High-speed distances during congested and non-congested periods in professional footballers with elevated match exposure

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This study aimed to compare the performance of high-speed distances during consecutive matches of congested and non-congested fixture periods, in professional football players. Methods Twenty-two football players from a Portuguese male professional football team involved in sequences of two to four matches from two seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024), with a minimum participation of 70 minutes for each player, were analysed. Metrics included were high-speed running, sprint, distances above 80 and 90% of maximum velocity in meters per minute, compared between and within matches for the full match, first and second halves. Results No significant differences in meters per minutes across the different high-speed distance metrics could be attributed to consecutive match participation across all variables (p \(\:\ge\:\) 0.079). Conclusion High-speed running performance was not influenced by fixture congestion, suggesting that alternative metrics may be required to detect potential effects of congested schedules in professional football. performance load velocity sprint soccer INTRODUCTION Football calendars and season fixtures are becoming increasingly demanding for football players, both from a physical and mental health perspective, with congested periods (CP) of competition occurring frequently throughout a season [ 7 ]. CP, characterised by matches played with less than five days of rest between them (e.g., back-to-back matches), may compromise the ability to fully recover physically, as the recovery process can last three to five days [ 21 , 28 ]. Entities such as the Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) have been raising awareness of the detrimental effects on players health and performance due to the increasing number of CP [ 14 ]. Despite the rationale associated with performance decrements during CP in football, research findings have been contradictory on this subject. Saidi et al. [ 25 ] reported a detrimental effect of CP on fitness status of male professional players before and after six-weeks during which ten matches were disputed regularly twice a week. After this period, performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1, Repeated Shuttle Sprint Ability and Squat Jump was significantly reduced, alongside higher blood lactate concentrations following the repeated sprint test. Regarding physical performance in football, velocity running efforts have been increasing throughout the years and have been associated with decisive actions in the game [ 13 , 16 ]. For example, 45% of decisive actions, such as scoring, involve sprint efforts [ 13 ]. To quantify velocity-based efforts, the volumes of High-Speed Running (HSR) and sprint distance covered above 19.8 km/h and 25.1 km/h, respectively, are used as indicators of performance and physical demands in football [ 16 , 20 , 24 ]. Despite the importance of these absolute thresholds, they may not distinguish or express the impact of velocity relative efforts in football. The threshold of 25.1 km/h represents only 76.0% to 69.7% of maximal speed for most players, whose maximum values typically range from 33.0 to 36.0 km/h [ 1 ]. Secondly, although running above 25.1 km/h demands a significant increase in hip flexion and extension forces [ 26 ], research has shown that exceeding 80% (V80) and particularly 90% (V90) of maximal velocity leads to increased lower body stiffness [ 19 ] and stress imposed on muscles such as the hamstrings. The combined effect of increased stiffness and muscular stress likely explains why the 80% threshold is associated with the injury mechanism of most hamstring running injuries [ 1 ]. The impact of CP on velocity running efforts in football remains unclear, as existing research suggests that distances performed at several velocity thresholds are unaffected by the congested calendar [ 18 , 22 ]. Pinheiro et al. [ 22 ] compared performances of different velocity distances between players with a minimum of 75 minutes of participation in matches, with three to four and six to seven days intervals, observing no differences despite the high rate of match involvement. Some studies included exclusively players with a minimum participation of 75 minutes during congested and non-congested periods (NCP) [ 8 , 23 ] and focused exclusively on speed zones, with no effect of increasing match exposure on several velocity distance zones. However, in these studies, the thresholds of 21 km/h [ 8 ] and 23 km/h [ 23 ] were adopted for the highest distance zones. In a similar fashion, Djaoui et al. [ 11 ] analysed the physical performance of players from the First French League involved in full matches during three congested periods throughout a season, for both domestic and UEFA Champions League competitions. A novelty in their study is that it was the first to include a higher velocity distance zone above 27 km/h, together with five other lower zones. However, and similarly to general research, no differences were observed between the CP and NCP. As for higher relative thresholds during CP, Gualtieri et al. [ 17 ] conducted the only investigation adopting V80 to examine a series of back-to-back matches. However, the study only compared starters and non-starters in Serie A players during two blocks of 21 days of CP, showing that starters tend to accumulate higher total match and training workload across several velocity distances, relative to non-starters. The effect of consecutive match participation on higher relative velocity thresholds, such as V80 and V90, remains unexamined. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare performance, in the form of intensity, of HSR, sprint, V80 and V90, over a series of matches during CP and NCP, in professional football players. Given the higher mechanical demands of V80 and V90 on lower limb muscles, an adequate level of recovery is expected to be necessary after a football match [ 21 , 28 ], hence it was hypothesised that V80 and V90 would be more negatively affected than HSR and sprint during consecutive back-to-back match participation. METHODS Experimental Approach to the Problem A retrospective observational analysis was conducted to compare external load speed-related distances across sequences of two to four consecutive matches during CP and NCP over two seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024). Competitions included domestic Portuguese competitions such as Liga I, League Cup and Portuguese Cup, and UEFA competitions such as Champions League (2022–2023) and Europa League (2023–2024). Subjects Twenty-two male professional football players (age 25.5 ± 3.9 years; height: 181.9 ± 7.4 cm; weight: 78.8 ± 7.6 kg) were included in the study. A minimum participation time of 70 minutes per game was set as the inclusion criterion, maximising sample size while ensuring exposure to fatigue effects, typically observed in the second half of matches [ 9 ]. A total of seven centre-backs, three wingbacks, five midfielders and seven forwards participated in a sufficient number and sequence of matches to be included in the study. All procedures were approved by the club’s review board, and all data were anonymised before analysis. Informed consent was obtained from all players participating in this study. Procedures for training data processing were performed according to the Helsinki Declaration as revised in 2013. Procedures A match was considered as part of a CP when fewer than five days separated the final whistle of one match from the kick-off of the next [ 7 ]. For NCP sequences, a match was considered consecutive when separated by more than five but less than eight days, as that would be a regular one game per week schedule. Intervals exceeding eight days marked the start of a new NCP sequence. Only sequences with at least two consecutive NCP matches were included, and no isolated NCP match was analysed. In some cases, some matches could be part of two sequences. For example, a match could be included as a second match of NCP period and be also the first match of a CP. All players involved had at least one sequence of four consecutive matches in both CP and NCP. However, the number of sequences completed per player varied, resulting in fewer observations for the third and fourth matches (Table 1 ). Goalkeepers were excluded due to distinct running demands. Table 1 Number of matches and minutes analysed in Congested and Non-Congested Periods. Order First Second Third Fourth Period CP NCP CP NCP CP NCP CP NCP Total matches (n) 189 186 189 186 71 66 22 23 Full match (min) Total 19787 17069 19727 15967 8641 6576 2897 3185 Mean ± SD 823.8 ± 549.4 692.4 ± 538.6 812.9 ± 552.4 654.0 ± 452.1 474.9 ± 298.0 301.1 ± 277.7 259.0 ± 195.2 299.4 ± 238.8 1st Half (min) Total 10054 8907 9951 8161 4326 3319 1303 1573 Mean ± SD 394.1 ± 278.7 382.7 ± 281.4 411.5 ± 265.8 342.0 ± 226.3 248.8 ± 146.8 147.1 ± 140.2 143.5 ± 68.5 152.5 + 106.9 2nd Half (min) Total 9553 8162 9308 7379 3988 3126 1180 1650 Mean ± SD 378.4 ± 280.2 292.7 ± 260.0 386.1 ± 258.1 289.8 ± 213.5 225.4 ± 140.0 141.2 ± 143.3 105.4 ± 76.4 146.3 ± 126.7 Abbreviations: CP, Congested Period; NCP, Non-Congested Period. External load velocity-related distances (HSR, sprint, V80 and V90) were collected from competitive matches using 10-Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) units (APEX, STATSports) incorporated into the players’ jerseys on the upper thoracic spine between the scapulae. To account for between-unit variability, the same GPS unit was used by each participant for subsequent matches. After each match, the raw data files were analysed, and individual match HSR, sprint, V80 and V90 distances were obtained from the company’s software (STATSports Sonra software, version 4.0, STATSports). V80 and V90 were calculated using each player’s maximal velocity, determined from the highest velocity reached in the previous three months to account for seasonal maximal velocity variations [ 6 ]. Metrics were presented as an intensity measure (meters per minute) to overcome limitations of analysis based solely on volume and to account for differences in minutes played by each player, given the adoption of 70 minutes as an inclusion criterion [ 12 ]. Comparisons between total match load together with first and second halves were performed for consecutive matches within each period and for the same matches between periods (CP vs NCP). Different number of matches disputed per each player within each sequence existed and therefore, an average of total minutes was included. For example, the maximum number of first matches from the CP period for a player was nineteen and the minimum number was one, whereas for NCP matches there were eighteen and two, respectively. Averaging each player’s metrics per minute of participation and including all matches that met the 70-minute criterion avoided excluding relevant data. Statistical analysis Statistical analysis was conducted in R (version 4.2.3) using linear mixed-effects models (lme4 package; version 1.1–37) to account for within- and between-subject variability. HSR, sprint, V80 and V90 (m/min) were compared between period (CP vs NCP) and within match order (Match 1 vs Match 2 vs Match 3 vs Match 4) as fixed factors, with participants included as a random factor, using the model: Meters per minute ~ Period * Order + (1|Participant identifier). Residuals showed no influential outliers and were normally distributed, so no data were removed or transformed. Type III ANOVA with Satterthwaite’s method was used to test the main and interaction effects of order and period, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Number of matches and minutes Although the number of analysed matches was similar between CP and NCP, NCP generally showed fewer minutes, except in the fourth match, while playing time declined across sequences in both periods (Table 1 ). HSD, Sprint, V80 and V90 Group means and standard deviations for all metrics across match order and period are presented in Table 2 . Table 2 Meters per minute covered at HSR, Sprint, V80 and V90 during Congested and Non-Congested Periods. Period CP NCP Order First Second Third Fourth First Second Third Fourth HSR (m/min) Full match 8.55 ± 2.60 8.50 ± 2.40 9.05 ± 2.40 9.21 ± 2.57 8.35 ± 2.61 8.50 ± 2.38 9.37 ± 2.59 10.20 ± 2.48 1st Half 8.69 ± 2.70 8.75 ± 2.60 9.09 ± 2.62 9.16 ± 2.86 8.89 ± 2.70 9.00 ± 2.60 10.16 ± 3.05 10.42 ± 3.11 2nd Half 8.05 ± 2.70 8.07 ± 2.34 8.04 ± 2.36 8.30 ± 2.75 7.66 ± 2.62 8.68 ± 2.47 8.36 ± 2.84 8.64 ± 2.25 Sprint (m/min) Full match 1.85 ± 0.83 1.88 ± 0.88 1.79 ± 0.98 2.08 ± 0.78 1.79 ± 0.89 1.83 ± 0.84 1.87 ± 1.10 2.35 ± 0.86 1st Half 2.06 ± 0.83 1.90 ± 0.88 2.12 ± 1.02 2.19 ± 0.91 1.97 ± 0.93 1.88 ± 0.89 1.55 ± 1.01 2.73 ± 0.97 2nd Half 1.66 ± 0.91 1.76 ± 0.94 1.97 ± 1.06 1.90 ± 0.83 1.56 ± 0.91 1.87 ± 0.86 1.83 ± 1.31 2.01 ± 0.86 V80 (m/min) Full match 0.49 ± 0.32 0.54 ± 0.43 0.64 ± 0.34 0.53 ± 0.36 0.64 ± 0.34 0.57 ± 0.42 0.51 ± 0.41 0.64 ± 0.26 1st Half 0.51 ± 0.30 0.57 ± 0.41 0.53 ± 0.40 0.6 ± 0.44 0.57 ± 0.42 0.60 ± 0.50 0.50 ± 0.37 0.60 ± 0.29 2nd Half 0.47 ± 0.44 0.51 ± 0.47 0.51 ± 0.47 0.5 ± 0.40 0.62 ± 0.32 0.45 ± 0.37 0.51 ± 0.47 0.6 ± 0.37 V90 (m/min) Full match 0.04 ± 0.07 0.04 ± 0.08 0.04 ± 0.63 0.04 ± 0.10 0.05 ± 0.06 0.05 ± 0.11 0.01 ± 0.10 0.02 ± 0.06 1st Half 0.02 ± 0.05 0.04 ± 0.12 0.03 ± 0.10 0.01 ± 0.09 0.04 ± 0.10 0.05 ± 0.14 0.03 ± 0.13 0.02 ± 0.07 2nd Half 0.05 ± 0.12 0.03 ± 0.06 0.02 ± 0.06 0.02 ± 0.14 0.04 ± 0.05 0.03 ± 0.10 0.01 ± 0.14 0.00 ± 0.09 Abbreviations: CP, Congested Period; NCP, Non-Congested Period; HSR, High-speed running; V80, Distance covered above 80% of maximal speed; V90, Distance covered above 90% of maximal speed. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. There were no effects of period (F 1,108−111 \(\:\le\:\) 3.15; p \(\:\ge\:\) 0.079) or order (F 3,111−113 \(\:\le\:\) 1.89; p \(\:\ge\:\) 0.135) on any of the combinations of metrics (HSR, Sprint, V80, V90) with parts of the match (first half, second half, total; Table 3 ). Similarly, no interaction between period and order was observed (F 3,108−111 \(\:\le\:\) 2.10; p \(\:\ge\:\) 0.104; Table 3 ). Table 3 Main effects and interaction of Period and Order for HSR, Sprint, V80 and V90 from Type III ANOVA. Abbreviations: NumDF, Numerator Degrees of Freedom; DenDF, Denominator Degrees of Freedom; HSR, High-speed running ; V80, Distance covered above 80% of maximal speed ; V90, Distance covered above 90% of maximal speed. Metric Part of the Game Effect NumDF DenDF F value p-value HSR (m/min) First Half Period 1 110.960 3.151 0.079 Order 3 111.300 0.428 0.733 Period×Order 3 110.960 1.000 0.396 Second Half Period 1 110.890 0.286 0.594 Order 3 111.590 1.387 0.250 Period×Order 3 110.890 0.301 0.825 Total Period 1 110.960 2.473 0.119 Order 3 111.220 0.270 0.847 Period×Order 3 110.960 0.212 0.888 Sprint (m/min) First Half Period 1 110.960 0.679 0.412 Order 3 111.430 0.196 0.899 Period×Order 3 110.960 2.103 0.104 Second Half Period 1 110.910 0.264 0.608 Order 3 111.870 1.502 0.218 Period×Order 3 110.910 0.078 0.972 Total Period 1 110.960 0.810 0.370 Order 3 111.420 0.758 0.520 Period×Order 3 110.960 0.553 0.647 V80 (m/min) First Half Period 1 110.360 0.780 0.379 Order 3 111.630 0.275 0.843 Period×Order 3 110.360 0.620 0.604 Second Half Period 1 109.980 0.065 0.799 Order 3 111.880 0.313 0.816 Period×Order 3 109.980 0.237 0.871 Total Period 1 110.440 0.032 0.858 Order 3 111.470 0.153 0.928 Period×Order 3 110.440 0.566 0.639 V90 (m/min) First Half Period 1 109.060 0.934 0.336 Order 3 111.890 1.894 0.135 Period×Order 3 109.060 0.249 0.862 Second Half Period 1 107.850 0.274 0.602 Order 3 112.740 0.237 0.871 Period×Order 3 107.850 1.125 0.342 Total Period 1 109.940 0.002 0.964 Order 3 111.460 0.676 0.569 Period×Order 3 109.940 0.576 0.632 DISCUSSION The purpose of this study was to compare velocity-related external load metrics during CP and NCP, in players with a consecutive rate of match participation exceeding 70 minutes. The findings of the present study showed no significant differences between or within matches (see Table 3 ) that could be attributed to a consecutive exposure to a congested schedule. Similar outcomes were observed for total match minutes, first and second halves comparisons for HSR, sprint, V80 and V90. Several factors may explain why players maintained similar velocity-related outputs during consecutive matches in CP and NCP, particularly for HSR and sprint. In professional football, both HSR and sprint thresholds typically constitute less than 80% of player’s maximal speed, thus imposing a lower mechanical demand than V80 [ 1 , 19 ]. Hence, it was hypothesised that consecutive match exposure with short recovery, as in CP, would more likely negatively affect higher relative velocity zones such as V80 and V90. However, as football is a team sport, strategic actions dictated by the interaction with the opponent and the game plan determined by the coach might lead to a similar number of behaviours across all matches. Therefore, even if some fatigue resulted from CP matches, players still needed to perform actions such as pursuing opponents or exploiting spaces at high velocity to fulfil tactical roles. Consequently, velocity-related outputs, including meters per minute, may remain unchanged, even if actions occur with slight delays relative to opponents or individual standards. Accordingly, Folgado et al. [ 15 ] reported reduced tactical synchronisation during congested fixtures but no differences in velocity metrics, which only included speed zones above HSR. Consequently, and to complement the existent research, the present study analysed meters per minute for HSR and sprint, along with V80 and V90, with no CP effect observed. The use of high-intensity relative speed metrics such as V90 to compare continuous match performance may be limited given the small values these metrics express (see Table 2 ), potentially reducing statistical power and applicability. Bucheit el al. [ 5 ] reported that midfielders and attackers exceeded 90% of maximal speed in only 65% and 35% of matches, respectively, highlighting the influence of positional roles and tactical constraints rather than reduced performance. Likewise, V80 showed no significant differences despite its higher volume comparatively to V90. However, similarly to V90, positional variations persist, as centre-backs and midfielders typically record lower sprint distances than full-backs and wide midfielders [ 2 , 3 ], with Beato et al. [ 4 ] further supporting a position effect on meters per minute of HSR. In the present analysis, data were collected from players across all field positions in a 3-4-3 tactical system. The difference in volume, and consequently meters per minute across these metrics in different positions might have dissipated a potential detrimental effect of CP for positions that typically accumulate more high-intensity distance such as wingbacks and forwards. A small sample may have limited the analysis, as only 22 players with high consecutive match exposure were included. In addition, the amount of third and fourth matches performed in each period was substantially lower than the second match. Furthermore, several outfield positions were combined for analysis despite known positional differences in V80 and V90 match play performance. Isolating positional data from positions exposed to higher velocity demands such as wingbacks or forwards, might reveal effects masked by including centre-backs and midfielders. Alternative metrics might enhance the detection of performance changes, as shown by reductions in high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (above and below 2 and 3 m/s², respectively) during CP [ 10 ]. Similarly, peak match running demands have revealed reductions in second-half performance [ 27 ] and could provide further insight into congested fixtures. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS There was no impact of consecutive match exposure during CP using velocity-related metrics per minute for HSR, sprint, V80 and V90. Hence, V80 and V90 offered no additional information beyond HSR and sprint regarding potential effects of CP on football players’ physical performance. Therefore, congested and non-congested matches do not present differences in speed distances per minute in players with a high rate of match exposure. Future research might benefit from alternative metrics, such as the density of accelerations and decelerations, or analysis based on peak game demands, to better detect any potential effects of CP on physical performance. Declarations We declare that this manuscript is original, has not been published before and is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere. We confirm that all authors have read and approved the content of the manuscript and agree with its submission to the journal. All listed authors meet the criteria for authorship, and there are no other individuals who qualify for authorship but are not included. The order of authors has been mutually agreed upon by all contributors. We also confirm that the research described in this manuscript was conducted in accordance with the current laws and ethical standards of the country in which the study was performed. The Corresponding Author has been designated as the primary point of contact throughout the editorial process and is responsible for communication with all co-authors regarding submission, revisions, and final approval of the proofs. Data sets generated during the current research are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author and with the permission of Sporting Clube de Portugal SAD. We have no conflicts of interests to declare. We understand that authors are accountable for the integrity of the work and acknowledge responsibility for the accuracy of the statements provided above. Author Contribution P.B. and F.T. conceptualised the study. P.B., P.A., A.B. and F.T. contributed to writing the manuscript. L.N. performed the statistical analysis. JP.A. and F.T. supervised the project. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript. 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18:34:55","extension":"html","order_by":7,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":114332,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8302228/v1/175cc1c21eafb18354b908a2.html"},{"id":100622730,"identity":"9ce2f710-0da9-4185-81e6-42d088e085e0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-19 18:43:18","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":754926,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8302228/v1/e7ec9087-26ec-4a0b-9455-6ce8b461336e.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"High-speed distances during congested and non-congested periods in professional footballers with elevated match exposure","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eFootball calendars and season fixtures are becoming increasingly demanding for football players, both from a physical and mental health perspective, with congested periods (CP) of competition occurring frequently throughout a season [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. CP, characterised by matches played with less than five days of rest between them (e.g., back-to-back matches), may compromise the ability to fully recover physically, as the recovery process can last three to five days [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. Entities such as the F\u0026eacute;d\u0026eacute;ration Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) have been raising awareness of the detrimental effects on players health and performance due to the increasing number of CP [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the rationale associated with performance decrements during CP in football, research findings have been contradictory on this subject. Saidi et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e] reported a detrimental effect of CP on fitness status of male professional players before and after six-weeks during which ten matches were disputed regularly twice a week. After this period, performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1, Repeated Shuttle Sprint Ability and Squat Jump was significantly reduced, alongside higher blood lactate concentrations following the repeated sprint test.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding physical performance in football, velocity running efforts have been increasing throughout the years and have been associated with decisive actions in the game [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. For example, 45% of decisive actions, such as scoring, involve sprint efforts [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. To quantify velocity-based efforts, the volumes of High-Speed Running (HSR) and sprint distance covered above 19.8 km/h and 25.1 km/h, respectively, are used as indicators of performance and physical demands in football [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Despite the importance of these absolute thresholds, they may not distinguish or express the impact of velocity relative efforts in football. The threshold of 25.1 km/h represents only 76.0% to 69.7% of maximal speed for most players, whose maximum values typically range from 33.0 to 36.0 km/h [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Secondly, although running above 25.1 km/h demands a significant increase in hip flexion and extension forces [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e], research has shown that exceeding 80% (V80) and particularly 90% (V90) of maximal velocity leads to increased lower body stiffness [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e] and stress imposed on muscles such as the hamstrings. The combined effect of increased stiffness and muscular stress likely explains why the 80% threshold is associated with the injury mechanism of most hamstring running injuries [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe impact of CP on velocity running efforts in football remains unclear, as existing research suggests that distances performed at several velocity thresholds are unaffected by the congested calendar [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. Pinheiro et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e] compared performances of different velocity distances between players with a minimum of 75 minutes of participation in matches, with three to four and six to seven days intervals, observing no differences despite the high rate of match involvement. Some studies included exclusively players with a minimum participation of 75 minutes during congested and non-congested periods (NCP) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e] and focused exclusively on speed zones, with no effect of increasing match exposure on several velocity distance zones. However, in these studies, the thresholds of 21 km/h [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e] and 23 km/h [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e] were adopted for the highest distance zones. In a similar fashion, Djaoui et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e] analysed the physical performance of players from the First French League involved in full matches during three congested periods throughout a season, for both domestic and UEFA Champions League competitions. A novelty in their study is that it was the first to include a higher velocity distance zone above 27 km/h, together with five other lower zones. However, and similarly to general research, no differences were observed between the CP and NCP.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs for higher relative thresholds during CP, Gualtieri et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e] conducted the only investigation adopting V80 to examine a series of back-to-back matches. However, the study only compared starters and non-starters in Serie A players during two blocks of 21 days of CP, showing that starters tend to accumulate higher total match and training workload across several velocity distances, relative to non-starters. The effect of consecutive match participation on higher relative velocity thresholds, such as V80 and V90, remains unexamined. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare performance, in the form of intensity, of HSR, sprint, V80 and V90, over a series of matches during CP and NCP, in professional football players. Given the higher mechanical demands of V80 and V90 on lower limb muscles, an adequate level of recovery is expected to be necessary after a football match [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e], hence it was hypothesised that V80 and V90 would be more negatively affected than HSR and sprint during consecutive back-to-back match participation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eExperimental Approach to the Problem\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA retrospective observational analysis was conducted to compare external load speed-related distances across sequences of two to four consecutive matches during CP and NCP over two seasons (2022\u0026ndash;2023 and 2023\u0026ndash;2024). Competitions included domestic Portuguese competitions such as Liga I, League Cup and Portuguese Cup, and UEFA competitions such as Champions League (2022\u0026ndash;2023) and Europa League (2023\u0026ndash;2024).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSubjects\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwenty-two male professional football players (age 25.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.9 years; height: 181.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.4 cm; weight: 78.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.6 kg) were included in the study. A minimum participation time of 70 minutes per game was set as the inclusion criterion, maximising sample size while ensuring exposure to fatigue effects, typically observed in the second half of matches [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. A total of seven centre-backs, three wingbacks, five midfielders and seven forwards participated in a sufficient number and sequence of matches to be included in the study. All procedures were approved by the club\u0026rsquo;s review board, and all data were anonymised before analysis. Informed consent was obtained from all players participating in this study. Procedures for training data processing were performed according to the Helsinki Declaration as revised in 2013.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProcedures\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA match was considered as part of a CP when fewer than five days separated the final whistle of one match from the kick-off of the next [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. For NCP sequences, a match was considered consecutive when separated by more than five but less than eight days, as that would be a regular one game per week schedule. Intervals exceeding eight days marked the start of a new NCP sequence. Only sequences with at least two consecutive NCP matches were included, and no isolated NCP match was analysed. In some cases, some matches could be part of two sequences. For example, a match could be included as a second match of NCP period and be also the first match of a CP. All players involved had at least one sequence of four consecutive matches in both CP and NCP. However, the number of sequences completed per player varied, resulting in fewer observations for the third and fourth matches (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Goalkeepers were excluded due to distinct running demands.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumber of matches and minutes analysed in Congested and Non-Congested Periods.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"12\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecond\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThird\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFourth\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ematches (n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e189\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e186\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e189\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e186\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFull\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ematch (min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19787\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17069\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19727\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15967\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8641\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6576\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2897\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3185\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e823.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;549.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e692.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;538.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e812.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;552.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e654.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;452.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e474.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;298.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e301.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;277.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e259.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;195.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e299.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;238.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1st Half (min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10054\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8907\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9951\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8161\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4326\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3319\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1303\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1573\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e394.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;278.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e382.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;281.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e411.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;265.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e342.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;226.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e248.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;146.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e147.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;140.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e143.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;68.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.5\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;106.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2nd Half (min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9553\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8162\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9308\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7379\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3988\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1180\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1650\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e378.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;280.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e292.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;260.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e386.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;258.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e289.8\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;213.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e225.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;140.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e141.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;143.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e105.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;76.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e146.3\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;126.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"12\"\u003eAbbreviations: CP, Congested Period; NCP, Non-Congested Period.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExternal load velocity-related distances (HSR, sprint, V80 and V90) were collected from competitive matches using 10-Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) units (APEX, STATSports) incorporated into the players\u0026rsquo; jerseys on the upper thoracic spine between the scapulae. To account for between-unit variability, the same GPS unit was used by each participant for subsequent matches. After each match, the raw data files were analysed, and individual match HSR, sprint, V80 and V90 distances were obtained from the company\u0026rsquo;s software (STATSports Sonra software, version 4.0, STATSports). V80 and V90 were calculated using each player\u0026rsquo;s maximal velocity, determined from the highest velocity reached in the previous three months to account for seasonal maximal velocity variations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMetrics were presented as an intensity measure (meters per minute) to overcome limitations of analysis based solely on volume and to account for differences in minutes played by each player, given the adoption of 70 minutes as an inclusion criterion [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Comparisons between total match load together with first and second halves were performed for consecutive matches within each period and for the same matches between periods (CP vs NCP). Different number of matches disputed per each player within each sequence existed and therefore, an average of total minutes was included. For example, the maximum number of first matches from the CP period for a player was nineteen and the minimum number was one, whereas for NCP matches there were eighteen and two, respectively. Averaging each player\u0026rsquo;s metrics per minute of participation and including all matches that met the 70-minute criterion avoided excluding relevant data.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eStatistical analysis was conducted in R (version 4.2.3) using linear mixed-effects models (lme4 package; version 1.1\u0026ndash;37) to account for within- and between-subject variability. HSR, sprint, V80 and V90 (m/min) were compared between period (CP vs NCP) and within match order (Match 1 vs Match 2 vs Match 3 vs Match 4) as fixed factors, with participants included as a random factor, using the model: Meters per minute\u0026thinsp;~\u0026thinsp;Period * Order + (1|Participant identifier). Residuals showed no influential outliers and were normally distributed, so no data were removed or transformed. Type III ANOVA with Satterthwaite\u0026rsquo;s method was used to test the main and interaction effects of order and period, with significance set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNumber of matches and minutes\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough the number of analysed matches was similar between CP and NCP, NCP generally showed fewer minutes, except in the fourth match, while playing time declined across sequences in both periods (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHSD, Sprint, V80 and V90\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGroup means and standard deviations for all metrics across match order and period are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeters per minute covered at HSR, Sprint, V80 and V90 during Congested and Non-Congested Periods.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNCP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecond\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThird\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFourth\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecond\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThird\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFourth\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHSR (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFull match\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1st Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2nd Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.36\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.64\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSprint (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFull match\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1st Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2nd Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eV80 (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFull match\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.64\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.64\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.64\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1st Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2nd Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eV90 (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFull match\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1st Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2nd Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"10\"\u003eAbbreviations: CP, Congested Period; NCP, Non-Congested Period; HSR, High-speed running; V80, Distance covered above 80% of maximal speed; V90, Distance covered above 90% of maximal speed. Data are expressed as mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere were no effects of period (F\u003csub\u003e1,108\u0026minus;111\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\le\\:\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e 3.15; p \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\ge\\:\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e 0.079) or order (F\u003csub\u003e3,111\u0026minus;113\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\le\\:\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e 1.89; p \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\ge\\:\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e 0.135) on any of the combinations of metrics (HSR, Sprint, V80, V90) with parts of the match (first half, second half, total; Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, no interaction between period and order was observed (F\u003csub\u003e3,108\u0026minus;111\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\le\\:\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e 2.10; p \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\ge\\:\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e 0.104; Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMain effects and interaction of Period and Order for HSR, Sprint, V80 and V90 from Type III ANOVA. Abbreviations: NumDF, Numerator Degrees of Freedom; DenDF, Denominator Degrees of Freedom; HSR, High-speed running ; V80, Distance covered above 80% of maximal speed ; V90, Distance covered above 90% of maximal speed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMetric\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePart of the Game\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumDF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDenDF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHSR (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.151\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.079\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.300\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.428\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.733\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.396\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecond Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.890\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.286\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.594\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.590\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.387\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.250\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.890\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.301\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.825\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.473\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.119\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.220\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.270\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.847\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.212\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.888\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSprint (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.679\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.412\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.430\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.196\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.899\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.103\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.104\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecond Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.910\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.264\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.608\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.870\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.502\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.218\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.910\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.078\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.972\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.810\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.370\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.420\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.758\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.520\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.960\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.553\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.647\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eV80 (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.360\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.780\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.379\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.630\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.275\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.843\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.360\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.620\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.604\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecond Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109.980\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.065\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.799\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.880\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.313\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.816\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109.980\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.237\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.871\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.440\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.032\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.858\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.470\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.153\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.928\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110.440\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.566\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.639\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eV90 (m/min)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109.060\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.934\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.336\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.890\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.894\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.135\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109.060\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.249\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.862\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecond Half\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107.850\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.274\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.602\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e112.740\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.237\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.871\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e 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colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.964\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrder\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e111.460\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.676\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.569\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeriod\u0026times;Order\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109.940\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.576\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.632\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e "},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe purpose of this study was to compare velocity-related external load metrics during CP and NCP, in players with a consecutive rate of match participation exceeding 70 minutes. The findings of the present study showed no significant differences between or within matches (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) that could be attributed to a consecutive exposure to a congested schedule. Similar outcomes were observed for total match minutes, first and second halves comparisons for HSR, sprint, V80 and V90.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeveral factors may explain why players maintained similar velocity-related outputs during consecutive matches in CP and NCP, particularly for HSR and sprint. In professional football, both HSR and sprint thresholds typically constitute less than 80% of player’s maximal speed, thus imposing a lower mechanical demand than V80 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Hence, it was hypothesised that consecutive match exposure with short recovery, as in CP, would more likely negatively affect higher relative velocity zones such as V80 and V90. However, as football is a team sport, strategic actions dictated by the interaction with the opponent and the game plan determined by the coach might lead to a similar number of behaviours across all matches. Therefore, even if some fatigue resulted from CP matches, players still needed to perform actions such as pursuing opponents or exploiting spaces at high velocity to fulfil tactical roles. Consequently, velocity-related outputs, including meters per minute, may remain unchanged, even if actions occur with slight delays relative to opponents or individual standards. Accordingly, Folgado et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e] reported reduced tactical synchronisation during congested fixtures but no differences in velocity metrics, which only included speed zones above HSR. Consequently, and to complement the existent research, the present study analysed meters per minute for HSR and sprint, along with V80 and V90, with no CP effect observed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe use of high-intensity relative speed metrics such as V90 to compare continuous match performance may be limited given the small values these metrics express (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e), potentially reducing statistical power and applicability. Bucheit el al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] reported that midfielders and attackers exceeded 90% of maximal speed in only 65% and 35% of matches, respectively, highlighting the influence of positional roles and tactical constraints rather than reduced performance. Likewise, V80 showed no significant differences despite its higher volume comparatively to V90. However, similarly to V90, positional variations persist, as centre-backs and midfielders typically record lower sprint distances than full-backs and wide midfielders [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e], with Beato et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e] further supporting a position effect on meters per minute of HSR. In the present analysis, data were collected from players across all field positions in a 3-4-3 tactical system. The difference in volume, and consequently meters per minute across these metrics in different positions might have dissipated a potential detrimental effect of CP for positions that typically accumulate more high-intensity distance such as wingbacks and forwards.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA small sample may have limited the analysis, as only 22 players with high consecutive match exposure were included. In addition, the amount of third and fourth matches performed in each period was substantially lower than the second match. Furthermore, several outfield positions were combined for analysis despite known positional differences in V80 and V90 match play performance. Isolating positional data from positions exposed to higher velocity demands such as wingbacks or forwards, might reveal effects masked by including centre-backs and midfielders. Alternative metrics might enhance the detection of performance changes, as shown by reductions in high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (above and below 2 and 3 m/s², respectively) during CP [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Similarly, peak match running demands have revealed reductions in second-half performance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] and could provide further insight into congested fixtures.\u003c/p\u003e "},{"header":"PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThere was no impact of consecutive match exposure during CP using velocity-related metrics per minute for HSR, sprint, V80 and V90. Hence, V80 and V90 offered no additional information beyond HSR and sprint regarding potential effects of CP on football players’ physical performance. Therefore, congested and non-congested matches do not present differences in speed distances per minute in players with a high rate of match exposure. Future research might benefit from alternative metrics, such as the density of accelerations and decelerations, or analysis based on peak game demands, to better detect any potential effects of CP on physical performance.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":" \u003cp\u003eWe declare that this manuscript is original, has not been published before and is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe confirm that all authors have read and approved the content of the manuscript and agree with its submission to the journal. All listed authors meet the criteria for authorship, and there are no other individuals who qualify for authorship but are not included. The order of authors has been mutually agreed upon by all contributors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe also confirm that the research described in this manuscript was conducted in accordance with the current laws and ethical standards of the country in which the study was performed. The Corresponding Author has been designated as the primary point of contact throughout the editorial process and is responsible for communication with all co-authors regarding submission, revisions, and final approval of the proofs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData sets generated during the current research are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author and with the permission of Sporting Clube de Portugal SAD.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe have no conflicts of interests to declare. We understand that authors are accountable for the integrity of the work and acknowledge responsibility for the accuracy of the statements provided above.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eP.B. and F.T. conceptualised the study. P.B., P.A., A.B. and F.T. contributed to writing the manuscript. L.N. performed the statistical analysis. JP.A. and F.T. supervised the project. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData sets generated during the current research are available upon request to the corresponding author and with the permission of Sporting Clube de Portugal SAD.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAiello F, Claudio C, Fanchini M. Do non-contact injuries occur during high-speed running in elite football? Preliminary results from a novel GPS and video-based method. \u003cem\u003eJ Sci Med Sport\u003c/em\u003e 26: 465\u0026ndash;470, 2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlonso-Callejo A, Garcia-Unane J, Perez-Guerra A. Effect of playing position and microcycle days on the acceleration profile of elite football players. \u003cem\u003eSci Rep\u003c/em\u003e 12: 19266, 2022.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAndrzejewski M, Chmura J, Pluta, B. Sprinting activities and distance covered by top level Europa League soccer players. \u003cem\u003eInt J Sports Sci Coach\u003c/em\u003e 10: 39\u0026ndash;50, 2015.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeato M, Youngs A, Costin AJ. 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Straight sprinting is the most frequent action in goal situations in professional football. \u003cem\u003eJ Sports Sci\u003c/em\u003e 30: 625\u0026ndash;631, 2012.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFIFPRO. Extreme calendar congestion: The adverse effects on player health and wellness, in PWM annual workload report. 2023, Hoofddorp. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://fifpro.org/en/workload-monitoring-tool\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://fifpro.org/en/workload-monitoring-tool\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFolgado H, Duarte R, Marques P. The effects of congested fixtures period on tactical and physical performance in elite football. J Sports Sci 33: 1238\u0026ndash;1247, 2015.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGualtieri A, Rampinini E, Lacono A. High-speed running and sprinting in professional adult soccer: current thresholds definition, match demands and training strategies. A systematic review. Front Sport Active Living 5: 1\u0026ndash;16, 2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGualtieri A, Rampinini E, Sassi R. Workload monitoring in top-level soccer players during congested fixture periods. \u003cem\u003eInt J Sports Med.\u003c/em\u003e 2020 41: 677\u0026ndash;681.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJulian R, Page R, Harper L. The effect of fixture congestion on performance during professional male soccer match-play: a systematic critical review with meta-analysis. \u003cem\u003eSports Med\u003c/em\u003e 51: 255\u0026ndash;273, 2021.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKuitunen S, Komi P, Kyrolainen H. Knee and ankle joint stiffness in sprint running. Med Sci Sports Exerc 34: 166\u0026ndash;173, 2002.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLago-Pe\u0026ntilde;as C, Lorenzo-Martinez M, L\u0026oacute;pez-Del Campo R. Evolution of physical and technical parameters in the Spanish LaLiga 2012\u0026ndash;2019. \u003cem\u003eSci Med Foot\u003c/em\u003e 7: 41\u0026ndash;46, 2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eN\u0026eacute;d\u0026eacute;lec M, McCall A, Carling C, et al. Recovery in soccer: part I - post-match fatigue and time course of recovery. \u003cem\u003eSports Med\u003c/em\u003e 42: 997\u0026ndash;1015, 2012.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePinheiro GS, Quint\u0026atilde;o RC, Claudino JG. High rate of muscle injury despite no changes in physical, physiological and psychophysiological parameters in a professional football team during a long-congested fixture period. \u003cem\u003eRes Sports Med\u003c/em\u003e 31: 744\u0026ndash;755, 2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRey E, Lago-Penas C, Lago-Ballesteros J. The effect of a congested fixture period on the activity of elite soccer players. \u003cem\u003eBiol Sport\u003c/em\u003e 27: 181\u0026ndash;185, 2010.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReynolds J, Connor M, Jamil M. Quantifying and comparing the match demands of U18, U23, and 1st team English professional soccer players. \u003cem\u003eFront Physiol\u003c/em\u003e 12:706451, 2021.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSaidi K, Zouhal H, Rhibi F, et al. Effects of a six-week period of congested match play on plasma volume variations, hematological parameters, training workload and physical fitness in elite soccer players. \u003cem\u003ePLoS ONE\u003c/em\u003e 14: 1\u0026ndash;17, 2019.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSchache, A., Dorn, T., Williams, G., Brown, N., \u0026amp; Pandy, M. (2014). Lower-limb muscular strategies for increasing running speed. \u003cem\u003eJ Orthop Sports Phys Ther\u003c/em\u003e 44: 813\u0026ndash;824, 2014.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThoseby B, Govus A, Clarke A. Positional and temporal differences in peak match running demands of elite football. \u003cem\u003eBiol Sport\u003c/em\u003e 40: 311\u0026ndash;319, 2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWiig H, Raastad T, Luteberget LS, et al. External Load Variables Affect Recovery Markers up to 72 h After Semi-professional Football Matches. \u003cem\u003eFront Physiol\u003c/em\u003e 10:689, 2019.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"sport-sciences-for-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssfh","sideBox":"Learn more about [Sport Sciences for Health](http://link.springer.com/journal/11332)","snPcode":"11332","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11332/3","title":"Sport Sciences for Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"performance, load, velocity, sprint, soccer","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8302228/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8302228/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003ePurpose\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the rationale associated with performance decrements during congested periods, the impact on high-velocity running efforts in football remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the performance of high-speed distances during consecutive matches of congested and non-congested fixture periods, in professional football players.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwenty-two football players from a Portuguese male professional football team involved in sequences of two to four matches from two seasons (2022\u0026ndash;2023 and 2023\u0026ndash;2024), with a minimum participation of 70 minutes for each player, were analysed. Metrics included were high-speed running, sprint, distances above 80 and 90% of maximum velocity in meters per minute, compared between and within matches for the full match, first and second halves.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo significant differences in meters per minutes across the different high-speed distance metrics could be attributed to consecutive match participation across all variables (p \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\ge\\:\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e 0.079).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh-speed running performance was not influenced by fixture congestion, suggesting that alternative metrics may be required to detect potential effects of congested schedules in professional football.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"High-speed distances during congested and non-congested periods in professional footballers with elevated match exposure","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-01-19 18:02:16","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8302228/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"296353168851753828661307477133006976821","date":"2026-02-05T20:15:13+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"189612378768822628770102832438023296635","date":"2026-01-16T10:18:42+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-01-14T15:33:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-12-08T09:33:31+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-12-08T09:32:32+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Sport Sciences for Health","date":"2025-12-07T23:11:42+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"sport-sciences-for-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssfh","sideBox":"Learn more about [Sport Sciences for Health](http://link.springer.com/journal/11332)","snPcode":"11332","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11332/3","title":"Sport Sciences for Health","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"b73da10a-4a29-452a-99a6-4439631ad4c2","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 19th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-19T18:02:17+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-01-19 18:02:16","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8302228","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8302228","identity":"rs-8302228","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}