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Soccer players

Study Examines Relationship Between Well-being, Exercise Intensity, and Enjoyment in Soccer Players

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A study conducted at the Gdansk University of Physical Education & Sport investigated the relationship between well-being, exercise intensity, and enjoyment in soccer players. The research involved 77 players who participated in various training formats, including 5v5 and 1v1 small-sided games, long HIIT, and short HIIT. The study found that well-being, particularly mood and sleep duration, was a significant predictor of enjoyment in soccer players, with exercise intensity also playing a crucial role.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 77 soccer players who participated in various training formats, including 5v5 and 1v1 small-sided games, long HIIT, and short HIIT.
  • Well-being, particularly mood and sleep duration, was a significant predictor of enjoyment in soccer players.
  • Exercise intensity, measured by heart rate and rate of perceived exertion, also played a crucial role in determining enjoyment.
  • The study found that Coaches should consider mood, sleep, recovery, and exertion when planning training to enhance enjoyment.
  • The research concluded that the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), well-being was assessed with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNQ), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Total Mood Disturbance (TMD), sleep duration, and Perceived Recovery Status (PRS) were used to measure enjoyment and well-being.
  • Filipe Manuel Clemente, a researcher at the Gdansk University of Physical Education & Sport, emphasized the importance of considering mood, sleep, recovery, and exertion when planning training to enhance enjoyment.
  • The study involved a collaboration between researchers from the Gdansk University of Physical Education & Sport and other institutions, including Weiqiang Xu, Xinjie Han, Rui Miguel Silva, Robert Trybulski, and Yue Yu.
  • According to the study, soccer players' enjoyment was associated with lower levels of Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) and higher levels of Perceived Recovery Status (PRS).
  • The study's findings suggest that incorporating small-sided games and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into training programs can enhance enjoyment and well-being in soccer players.

Statistics:

  • 77 soccer players participated in the study
  • 5v5 and 1v1 small-sided games, long HIIT, and short HIIT were used as training formats
  • Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) and Perceived Recovery Status (PRS) were used to measure enjoyment and well-being
  • Exercise intensity was measured by heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE)
  • Coaches should consider mood, sleep, recovery, and exertion when planning training to enhance enjoyment

Sources:

  • The Effect of Well-being and Exercise Intensity On Enjoyment In Soccer Players. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2025.
  • Gdansk University of Physical Education & Sport, Pl-80336 Gdansk, Poland.
  • Journal Sports Science & Medicine, Medical Faculty Uludag Univ, Dept Sports Medicine, Bursa, 16059, Turkiye.

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