Research article - (2026)25, 617 - 626
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2026.617
The Effectiveness of Passive Half-Time Interventions on Simulated Second-Half Performance in Elite Youth Soccer Players
Brendon Skinner1,, Emily E. Munn2, Tim Roberts2, Rachelle A. Reed2, Robin T. Thorpe3,4
1University of Northampton,
2Therabody, Inc., 1640 S Sepulveda Blvd #300, Los Angeles, USA
3Integrative Human Performance Lab, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
4Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK

Brendon Skinner
✉ Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning at the University of Northampton, UK
Email: Brendon.Skinner@northampton.ac.uk.
Received: 04-03-2026 -- Accepted: 25-06-2026
Published (online): 01-09-2026
Narrated in English

ABSTRACT

The half-time period in soccer provides a potentially important window to implement short-duration interventions aimed at maintaining second-half performance. However, passive rest has been associated with a decline in subsequent physical and technical performance. While re-warm-up strategies are well studied, little is known about the efficacy of technology-based, passive recovery modalities, device-supported interventions that require minimal active movement or physical exertion from the athlete, during half-time intervals. This study examined whether percussive therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and pneumatic compression can mitigate second-half performance decline in male adolescent soccer players. Forty-three academy-level players (17.5 ± 0.6 years) completed a simulated soccer protocol including the Loughborough Soccer Pass Test (LSPT), repeated 20-meter sprints, and completed Total Quality of Recovery (TQR) assessments before and after half-time. Participants were randomized into one of four intervention groups during the 15-minute half-time interval: Passive Rest (CON), Percussive Therapy (Theragun Pro; TG), EMS (PowerDot; PD), and Pneumatic Compression (RecoveryAir; COMP). Linear mixed-effects models assessed Time × Condition interactions for performance and recovery outcomes. Passive half-time rest led to significant deterioration in technical skill, sprint performance, and perceived recovery (p < .05) for the control group. TG and PD significantly improved technical performance (LSPT scores) compared to the control group (d = 0.65 and 0.72, respectively; p < .01). Furthermore, TG and COMP were effective at maintaining 20-meter sprint times (d = 0.58 and 0.49; p < .01), whereas the control group experienced significant slowing. Perceived recovery (TQR) scores significantly declined in the CON group from First Half to Second Half (16.5 ± 2.2 to 11.1 ± 2.3. However, this decline was significantly attenuated in all intervention groups: TG (17.5 ± 1.9 to 14.2 ± 1.9), PD (17.3 ± 1.9 to 15.1 ± 1.9), and COMP (17.6 ± 1.9 to 15.9 ± 2.0). Short-duration passive interventions during half-time can mitigate performance decline in adolescent soccer players. TG and EMS appear most effective for preserving technical skills, while COMP may support perceived recovery. These findings highlight practical strategies for optimizing in-game performance and inform evidence-based half-time protocols.

Key words: Soccer performance, half-time recovery, compression therapy, percussive therapy, EMS therapy, athlete recovery, adolescent, youth academy, simulated match

Key Points
  • Passive half-time rest led to clear declines in second-half sprinting, technical performance, and perceived recovery in elite youth soccer players.
  • Simple passive interventions used during half-time reduced these declines, with different modalities supporting technical skill, sprint performance, or perceived recovery.
  • Passive recovery tools can be used during half-time without interfering with coaching, hydration, or tactical communication.








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