Author(s): MICHAELIDES, M., AVRAAMIDES, M., MOUBARAK, M., PALUDO, A.C., PARPA, K., Institution: UCLAN CYPRUS, Country: CYPRUS, Abstract-ID: 487

INTRODUCTION:
Deceleration actions substantially contribute to mechanical load and neuromuscular fatigue in professional football. Trunk musculature plays a key role in postural control and braking efficiency; however, the relationship between isometric abdominal strength characteristics and match-derived deceleration demands remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the associations between isometric abdominal strength characteristics and deceleration events during competitive match play in professional footballers.
METHODS:
Twenty-two professional male football players (age: 24.9 ± 3.4 years; height: 178.7 ± 6.1 cm; body mass: 77.6 ± 8.0 kg) underwent anthropometric assessment and isometric abdominal strength testing using the ABTEST Gen.3 system. Maximum force, minimum force, fatigue index, and total force produced during a 10-s maximal isometric contraction were recorded. Match physical performance was assessed using a wearable global positioning system (GPex, Exelio Srl, Italy), with maximal deceleration events averaged across five full competitive matches played immediately following laboratory testing. Pearson product–moment correlations were used to examine relationships between abdominal strength variables and deceleration events.
RESULTS:
Total force produced demonstrated a significant moderate negative association with maximal deceleration events (r = −0.452, p = 0.039). Minimum force showed a moderate negative association that approached statistical significance (r = −0.428, p = 0.053). Maximum force was negatively, but not significantly, associated with deceleration events (r = −0.363, p = 0.106). Fatigue index demonstrated a positive but non-significant association with deceleration events (r = 0.324, p = 0.151).
CONCLUSION:
Isometric abdominal strength characteristics reflecting the ability to sustain force output over time are associated with reduced deceleration frequency during competitive football matches. This relationship likely reflects enhanced trunk stiffness preservation and postural control during braking actions, allowing players to manage high mechanical demands with fewer compensatory decelerations. In contrast, peak force capacity and relative force loss appear less indicative of match deceleration behaviour. These findings highlight the relevance of sustained trunk strength for movement efficiency and mechanical load management in professional football.