Biomarkers of Post-Match Recovery in Semi-Professional and Professional Football

Abstract:

The ability to monitor post-match recovery in high-level football players is crucial for evaluating training and recovery strategies. Biomarkers, including a range of metabolites found in different body fluids, have the potential to provide valuable insights into the physiological changes that occur during recovery from match-play. In this comprehensive narrative review, we examine the current state of knowledge on biomarkers of post-match recovery in semi-professional and professional football players, expanding on previous works and providing a resource for coaches and trainers to guide their recovery protocols. We discuss the limitations of the available biomarkers and the efforts made to address these limitations as well as provide suggestions for future research.