Abstract
The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of a moderate intensity strength training on changes in critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (D'), sprint performance and Yo-Yo intermittent running test (Yo-Yo IR1) performances. Methods: two recreational soccer teams were divided in a soccer training only group (SO; n = 13) and a strength and soccer training group (ST; n = 13). Both groups were tested for values of CV, D', Yo-Yo IR1 distance and 30-m sprint time on two separate occasions (pre and post intervention). The ST group performed a concurrent 6-week upper and lower body strength and soccer training, whilst the SO group performed a soccer only training. Results: after the re-test of all variables, the ST demonstrated significant improvements for both, YoYo IR1 distance (p = 0.002) and CV values (p<0.001) with no significant changes in the SO group. 30-m sprint performance were slightly improved in the ST group with significantly decreased performance times identified in the SO group (p<0.001). Values for D' were slightly reduced in both groups (ST -44.5 m, 95% CI = -90.6 to 1.6; SO -42.6 m, 95% CI = -88.7 to 3.5). Conclusions: combining a 6-week moderate strength training with soccer training significantly improves CV, Yo-Yo IR1 whilst moderately improving 30-m sprint performances in non-previously resistance trained male soccer players. Critical Velocity can be recommended to coaches as an additional valid testing tool in soccer.
Highlights
One of the most important variables for measuring performance in soccer is physical conditioning [1]
The soccer training only group (SO) group showed a non-significant improvement (95% CI = -59.9 to 66.1 m/s, t(24) = 0.1, p = 0.921, d = 0.02), the soccer training group (ST) group covered 147.7 m more (95% C.I. = 84.7 to 210.7) at the YoYo IR1 test after completing the specific training, t(24) = 4.84, p
In order to determine the statistical power, a post-hoc analysis was conducted of the primary outcome (Yo-Yo IR1) for the ST group (n = 13, d = 0.95)
Summary
One of the most important variables for measuring performance in soccer is physical conditioning [1]. A significant relationship between the maximal aerobic conditioning of a player. Strength and Soccer Training and both, the number of sprints attempted and the distance covered during a game has been established [2]. Critical to the success in soccer are strength and power actions [3,4]. These have been demonstrated to develop through specific training and are intrinsically linked to improved overall match performances [5,6,7]. The performance levels of such actions expressed as maximum strength can distinguish between competitive levels of soccer players and a strong relationship between maximal strength and sprint times has been suggested [8]
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