Multifactorial Thresholds of Psychomotor Fatigue in Soccer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The present study addressed the complex nature of fatigue in soccer, examining its physical, psychological, neuromuscular, and metabolic dimensions. It evaluated the impact of these different types of fatigue on players’ performance, highlighting the importance of comprehensive fatigue-management strategies for enhancing performance and reducing injury risk among soccer players. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various types of fatigue on performance of male soccer players across different competitive levels, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. A total of 37 randomized controlled trials involving male soccer players were included, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to assess the multifaceted impacts of fatigue. Key findings revealed that neuromuscular fatigue had the highest mean effect size (0.63), with substantial consistency across studies (95% CI: 0.45–0.80, I² = 99.79%). Physical and metabolic fatigue both showed a mean effect size of 0.38, though they differed in variability; metabolic fatigue demonstrated considerable heterogeneity (I² = 98.73%), reflecting diverse physiological responses, while physical fatigue showed moderate consistency (I² = 98.20%). Psychological fatigue had a significant impact on performance (mean effect size: 0.57), with variability (I² = 97.08%) suggesting context-dependent effects. These results underscore the necessity of a multimodal approach that integrates physical, metabolic, neuromuscular, and psychological interventions to optimize soccer performance and mitigate injury risk. Practical implications include the adoption of targeted recovery strategies such as inter-set recovery intervals and whole-body vibration techniques, as well as the implementation of mental resilience and cognitive training to manage psychological fatigue. Such strategies are essential for developing individualized training and recovery protocols that enhance athletic performance and support long-term career sustainability.