This systematic review synthesizes evidence on biomarker responses to physiological loads in professional male team sport athletes, providing insights into induced fatigue states. Structured searches across major databases yielded 28 studies examining various biomarkers in elite team sport players. Studies evaluated muscle damage markers, anabolic/catabolic hormones reflecting metabolic strain, inflammatory markers indicating immune activity and tissue damage, immunological markers tied to infection risk, and oxidative stress markers showing redox imbalances from excessive physiological load. Responses were examined in official matches and training across competitive seasons. The evidence shows that professional team sports induce significant alterations in all studied biomarkers, reflecting measurable physiological strain, muscle damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immunosuppression during intensive exercise. These effects tend to be larger and more prolonged after official matches compared to training. Reported recovery time courses range from 24-h to several days post-exercise. Monitoring biomarkers enables quantifying cumulative fatigue and physiological adaptations to training/competition loads, helping to optimize performance while mitigating injury and overtraining. Key biomarkers include creatine kinase, testosterone, cortisol, testosterone/cortisol ratio, salivary immunoglobulin-A, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Further research should extend biomarker monitoring to cover psychological stress and affective states alongside physiological metrics for deeper insight into athlete wellness and readiness.

Specific physical qualities such as sprint running, change-of-direction or jump height are determinants of sports performance. Photocell systems are practical and easy to use systems to assess the time from point A to point B. In addition, these photoelectric systems are also used to obtain the time of vertically displaced movements. Knowing the accuracy and precision of photocell timing can be a determinant of ensuring a higher quality interpretation of results and of selecting the most appropriate devices for specific objectives. This systematic review aimed to identify and summarize studies that have examined the validity and reliability of photocells in sport sciences. A systematic review of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 164 studies initially identified, 16 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. Photocells appear to have a strong agreement with force plates (gold standard), but are not interchangeable to measure the vertical jump. For monitoring horizontal displacement, double beam systems, compared to single beam systems, are more valid and reliable when it comes to avoiding false triggers caused by swinging arms or legs.

The use of inertial devices in sport has become increasingly common. The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of multiple devices for measuring jump height in volleyball. The search was carried out in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and SPORTDiscus) using keywords and Boolean operators. Twenty-one studies were selected that met the established selection criteria. The studies focused on determining the validity and reliability of IMUs (52.38%), on controlling and quantifying external load (28.57%) and on describing differences between playing positions (19.05%). Indoor volleyball was the modality in which IMUs have been used the most. The most evaluated population was elite, adult and senior athletes. The IMUs were used both in training and in competition, evaluating mainly the amount of jump, the height of the jumps and some biomechanical aspects. Criteria and good validity values for jump counting are established. The reliability of the devices and the evidence is contradictory. IMUs are devices used in volleyball to count and measure vertical displacements and/or compare these measurements with the playing position, training or to determine the external load of the athletes. It has good validity measures, although inter-measurement reliability needs to be improved. Further studies are suggested to position IMUs as measuring instruments to analyze jumping and sport performance of players and teams.

Although there is a wide range of validated devices to measure vertical jump height, the degree of interchangeability among them is currently unknown. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity and reliability of multiple devices to measure jump height in men’s handball players. Methods: Sixteen players (age = 24.0 ± 3.7 years old) performed three types of jumps (n= 144—squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and Abalakov jump (ABK)) on a contact platform (CHRONOJUMP^®) while simultaneously being measured with two inertial devices (WIMU^® and VERT^®) and recorded with a high-speed camera. Vertical jump height was analyzed according to each type of jump. Results: The t-test showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.001) between the contact platform (reference standard) and the rest of the tools that tended to overestimate jump height in all jumps. SJ and CMJ proved to be the jump tests with the most stable reliability values in all devices (ICC: 0.92–0.98), except in the comparison with VERT^®. Conclusions: Although all the analyzed devices proved to be valid and reliable in previous studies, they are not interchangeable. Therefore, it is suggested to always use the same type of device to evaluate vertical height jump.

The rapid expansion of women's soccer has triggered scientific curiosity to gain a deeper understanding of its game dynamics. To organize scientific findings related to the physical demands of women's soccer during official competitions, contextual factors such as game positions, match periods, type of competition, and match outcomes have been considered. This aims to provide a comprehensive and current overview of physical exertion profiles. This systematic review included PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Science Direct, ERIC, and Scielo electronic databases. A total of 1,859 studies were found, of which, after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 articles were selected. The study found high variability in racing thresholds for high speeds, with central midfielders covering more total distance and wingers covering more distance at high intensities. Forwards register more sprints, and physical efforts decrease in the second period of the game. International matches demand more effort, and physical demands in women's soccer are influenced by contextual factors. To design effective training programs, specific profiles for each game position and the type of competition should be considered, and standardization of high intensity and acceleration thresholds is necessary for accurate conclusions.

Although it has been found that soccer produces limb imbalance, it has not been rigorously determined how to evaluate it in soccer players or which low-cost tests are the most effective for its analysis. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to identify and examine the evidence and evaluations of limb imbalance produced in professional soccer players. A systematic search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus) to identify relevant studies published before 23 May 2022. Of the 2364 studies identified initially, only 12 articles were included in the systematic review. The results revealed that injury risks can be detected in professional soccer players through the YBT (Y Balance Test). The PSLR (Passive Straight Leg Raise) test, as well as the evaluation of the ROM (range of motion) in movements of adduction and internal hip rotation, seem to be two reliable tests to detect imbalances in the flexibility of the extremities. The FMS (Functional Motion Screen) test is inversely related to the performance in jump tests; thus, its combination can help to detect asymmetries in power generation. Finally, strength assessment tests in soccer players can negatively alter the flexibility values of agonist/antagonist muscles. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor both strength and flexibility tests synergistically to obtain a comprehensive evaluation.