Informing fitness testing data reporting and visualization in elite soccer: a survey into practitioner preferences and needs
Article
Asimakidis, N., Beato, M., Parmar, N., Weldon, A., Bishop, C. and Turner, A. 2025. Informing fitness testing data reporting and visualization in elite soccer: a survey into practitioner preferences and needs. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
| Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Title | Informing fitness testing data reporting and visualization in elite soccer: a survey into practitioner preferences and needs |
| Authors | Asimakidis, N., Beato, M., Parmar, N., Weldon, A., Bishop, C. and Turner, A. |
| Abstract | This cross-sectional survey explored elite soccer practitioners' fitness testing reporting and visualization preferences. Overall, 145 soccer practitioners completed an online survey comprising 27 questions, with three sections: a) background information, b) preferences for fitness testing report content and insights, and c) preferences and interpretation of data visualization formats. Fixed-response questions were analyzed using frequency analysis, while thematic analysis was applied to open-ended questions to generate key themes. Participants predominantly valued tracking changes (91%) in performance over benchmark (61%) or position-specific (58%) comparisons. While 44.8% prioritized individual performance, 42.1% emphasized both individual and team-level insights. Concerning the presentation of data, raw scores were the preferred format (62.1%), followed by standardized (37.2%) and composite scores (23.5%), depending on the context. Participants highly valued interactive dashboards (91%), quadrant charts (87.6%), and traffic-light systems (77.2%). Bar charts (77.2%) were the preferred visual format for inter-player comparisons, valued for their clarity and reduced cognitive load, while line charts (51.7%) were favored for tracking performance over time, due to their simplicity and user familiarity. Radar charts (59.3%) were the preferred format for comparing individual performances to the wider team, valued for their ability to provide a holistic overview of strengths and weaknesses. Uncertainty indicators were endorsed by 52.3%, primarily for enhancing data interpretation and decision-making, although concerns were raised about their ease of understanding and visual clutter. Practitioners can use this study’s findings to inform user-friendly reporting strategies and meet diverse audience needs. Findings should also support practitioner training and the adoption of evolving industry practices. |
| Sustainable Development Goals | 3 Good health and well-being |
| Middlesex University Theme | Health & Wellbeing |
| Publisher | Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins |
| Journal | The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |
| ISSN | 1064-8011 |
| Electronic | 1533-4287 |
| Publication process dates | |
| Accepted | 01 Oct 2025 |
| Deposited | 07 Oct 2025 |
| Output status | Accepted |
| Accepted author manuscript | File Access Level Open |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/2w8822
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Accepted author manuscript
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