Performance of GPS-Tracked Football Players in Response to Game Contextual Variables: A Systematic Review

Leandro de Lima e Silva; Yuri Rolim Lopes Silva; Magna Leilane Silva; Eduardo Borba Neves; Luciano Alonso Valente dos Santos; Gustavo Casimiro Lopes; Tiago de Freitas Damasceno da Rocha; Rodrigo Gomes de Souza Vale; Rodolfo de Alkmim Moreira Nunes

doi:10.6063/motricidade.41554

Authors

Leandro de Lima e Silva Exercise and Sport Laboratory (LABEES), Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6644-8452
Yuri Rolim Lopes Silva Exercise and Sport Laboratory (LABEES), Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5973-3773
Magna Leilane Silva Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará, Canindé, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8141-4050
Eduardo Borba Neves Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), Curitiba, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4507-6562
Luciano Alonso Valente dos Santos Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7375-946X
Gustavo Casimiro Lopes Institute of Physical Education and Sports (IEFD), Graduate Program in Exercise and Sports Sciences (PPGCEE), Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Tiago de Freitas Damasceno da Rocha Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7813-0671
Rodrigo Gomes de Souza Vale Exercise and Sport Laboratory (LABEES), Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3049-8773
Rodolfo de Alkmim Moreira Nunes Exercise and Sport Laboratory (LABEES), Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9707-2649

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.41554

Keywords:

Soccer, GPS devices, Contextual game variables

Abstract

This systematic review analysed the influence of contextual game variables on movement and intensity parameters recorded by Global Positioning System (GPS) devices in professional football athletes. Following PRISMA guidelines, 1,401 studies (excluding duplicates) were found in the Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, resulting in 34 articles included, with 1,039 male professional football players analysed in 1,154 matches. Studies revealed that starters cover a greater total distance per minute compared to substitutes, who perform better in high-intensity activities. The need for points to secure safer standings or avoid relegation significantly influences effort and intensity. The average distance covered per minute is higher during ball-in-play periods, highlighting the importance of high-intensity moments. Game intensity tends to decrease in the second half, with intensity variations across different positions. These results emphasise the complexity of interactions between contextual variables and performance parameters. Practical applications include informing coaches to individualise training and recovery strategies by position and match context.

Author Biographies

Leandro de Lima e Silva, Exercise and Sport Laboratory (LABEES), Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

¹Exercise and Sport Laboratory (LABEES), Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.