Author(s): DI CLAUDIO, G., CENTORBI, M., BUONSENSO, A., MODOLO, L., DI FONZA, D., MEDORO, A., MARZILIANO, N., DAVINELLI, S., DI CAGNO, A., CALCAGNO, G., FIORILLI, G., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF MOLISE, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 2200

INTRODUCTION:
Coordination training in soccer plays a crucial role in the integrated development of players’ technical, physical, and tactical skills. Several studies have highlighted the close correlation between high levels of physical fitness and specific coordination skills, demonstrating how these factors improve cognitive functions related to the game [1, 2]. Another key element in soccer is the role of cortisol—the stress hormone—which is released in response to motivational and goal-relevant tasks in competition [3]. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an experimental warm-up protocol designed to improve motor coordination and optimize biomarker levels in elite soccer players.
METHODS:
Thirty-two male soccer players (age: 24.7 ± 3.1 years) from two elite regional teams were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG; n = 18) or a control group (CG; n = 14). Over 12 weeks, the EG performed a specialized warm-up consisting of four progressive coordination exercises for the upper and lower limbs using various balls, four times per week (including game days), while the CG maintained their usual routine focusing on joint mobility and muscle activation. Technical and coordination abilities were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Y Pre-Planned Agility Test, the Y Reactive Agility Test, the Illinois Change of Direction Test (ICODT) with and without the ball, and the Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (SHOT). Urine samples were collected before and after the intervention to measure levels of cortisol, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

RESULTS:
RM-ANOVA revealed significant improvements in the Illinois Ball Test and Technical Index, with the experimental group showing significant progression from pre- to post-assessment (p < 0.001) and performing significantly better than the control group (p = 0.017). Significant improvements were also found in the Unplanned Y Test and Reaction Index, with the experimental group demonstrating marked gains from pre- to post-assessment (p < 0.001) and performing significantly better than the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, significant differences were observed in shooting accuracy, with the experimental group showing marked improvement from pre- to post-assessment (p < 0.001) and performing significantly better than the control group (p < 0.05). The experimental group also exhibited a significant reduction in cortisol levels (p = 0.0007); post-intervention comparisons between groups (p = 0.003) and delta analysis (p = 0.036) further confirmed a more pronounced reduction in cortisol levels in the experimental group.
CONCLUSION:
The study highlights that the adoption of a coordinative warm-up protocol not only enhances technical performance and change of direction ability but also promotes a more favourable regulation of cortisol level in elite soccer players.

1.Baccouch (2024) 2. Buchel (2022) 3. Page et al. (2024)