It is estimated 6.4% of males and 1.6% of females globally use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), mostly for appearance and performance enhancing reasons. In combination with resistance exercise, AAS use increases muscle protein synthesis resulting in skeletal muscle hypertrophy and increased performance. Primarily through binding to the androgen receptor, AAS exert their hypertrophic effects via genomic, non-genomic and anti-catabolic mechanisms. However, chronic AAS use also has a detrimental effect on metabolism ultimately increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Much research has focused on AAS effects on blood lipids and lipoproteins, with abnormal concentrations of these associated with insulin resistance, hypertension and increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT). This clustering of interconnected abnormalities is often referred as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore the impact of AAS use on mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy and markers of MetS. AAS use markedly decreases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and increases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Chronic AAS use also appears to cause higher fasting insulin levels and impaired glucose tolerance and possibly higher levels of VAT; however, research is currently lacking on the effects of AAS use on glucose metabolism. While cessation of AAS use can restore normal lipid levels, it may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as depression and hypogonadism that can increase CVD risk. Research is currently lacking on effective treatments for withdrawal symptoms and further long-term research is warranted on the effects of AAS use on metabolic health in males and females.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of workload prior to injury on injury (tissue type and severity) in professional soccer players. Twenty-eight days of retrospective training data prior to non-contact injuries (n=264) were collated from 192 professional soccer players. Each injury tissue type (muscle, tendon and ligament) and severity (days missed) were categorised by medical staff. Training data were recorded using global positioning system (GPS) devices for total distance (TD), high speed distance (HSD,>5.5 m/s⁻¹), and sprint distance (SPR,>7.0 m/s⁻¹). Accumulated 1, 2, 3, 4-weekly loads and acute:chronic workload ratios (ACWR) (coupled, uncoupled and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) approaches) were calculated. Workload variables and injury tissue type were compared using a one-way ANOVA. The association between workload variables and injury severity were examined using a bivariate correlation. There were no differences in accumulated weekly loads and ACWR calculations between muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries (P>0.05). Correlations between each workload variable and injury severity highlighted no significant associations (P>0.05). The present findings suggest that the ability of accumulated weekly workload or ACWR methods to differentiate between injury type and injury severity are limited using the present variables.

Purpose: To assess the reliability of a battery of field tests when performed around habitual training during one micro-cycle of the “in-season” period in youth elite soccer players. Methods: n = 19 English Premier League academy players (mean ± SD: age, 18.3 ± 0.2 years; stature, 1.80 ± 0.05 m; body mass, 76.5 ± 7.5 kg; O_{2 max}, 62.3 ± 4.38 ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹; sum of 8 skinfolds, 64.8 ± 17.4 mm) performed; “1RM half-back squat (HBS)”, “vertical jump” (VJ), “Yo-Yo IR2”, “5, 10 & 20 m, sprint”, change of direction “CoD test”, “repeated sprint ability” assessments around their habitual “in-season” training and match-play on two occasions. Intraclass correlations (ICC), typical errors, coefficient of variations (CV), effect sizes and the smallest difference needed to be considered real (MD) were calculated for each test. Results: Most assessments demonstrated good levels of variability (CV; 0.3–4.3%, ICC; 0.83–0.99). To witness an “almost certain beneficial change” (i.e., >MD), changes of approximately 5% are needed for RSA_best, RSA_mean, 10m and 20m sprint, “CoD” and 1RM HBS. Whereas, changes of 9–11.5% for CMJ, 5m sprint and Yo-Yo IR2 are needed. Conclusions: The present training and testing “model” is reliable and could be used when evaluating the fitness of highly trained youth elite soccer players during the “in-season” period.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the understanding and perceptions of professional football academy staff, youth players and parents/carers in the use of ‘bio-banding’ during a seven week, pre-season training period. Data included a series of one-to-one semi-structured interviews and semi-structured focus groups with the three participant groups. Data were collected at three distinct times: (1) pre-bio-banded training; (2) during-bio-banded training; and (3) post-bio-banded training. Data were analyzed qualitatively using a constant comparative approach. Results suggested that there are six key themes associated with bio-banding pre-season training: (1) interpretation of bio-banding; (2) perceived disadvantages; (3) perceived advantages; (4) changes to coaching planning and practice; (5) educating stakeholders; and (6) logistical issues. This study concludes by proposing applied practitioners consider the findings as a framework to guide operationalizing bio-banding in their environment.