The Effect of Integrative Training Program on Youth Soccer Players’ Power Indexes

Abstract

Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) is commonly employed for preventing injuries, yet there is a scarcity of studies examining its impact on the physical capabilities of young athletes. This study sought to explore the influence of a brief, in-season INT intervention on the performance of adolescent soccer players. The participants included thirty-one U15 (under 15 years old) soccer players who were randomly assigned to either the control group (CG) (engaged solely in soccer training, n = 14, 14.6 ± 0.6 years) or the exercise group (EG) (where INT was incorporated into traditional soccer training, n = 17, 14.1 ± 0.6 years). Early or late maturers were excluded from the study. The INT program lasted for 5 weeks (two sessions per week) and mainly included single-leg exercises. At the commencement and conclusion of the intervention program, measurements were taken for acceleration (10 m), speed (30 m), jumping ability (squat jump, SJ, and countermovement jump, CMJ), and change of direction ability (COD) (Illinois agility test). The data analysis employed a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. The INT program resulted in enhanced performance for the EG in SJ (28.4–32.3, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.463), CMJ (30.6–35.3, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.426), and COD ability (18.11–17.64, p = 0.003, η2 = 0.545). No changes in performance were observed in the CG. The results suggest that the addition of a short-duration in-season INT program in U15 soccer players can induce positive adaptations in their performance.