Influence of Laboratory Index on match performance. A comparison study to evaluate physical performance in professional soccer players of an Italian Elite Team.

OBJECTIVE: It was hypothesized that activity exercise at professional levels could lead to an increase in metabolic levels and a decrease in performance parameters. These trends are explained by physical activity as a cellular stressor. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We used an algorithm, Laboratory Index which evaluates salivary cortisol, CK and d-ROMs, collected previously from elite Italian soccer players, compared to InStat Index. The last one estimates analytically the athlete's performance in soccer pitch, applying the Heath Maps. RESULTS: A good agreement between the two Index was obtained, especially for two players, who showed an ideal combined trend. CONCLUSIONS: We would investigate the clinical and activity profile of soccer players with the aim of providing information for the development of training strategies. Also, the performances, during training and match time, are an objective evaluation of the athlete's physical preparation. As a consequence, the combination of two Index could be used for a new approach to the sports world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]