The case study of exercise intensity and running performance in a college women’s soccer game

Abstract

Japanese women’s soccer has performed well in international competitions. However, scientific data and literature on women’s soccer are still limited compared to men’s soccer. In this study, we used a heart rate monitor with built-in GPS to clarify the exercise intensity and running performance of college female soccer players during games, and to examine the relationship with game results. The purpose of this study was to obtain useful knowledge for coaches to improve their players’ competitive performance. The subjects were 28 women in the first division of the Kanto University Women’s Soccer League, and 16 official matches of the first division of the Kanto University Women’s Soccer League were used for the study. The maximum heart rate was 192.0±4.4 bpm, and the average heart rate was 169.2±14.6 bpm. The total distance run was 10.1±0.3 km and the total number of sprints was 17.2±3.6. When the relationship between game outcome and total distance run and total number of sprints was examined, the values for both items were significantly higher for wins than for losses. This is the first study in Japan to examine exercise intensity and running performance of Japanese collegiate women’s soccer players in an actual official game.