Effect of Small Sided Soccer Games on Interleukin-18 and Blood Lactate of Teenage Soccer Players in Warm Weather

Introduction: Training techniques, age, and climatic conditions may play a significant role in physiological responses of soccer players. Therefore, this study set out to investigate changes in the serum interleukin-18 (IL-18) and blood lactate levels of teenagers after playing small-sided soccer games in warm weather. Methods: In this study, 24 soccer players aged 15-18 years were participated. Among them, 16 players divided into six experimental groups including two 4-member teams (mean age: 16.13±0.88 years; height: 167.00±6.66cm; weight: 58.70±7.34kg: BMI: 20.96±1.79) and four 2-member teams (mean age: 16.80±0.48 years; height: 167.00±5.73cm; weight: 55.16±5.98kg: BMI: 19.78±1.83). Experiments were conducted in two fields, sized 25×20 m2 and 35×28m2, respectively. The other 8 players (mean age: 16.18±1.07 years; height: 171.00±6.75cm; weight: 58.86±8.21kg: BMI: 20.03±2.14) were taken as control group and did not perform any [athletic] activity. The blood samples of all groups were collected before and immediately after the games, and then the IL-18 and lactate levels were measured. Results: According to the results, the amount of IL-18 and lactate significantly increased in the experimental groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: It may put that playing small sided soccer games in warm weather significantly increases IL-18 and blood lactate levels of teenage players.