Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Soccer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Moderating Roles of Age, Assessment Timing, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Mohammed Radhi Al-Jazaieri, Murtadha; PourRahim Ghouroghchi, Ameneh; Farzizadeh, Reza

doi:10.22054/nass.2026.95317.1253

Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Soccer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Moderating Roles of Age, Assessment Timing, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Murtadha Mohammed Radhi Al-Jazaieri ¹

Ameneh PourRahim Ghouroghchi ²

Reza Farzizadeh ³

¹ Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

² Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

³ ArdAbile, iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/nass.2026.95317.1253

Abstract

Background: Soccer players frequently experience exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) due to the high-intensity, eccentric demands of training and match-play. This meta-analysis quantified the pooled effect of soccer-specific training on serum CK and examined the moderating roles of assessment timing, age, and VO₂max.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from inception to 2026. Twenty-nine eligible studies were included. Random-effects meta-analyses and subgroup analyses were performed.

Results: Exercise training significantly elevated CK (SMD = 0.553, 95% CI: 0.249–0.856; P = 0.001), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 71.07%; τ² = 0.558). CK elevations were significant within 25 hours post-exercise (SMD = 0.65, P = 0.001) but not beyond 25 hours (SMD = 0.47, P = 0.082). Younger players (≤ 20 years) showed substantially larger effects (SMD = 1.26) compared to older players (SMD = 0.42). Higher VO₂max (> 57) was associated with markedly larger CK elevations (SMD = 2.42) compared to lower VO₂max (SMD = 0.44), although this subgroup difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.099).

Conclusion: Soccer-specific training induces moderate-to-large CK elevations. VO₂max emerged as the most promising moderating factor and warrants further investigation with larger, well-controlled studies.

Keywords

Creatine kinase

exercise-induced muscle damage

soccer

meta-analysis

VO₂max

age

recovery

Subjects