Effects of Training Altitude and Match Location on Match Running Performance in Professional Soccer Teams

Match running performance in professional soccer is shaped by contextual and environmental factors, with altitude representing an important physiological stressor that can influence players’ ability to sustain high-intensity actions. In addition, match location (home vs. away) may further modify physical performance due to travel demands, crowd effects, and tactical adjustments. This study examined the combined effects of habitual training altitude and match location on match running performance in professional soccer players. Professional male outfield players competing in the Turkish First League during the 2023–2024 season were included. Teams were categorized according to habitual training altitude as low, moderate or high. Match running data were retrospectively obtained from official league match- es using the InStat tracking system. Performance variables included total distance, high-speed running distance, sprint counts, maximal speed, and playing time. Results indicated that playing time and total distance did not differ across altitude groups (p>0.05). However, altitude was negatively associated with high-speed running distance (5.5–7 m·s⁻¹; r=-0.033, p=0.045) and the number of attacking high-speed runs (r=-0.051, p=0.002). Significant differences between altitude groups were also observed for maximum speed (H=10.688, p=0.005), attacking high-speed runs (H=15.345, p<0.001), and attacking sprints >7 m·s⁻¹ (H=7.221, p=0.027). Teams training at higher altitudes exhibited smaller away- match declines in high-intensity actions than low-altitude teams, suggesting altitude-specific adaptations influencing match performance. These findings suggest that habitual training altitude moderates the impact of match location on high-intensity running performance in professional soccer players. Coaches and performance staff should consider both environmental context and altitude-specific adaptations when planning training, recovery, and match strategies throughout the competitive season.