Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.26582/k.58.1.3

COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY INDEXES IN SOCCER: BIOMECHANICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR LOAD MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

José Guilherme Bottentuit Vieira ; Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
Luciano Bernardes Leite ; Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil *
André Schneider ; Department of Sports Sciences, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
Luiz Ricardo Mendes de Sousa Silva ; Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
Guilherme de Azambuja Pussieldi ; Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Viçosa, Campus Florestal, Florestal, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Mario Norberto Sevilio de Oliveira Junior ; Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
Christian Emmanuel Torres Cabido ; Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
Eduardo Mendonça Pimenta ; School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
Christiano Eduardo Veneroso ; Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Soccer is an aerobic sport with intermittent characteristics, requiring load management strategies. The physical efficiency index (PEI) is commonly used for this purpose, calculated as the ratio between external and internal load (distance per minute / %HRmax). Recently, a new PEI was proposed, incorporating the number of accelerations [(number of accelerations x distance per minute) / %HRmax] due to their impact on match performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the traditional PEI with the new PEI in professional soccer matches. This study compared both indices in 14 matches played by a professional team in Brazil’s Série B, with 11 athletes (25.4 ± 3.24 years; 74.17 ± 4.60 kg; 179.10 ± 7.94 cm; VO₂ max: 54.76 ± 12.24 ml/kg/min). Variables analyzed included total distance covered, sprints, accelerations, and decelerations. The average total distance was 9712.00 ± 490.90 m, with 496.80 ± 88.28 m in high-speed running and 173.98 ± 40.20 m in sprints. The mean number of accelerations was 103.4 ± 8.91, and decelerations 99.72 ± 9.06. The new PEI showed higher values than the traditional PEI (1.35 vs. 1.18; p<.001). Results suggest that the new PEI, incorporating accelerations, is a more suitable tool for load monitoring, as it better reflects the biomechanical and physiological demands of the game. This can help optimize training strategies, minimize athletes’ fatigue, and improve their post-match recovery.

Keywords

football; physical efficiency index; accelerations; load monitoring

Hrčak ID:

347311

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/347311

Publication date:

30.6.2026.

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