Effect of Training Load and Recovery Time on Neuromuscular Performance in Elite Youth Soccer Players

Résumé

Background. Managing training load and recovery in developing elite footballers is a major challenge for optimizing performance while limiting the risk of neuromuscular fatigue. Vertical jump with countermovement (VJM) remains a preferred indicator of neuromuscular status, but recovery kinetics after microcycles of contrasting intensity remain insufficiently documented in young athletes. Objectives. To examine the impact of training load and recovery time on neuromuscular performance by analyzing the modulating effects of microcycle type, age category, and acute-to-chronic workload ratio (ACWR). Materials and Methods. Seventy-five elite male footballers (U16-U18) participated in a six-month longitudinal protocol including CMJ assessments before and 24 h and 48 h after moderate- and high-intensity microcycles. Linear mixed models were used to analyze main effects and interactions. Results. Significant effects were observed for microcycle type (F = 69.93, p < 0.001), measurement time (F = 374.48, p < 0.001), and ACWR (F = 7.41, p = 0.007). High-intensity microcycles induced greater decreases in CMJ performance at 24 h (β = -1.072, p < 0.001), followed by partial recovery at 48 h. ACWR was strongly correlated with CMJ changes at 24 h (r = -0.766, p < 0.001). Conclusion. A critical window of neuromuscular fatigue exists 24 h after a microcycle, modulated by training intensity and workload context, supporting the value of systematic neuromuscular monitoring following high-intensity microcycles.

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