Association between laboratory tests and physical–technical output in a women’s national team during the FIFA World Cup
摘要
This study aimed to determine the association between laboratory test-derived physical condition indicators and physical–technical performance of 12 players (age 22.5 ± 1.8 years; weight 58.5 ± 3.8 kg) obtained during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and heart rate (HRmax) were obtained via an incremental exercise test. Sprint performance was measured with split times at 10 m, 20 m, and 40 m using synchronized infrared timing gates. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multiple regression analysis were applied. Significance was established at p value < 0.05. Five factors were identified, of which the following explained 65.6% of the variance: EFA 1 = 10 m, 20 m and 40 m speeds, body weight, fat mass, distance covered at > 23 km/h, interceptions and step-in actions and EFA 2 = take-on, ball progressions, indirect pressing, attempted line breaks, passes attempted, and physical duels won. The results revealed that distance covered at > 23 km/h was associated with 40 m speed (r2 = 0.751, p = 0.023), top speed was associated with 40 m speed and body weight (r2 = 0.872, p = 0.006), and “step In” and “interceptions” actions were associated with 10 m accelerations (r2 = 0.488–0.758, p = 0.036–0.002). These findings suggest a possible association between laboratory tests and physical–technical outputs in elite women’s soccer, supporting the use of this information to individualize training programs.