Effect of Functional Training on Speed Agility Explosive Power and Aerobic Endurance In Recreational Soccer Players

Abstract

Background: Recreational soccer is characterized by fewer players per side and played on a smaller field than a standard competitive soccer game. Work to date indicates that recreational soccer positively motivates individuals and facilitates social interaction, which may enhance compliance and adherence to the activity and contribute to a physically active lifestyle. Functional training is becoming increasingly popular now a days and was ranked among the top 10 most popular fitness trends. Context and purpose: The popularity of recreational soccer is increasing day by day. There is scarcity of studies regarding exercise program for conditioning recreational soccer players. Specific exercise program for conditioning the recreational soccer players may improve their performance level and reduce the risk of injury. So this study aims to determine the effect of functional training on speed, agility, explosive power and aerobic endurance in recreational soccer players. Results: The results projected a significant improvement in speed, agility, explosive power in both groups. Even though both groups showed improvement, Group A, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvement in speed, agility, explosive power and aerobic endurance than Group B, the conventional group. The improvement in movement pattern, proprioceptive loading and specific changes in the mechanism responsible for oxygen transport and utilization during Functional training may be the reason for improvement in Group A than Group B. Conclusion: The study concluded that functional training along with conventional training is effective in improving speed, agility, explosive power and aerobic endurance in recreational soccer players. KEY WORDS: Functional Training, Recreational Soccer, Speed, Agility, Explosive Power, Aerobic Endurance.