pdf