Abstract
The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of strength training (ST) and plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SportDiscus databases revealed 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Effect sizes (ES) were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). The magnitude of the main effect was small to moderate (vertical jump (ES 0.53 (95% CI—0.11, 0.95), Z = 2.47 (p = 0.01); linear sprint (ES −0.66 (95% CI—2.03, −0.21), Z = 2.20 (p = 0.03); COD (ES −0.36 (95% CI—0.68, −0.03), Z = 2.17 (p = 0.03)). Subgroup analyses were performed (i.e., ST and PT duration, frequency, session duration and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.12–0.88). In conclusion, PT provides better benefits than ST to improve vertical jump, linear sprint and COD performance in female soccer players. However, significant limitations in the current literature prevent assured PT and ST prescription recommendations being made.
Highlights
Women’s soccer has increased in popularity and participation during the last decade [1].Soccer is considered a contact sport and such impact has had consequences through both a greater skill level and physical demands throughout training and matches [2]
After removing duplicates and adding additional records identified through other sources, 693 publications were retained for the article selection process
The performance of training programs was associated with a moderate and significant increase in vertical jump performance (ES 0.53, Z = 2.47 (p = 0.01))
Summary
Women’s soccer has increased in popularity and participation during the last decade [1].Soccer is considered a contact sport and such impact has had consequences through both a greater skill level and physical demands throughout training and matches [2]. Some of the physical demands for female soccer players during matches have been reported, with total distances covered reaching 10 km, 1.7 km of which was completed at high speed (>18 km·h−1 ) [3,4]. Female soccer players have been evaluated through a wide variety of physical tests (i.e., Abalakov test, 505 test, linear speed 40 m). These tests can be performed in the laboratory, which is more reliable, and on the soccer field, which is more popular among coaches and physical trainers due to the simplicity and lower cost [2]
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