Impact of climatic conditions projected at the World Cup in Qatar 2022 on repeated maximal efforts in soccer players

Wiktor Chodor; Paweł Chmura; Jan Chmura; Marcin Andrzejewski; Ewa Jówko; Tomasz Buraczewski; Adrian Drożdżowski; Andrzej Rokita; Marek Konefał

doi:10.7717/peerj.12658

Impact of climatic conditions projected at the World Cup in Qatar 2022 on repeated maximal efforts in soccer players

PeerJ. 2021 Dec 22:9:e12658. doi: 10.7717/peerj.12658. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Wiktor Chodor¹, Paweł Chmura¹, Jan Chmura², Marcin Andrzejewski³, Ewa Jówko⁴, Tomasz Buraczewski⁵, Adrian Drożdżowski¹, Andrzej Rokita¹, Marek Konefał²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Team Games, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Dolny Śla̧sk, Poland.
² Department of Human Motor Skills, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Dolny Śląsk, Poland.
³ Department of Recreaction, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Wielkopolskie, Poland.
⁴ Department of Natural Sciences, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biała Podlaska, Podlaskie, Poland.
⁵ Department of Sport Science, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biała Podlaska, Podlaskie, Poland.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the climatic conditions predicted for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the capacity for repeated maximum effort (RSA), of soccer players. Twenty-four semi-professional soccer players participated in the study. The exercise test consisted of ten 6-second maximal efforts on a cycloergometer. A 90-second passive rest interval was used. Mechanical parameters were recorded in each repetition, and biochemical parameters at rest and even repetitions. The test was performed in a Weiss Technik WK-26 climate chamber under two different conditions: (1) thermoneutral (TNC - 20.5 °C; 58.7% humidity); (2) predicted for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (QSC - 28.5 ± 1.92 °C; 58.7 ± 8.64% humidity). Significantly higher mean maximum power values were recorded in the second repetition under QSC conditions (1731,8 ± 214,4 W) (p = 0.025). A significantly longer time to reach maximum power was also recorded under TNC conditions compared to QSC conditions in repetition 2 (1,32 ± 0,33 s), (1,05 ± 0,29 s) (p = 0.016) and 6 (1,41 ± 0,48 s), (1,17 ± 0,25) (p = 0.036). There was a significantly higher rate of power loss, between repetition 2 (p = 0.023) and 4 (p = 0.043) under QSC conditions, compared to TNC. Considering the biochemical parameters, a significantly higher pO₂ concentration was registered under QSC conditions in the 10th repetition (p = 0.006). The ambient temperature during exercise should be taken into account to determine the anaerobic exercise capacity of the athletes. At higher temperatures, there is a greater capacity for maximal effort, in terms of maximal power achieved, but with a greater decrease in performance.

Keywords: Biochemical parameters; Blood; Climatic conditions; Heat stress; Hyperthermia; Maximal power; Mechanical parameters; RPE; Repeated sprint ability (RSA); Soccer.

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Science Center Foundation of Poland (No. 379167). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.