Effectiveness of Plyometric and Eccentric Exercise for Jumping and Stability in Female Soccer Players—A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Guillermo Porrati-Paladino,Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso

doi:10.3390/ijerph18010294

Guillermo Porrati-Paladino, Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010294

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Abstract

: BackgroundHamstring muscle injury is common in female soccer players. Changes affecting eccentric strength, flexibility, and the quadriceps–hamstring contraction cycle are risk factors associated with this type of injury. Methods: Seventeen soccer players were randomized to two groups: experimental (plyometric and eccentric exercises without external loads) and control (eccentric exercises without external loads). Eighteen sessions were scheduled over 6 weeks. The exercise program included three plyometric exercises (single-leg squat and lunge, 180 jump, and broad jump stick landing) and three eccentric exercises (Nordic hamstring exercise, diver, and glider). Dependent variables were jumping height (My Jump 2.0 App) and anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral lower limb stability (Y-Balance test). Results: Following intervention, improvements were found in anterior and posteromedial stability (p = 0.04) in the experimental group. Posterolateral stability improved in athletes included in the control group (p = 0.02). There were differences in the repeated measures analysis for all variables, with no changes in group interaction (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Eccentric exercises, either combined with plyometric exercises or alone, can improve lower limb stability. No changes in jump height were noted in either group. There were no differences between the two groups in the variables studied. Future studies should analyze the effect of external loads on jumping stability and height in the performance of plyometric exercises.

Highlights

Female soccer players experience longer absences due to injury than men, both in those playing on artificial and natural turf, as well as during training and competition [1,2]
The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a plyometric training program combined with eccentric exercises, when compared to eccentric training alone, in improving lower limb stability and jumping ability in federated female soccer players between 18 and 30 years of age
When comparing evaluations at T0-T2, were found the control group, we found changes in thestability posterolateral stability the right leg (pthe in the anterior (p = 0.04)

Summary

Introduction

Female soccer players experience longer absences due to injury than men, both in those playing on artificial and natural turf, as well as during training and competition [1,2]. The body region subject to the highest injury rate in female sport is the lower limb [2,3], with the thigh being one of the most affected parts, along with the knee and ankle joints [2,4,5]. The incidence of hamstring injury is significantly high [9,10]. This injury is associated with pain in the posterior thigh region and the structural alteration of muscle fibers [11]. The main etiological factors for the development of hamstring injuries include poor hamstring–

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