Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
ISSN: 1303 - 2968   
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©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine ( 2025 )  24 ,  779  -  800   DOI: https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2025.779

Review article
Acute and Residual Physical Fatigue, Along With Recovery Time Following Sided Games: A Scoping Review and Evidence Gap Map Focusing on Methodological Aspects
Filipe Manuel Clemente1, , José Afonso2, Robert Trybulski3,4, Marco Beato5, Javier Sanchez Sanchez6, Dariusz Mroczek7, Tomasz Grzywacz8, Piotr Sawicki8, Francisco Tomás González-Fernández9
Author Information
1 Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
2 Centre of Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFID), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
3 Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty, Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
4 Provita Żory Medical Center, Żory, Poland
5 School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
6 Research Group PRENDE, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, Spain
7 Department of Sport Didactics, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
8 Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
9 Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

Filipe Manuel Clemente
✉ Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
Email: filipe.clemente5@gmail.com
Publish Date
Received: 12-09-2025
Accepted: 13-09-2025
Published (online): 01-12-2025
Narrated in English
 
 
ABSTRACT

This scoping review aimed to (i) map methodological characteristics of studies investigating acute and residual fatigue and recovery after small-sided games (SSGs), (ii) identify outcomes, measures, and timings assessed across neuromuscular, psychophysiological, and biochemical/endocrine domains, and (iii) highlight evidence gaps to inform future research. Following a registered protocol (OSF: osf.io/73rzs) and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched to July 2025. Eligible studies included Tier ≥2 athletes, examined SSGs as interventions, and reported pre-post neuromuscular, psychophysiological and biochemical/endocrine outcomes. Data were extracted on populations, competitive level, SSG formats, outcomes, and timings, and synthesized descriptively with evidence gap maps. From 3,842 records, 32 studies were included. Most involved men soccer players at Tier 3, with fewer on women, other sports, or adaptive contexts. SSG formats clustered around 3v3-4v4. Psychophysiological measures were most frequently reported, generally showing acute elevations in heart rate and rating of perceived exertion and short-lived reductions in heart rate variability. Neuromuscular outcomes included sprint and hamstring strength, often reduced up to 48-72 h, while countermovement jump results were inconsistent. Biochemical/endocrine measures typically showed acute rises in lactate and short-term creatine kinase elevations, with hormonal findings less consistent. Assessments were concentrated immediately post and at 24 h, with fewer extending beyond 48 h. As conclusion, current evidence suggests that SSGs are associated with acute psychophysiological strain and, in some cases, short-term neuromuscular and biochemical disturbances, but findings vary across studies. Given the methodological heterogeneity and narrow scope of populations, conclusions must be interpreted with caution.

Key words: Sided-games, fatigue, recovery, team sports, conditioned games


           Key Points
  • Most studies examined men Tier 3 soccer players in 3v3-4v4 formats, with limited data in women, other sports, or higher tiers.
  • Evidence shows acute psychophysiological strain and sometimes short-term neuromuscular or biochemical disturbances, but findings are inconsistent.
  • Research is methodologically diverse; standardized designs, broader populations, and longer follow-ups are needed.
 
 
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