Performance Of Players Research Articles

The Acute Effects Of Hip Thrust and Glute Bridge Exercises With Different Loads on Sprint Performance and Horizontal Force-Velocity Profile in Adolescent Soccer Players: A Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Approach.

This study examines the acute effects of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) with different loads (84% and 60% 1-RM) and exercises (hip thrust; HT and glute bridge; GB) on sprint performance (SP) and horizontal force-velocity (HF-V) profile components in adolescent male soccer players. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: hip thrust group (HTG; n=13), glute bridge group (GBG; n=13), and control group (CG; n=14). Sprint tests at distances of 10, 20, and 30m were conducted pre-PAPE and post-PAPE protocols with a 7 min rest period. HTG and GBG executed HT and GB exercises at 84% and 60% of their 1-RM loads. Hedge's g was computed to assess within-group (pre-PAPE vs. post-PAPE) comparisons(Within-ES) and between-group (post-PAPE protocols)comparisons (Between-ES). PAPE protocols at 84% and 60% 1-RM loads demonstrated moderate effects on F0rel, Pmaxrel, FVslope, and DRF and small effects on V0, RFmax, and S20m in both HTG and GBG. Conversely, the CG exhibited trivial effects across parameters. Compared to the HTG 84% 1-RM protocol, the GBG 84% 1-RM protocol showed small effects on V0 and S10m. The HTG 60% 1-RM protocol had a small effect on RFmax compared to both GBG 84% and 60% 1-RM protocols. Both HTG and GBG 84% and 60% 1-RM protocols demonstrated small effects on S30m compared to the CG. These findings suggest that GB exercises may offer a viable alternative to HT exercises for eliciting PAPE effects, particularly in enhancing SP and related mechanics in adolescent soccer players.

Eight-Week Flywheel Training Enhances Jump Performance and Stretch-Shortening Cycle Function in Collegiate Basketball Players.

The effects of flywheel (FW) training on jump performance, muscle function, and muscle mass in athletes have not been fully clarified. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week FW training program on jump performance, stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) function, muscle strength, peak power and muscle thickness in collegiate basketball players. Twenty male college basketball players (mean age: 19.8±1.3years, height: 179.1±6.7cm, body mass: 72.9±6.3kg) were randomly assigned to either the FW training (n=11) or control group (n=9). The FW training group performed squat exercises, 5 sets of 8 repetitions, twice a week using the FW device. Baseline and post-training assessments of jump heights of squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), and drop jumps (DJs) were performed in both groups. Additionally, the reactive strength index (RSI), representing SSC function; isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque during knee joint extension; peak power during squats; and quadriceps muscle thickness were evaluated. As the results, we observed that the FW training group demonstrated significant increases in post-training SJ height (15.1%, p=0.03), DJ height (23.2%, p=0.01), RSI (36.8%, p=0.04), MVC, peak power and muscle thickness compared with pre-training levels. Furthermore, between-group comparisons indicated significantly higher post-training SJ height, DJ height, RSI, MVC, peak power, and muscle thickness in the FW training group (p<0.05). Therefore, the FW training program effectively enhanced jump performance and SSC function in male basketball players and proved beneficial for muscle strength and hypertrophy.

"Play by play": A dataset of handball and basketball game situations in a standardized space.

This paper presents a synthetic dataset of labeled game situations in recordings of federated handball and basketball matches played in Galicia, Spain. The dataset consists of synthetic data generated from real video frames, including 308,805 labeled handball frames and 56,578 labeled basketball frames extracted from 2105 handball and 383 basketball 5-s video clips. Experts manually labeled the video clips based on the respective sports, while the individual frames were automatically labeled using computer vision and machine learning techniques. The dataset encompasses seven classes of game situations: left attack, left counterattack, left penalty, right attack, right counterattack, right penalty, and timeout. In basketball, the penalty class refers to the free throws attempted by players after they have been fouled by an opposing player. Each frame in the dataset is assigned to one of these classes, considering the game situation and specific context. Importantly, the dataset does not contain actual video frames; instead, it provides a synthetic, normalized representation of each frame in JSON format. This tabular data includes player, referee, and ball positions on a normalized field, player and referee velocities, and key regions on the court. Positions of players, referees, and the ball were automatically inferred in each frame by an object detector, followed by a tracking step to detect object positions across frames and compute the velocity vectors. Finally, the obtained coordinates underwent normalization through a perspective transformation, ensuring that the data remained unaffected by variations in camera configurations across different arenas and camera setups. We refer to this standardized coordinate space as the 'unified space'. The dataset holds significant potential for reuse in various domains related to sports analytics and machine learning research. It can serve as a valuable resource for researchers, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, contributing to improvements in player performance, game strategies, match retransmissions, and sports-related technologies.

Effects of Kefir Consumption on Gut Microbiota and Athletic Performance in Professional Female Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of the daily consumption of kefir on the gut microbiome, body composition, and athletic performance of professional female soccer players. Methods: The participants encompassed 21 females aged 18–29 years who were assigned to one of the two groups: the experimental group, which comprised females who consumed 200 mL of kefir daily for 28 days, and the control group, which comprised females who continued with their normal diet. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, the composition of the gut microbiome through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and an athletic performance test known as the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test were performed before and after the intervention. Results: The results of this study revealed that the consumption of kefir increased the microbial diversity (Shannon and Chao1 indices), wherein a significant increase was noted in the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, microorganisms that regulate energy metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the athletic performance variables, including VO2max (mL.kg−1.min−1) and finishing speed (km/h), were strongly related to the abundance of these short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. A link between the microbiota profile and the dietary intake of fiber and protein as well as the body composition measurements was also established. Conclusions: This study indicated that kefir consumption can positively affect the gut microbiota, which could in turn affect the athletes’ performance. Therefore, to determine the effects of kefir as a functional food in sports nutrition over a longer period, more research should be conducted.

Agonism and performance in adolescent football players in informal physical education settings

Agonism and performance in adolescent football players in informal physical education settings

Optimising Sprint Performance in Rugby: Insights from a Systematic Review of Training Methods

Background: Sprint performance is crucial in rugby, impacting offensive and defensive actions. Despite increasing research on team sports, specific sprint training guidelines for rugby remain limited. This review evaluates the effectiveness of various training methods to improve sprint performance in semi-professional and professional players. Objectives: To identify and assess the most effective training methodologies for improving rugby sprint performance and provide evidence-based recommendations for coaches. Methods: A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, including studies published before November 2024. Eligible studies focused on Rugby Union, Rugby League, or Rugby Sevens players undergoing resistance-based or sprint-specific training for at least four weeks. Exclusion criteria included amateur players, athletes under 16, or interventions using advanced technologies. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Twenty-six studies involving 644 rugby players were analysed. Training programmes ranged from 4 to 18 weeks (average: 8 weeks) and were categorised into resistance training, small-sided games, and sprint-specific methods. Resistance training combined with plyometrics and agility drills achieved the most significant sprint improvements. Small-sided games enhanced sprint performance by simulating game-like scenarios, while resisted sprint training showed notable results for short-distance acceleration but limited maximum speed gains. Conclusions: Rugby sprint performance improves through periodised training protocols incorporating resistance exercises, plyometrics, and sport-specific drills. Coaches should use small-sided games and resisted sprint training to target short-distance acceleration and agility. Further research should examine the long-term effects of these methods and their influence on match performance.

How effective is circuit training on physical fitness? A high-intensity study in the sport of futsal

Background and Study Aim. Physical fitness is a crucial component that supports optimal performance in sports, including futsal, which demands a combination of endurance, strength, agility and speed. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of high-intensity circuit training on improving the physical fitness of futsal players. Material and Methods. The research design used a one group pretest-posttest design method, with participants as many as 8 futsal athletes selected using purposive sampling technique. The study was conducted under partly cloudy weather conditions with real-time temperature of 25.3°C, humidity of 94%, and wind speed of 19.4 km/h. This exercise uses 14 fitness equipment, namely triceps, leg press, front pull down, calf raise, butterfly, leg extension, bench press, sit-up, back-up, standing rowing, squat, back pull down, bicep, and leg curl. Exercises were performed in 3 sets per session with maximum repetitions (1 RM) and rest between sets for 4-5 minutes. The program was implemented for 12 sessions, with full intensity 3 times a week. The instrument was carried out using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Data analysis was assisted using the SPSS 26 application Results. The results showed a significant increase in physical fitness after the treatment was given. The mean pretest and posttest values were statistically different (t = -4.190; p &lt; 0.05), with an average improvement of -1.36250. High-intensity circuit training proved to be effective in improving the physical fitness of futsal players, which includes an increase in aerobic capacity and physical strength. Conclusion. This study provides scientific evidence that high-intensity circuit training is an efficient method to improve the physical performance of futsal players. These findings can serve as a reference for coaches in designing relevant and measurable futsal sport needs-based training programs.

Single-session upper limb plyometric training is as effective as two sessions for improving muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in male youth tennis players: a randomized parallel controlled study

IntroductionProviding a balanced training stimulus that promotes positive adaptations without excessively increasing training volume—and thereby avoiding disruptions to the training process—is a challenging task for strength and conditioning coaches. This study aimed to compare the effects of one vs. two weekly sessions of upper limb plyometric training (ULPT) on muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in male youth tennis players.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled study with two ULPT groups: one receiving one session weekly (ULPT1w) and the other two sessions (ULPT2w), alongside a control group maintaining regular tennis training. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. A total of 47 male youth tennis players (15.6 ± 0.9 years), competing at the trained/developmental level, participated in the study. Evaluations were conducted twice—once before the intervention and once after—assessing isometric shoulder rotation strength (internal [ISRT] and external [ESRT]) with a dynamometer, the medicine ball chest throw (MBCT), seated shot-put test (SST), and serve velocity using a radar gun.ResultsIn the post-intervention, significant differences were observed between groups for the variables of ISRT (p = 0.010; ηp2 = 0.189), ESRT (p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.226), MBCT (p = 0.012; ηp2 = 0.181), SST (p = 0.019; ηp2 = 0.164), and tennis serve velocity (p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.226).ConclusionThe study found that ULPT significantly improves upper limb muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in young male tennis players, with both once and twice weekly training yielding similar benefits. As practical implications coaches can effectively incorporate ULPT once a week to enhance physical performance in young male tennis players.

Tennis Timing Assessment by a Machine Learning-Based Acoustic Detection System: A Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: In tennis, timing plays a crucial factor as it influences the technique and effectiveness of strokes and, therefore, matches results. However, traditional technical evaluation methods rely on subjective observations or video motion-tracking technology, mainly focusing on spatial components. This study evaluated the reliability of an acoustic detection system in analyzing key temporal elements of the game, such as the rally rhythm and timing of strokes. Methods: Based on a machine learning algorithm, the proposed acoustic detection system classifies the sound of the ball’s impact on the racket and the ground to measure the time between them and give immediate feedback to the player. We performed trials with expert and amateur players in controlled settings. Results: The ML algorithm showed a detection accuracy higher than 95%, while the average accuracy of the whole system that was applied on-court was 85%. Moreover, this system has proven effective in evaluating the technical skills of a group of players on the court and highlighting their areas for improvement, showing significant potential for practical applications in player training and performance analysis. Conclusions: Quantitatively assessing timing offers a new perspective for coaches and players to improve performance and technique, providing objective data to set training regimens and optimize game strategies.

The effects of different fatigue types on action anticipation and physical performance in high-level volleyball players

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of different fatigue types on action anticipation and physical performance in high-level volleyball players. Twenty-four participants underwent four counterbalanced conditions: 60-min cycling at 60% peak power output, 60-min Stroop task, 60-min cycling at 60% peak power output with Stroop task and 60-min neutral documentary to induce physical fatigue (PF), mental fatigue (MF), dual fatigue (DF) and control group (CG), respectively. Action anticipation (anticipation test and visual search test) and physical performance (countermovement jump, T-test, and spike test) were conducted at baseline, immediately after (Post1), and after 10-min rest (Post2). DF and PF led to significantly lower jump height, T-test completion time, and spiking speed at Post1 and Post2 compared with CG and MF. Compared with PF, DF led to a significant decline in jumping, agility, and spiking performance at Post1 and decreased jumping performance at Post2. MF significantly decreased the reaction time of anticipation test at Post1 compared with CG. Reaction times of visual search test were significantly lower in DF and MF at Post2 compared with CG. It is suggested that PF decreased physical performance, and this is exacerbated in DF. Anticipation performance was affected by MF but not by DF and PF.

Scoring performance of European professional basketball players: a comparison between domestic leagues and the Eurobasket

ABSTRACT This study classified European basketball players participating in EuroBasket 2022 based on physical attributes, playing time, experience, and scoring statistics, while analysing scoring performance differences across NBA, Euroleague, and EuroBasket competitions. A sample of 82 European players with a minimum of 5 minutes per game in the NBA (n = 27) or Euroleague (n = 55) was categorised into four profiles: Important Guards (IG), Important Forwards (IF), Big Men Less Important (BMLI), and Big Men Important (BMI). The NBA featured more IG and BMLI players, while the Euroleague had a higher proportion of IF. Scoring performances varied significantly across competitions. Euroleague BMLI players excelled in EuroBasket, particularly in points and free throws, while IF players improved in successful 3-point field goals. BMI players struggled with lower success in 2-point field goals. NBA BMLI and BMI players exhibited fluctuations in 2-point field goals, while IG players adjusted their points scored and 3-point success rates during EuroBasket. These results highlight league-specific demands shaping player performance, providing coaches and managers with insights to optimise player utilisation and tactical planning for transitions between domestic and international competitions, enhancing team effectiveness.

Effectiveness of combined techniques vs passive recovery in competitive squash players: A crossover study

Objective: This study examined the effects of two recovery techniques, combined techniques and passive recovery, on physiological, neuromuscular, and psychophysiological performance in competitive squash players during three days of simulated matches. Methodology: Eleven elite squash players (age: 15 ± 5 years; height: 172.80 ± 8 cm; body mass: 65.05 ± 11.46 kg) participated in a crossover-designed study. Blood lactate levels, countermovement jump, perceived exertion, and recovery were assessed before, after, and 48 hours post-match. Statistical analyses included Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test, as well as repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman + Wilcoxon tests for intra-week analyses. Results: Significant differences were observed in pre-match lactate levels between the first and third weeks (t = -5.81; p &lt; .01) and in post-match lactate levels (t = -2.42; p &lt; .03). No significant differences were found for countermovement jump pre-match (p &lt; .50) or post-match (p &lt;.15). Perceptual parameters such as sleep, stress, fatigue, muscle soreness, and perceived exertion showed no significant differences in pre-match measurements (p &lt; .14, p &lt;.09, p &lt; .74, p &lt; .51, p &lt; .27) or in post-match muscle soreness and perceived exertion (p &lt;.39, p &lt; .41). Discussion: A simulated 45-minute squash match resulted in moderate fatigue, with full recovery within 24 hours. Repeated combined techniques provided no cumulative benefits over time and were equally effective as passive recovery in reversing physiological and neuromuscular changes. Conclusions: Combined techniques neither enhanced nor impaired the recovery process and were as effective as passive recovery.

Strength and dynamic balance performance in soccer players in the United States: age, sex, and bilateral differences

Quantification of asymmetries between the two limbs is informative in assessing the risk of injury and performance deficits, but there is a paucity of studies investigating the effects of age and sex on bilateral asymmetry in young soccer players. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of age and sex on strength and dynamic balance in 7- to 24-year-old soccer players in the United States. A total of 174 young soccer players participated in the study (Age 7–9 years: 26 females and 16 males; Age 10–12 years: 32 females and 31 males; Age 13–17 years: 17 females and 25 males; Age &amp;gt;18 years: 13 females and 14 males). Jump displacement, peak force, and asymmetry during countermovement jump with arm swing and landing, peak force and asymmetry during push-up, and normalized reaching distances for upper and lower extremity reaching tests were quantified. Preferred legs and arms were defined as the preferred kicking leg or throwing arm. As age increased, both preferred and non-preferred sides demonstrated decreased landing forces, increased jump displacement, and increased normalized peak forces during push-ups in both males and females (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Males showed greater jump displacement, normalized landing forces, and normalized peak forces in push-ups compared to females in several age groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). No significant differences were observed for asymmetry variables between ages or sexes, and on average, most bilateral asymmetry variables were less than 5%. Age was associated with strength but not dynamic balance performance in healthy soccer players in the United States. Male and female players demonstrated similar changes, and bilateral asymmetries were on average small. Soccer players may need more dynamic balance training over time as they progress to higher levels of competition. Landing technique training may be implemented for young soccer players to decrease the high impact landing forces and landing related injury risk. Asymmetries and their relationships with injury risk should be evaluated on an individual basis, as their relationships with age and sex were weak. Future longitudinal and cohort studies are warranted to further elucidate the relationship among strength, dynamic balance, and injury risk in soccer players.

Effect of Single-Leg Compound Training Program on Power of College Student High-Level Basketball Player

Background and Aims: There is widespread asymmetry in the body of athletes, which can affect and limit their performance in training and competition, leading to the potential and realistic risk of injury. This paper aims to improve the asymmetry of athletes and improve their performance and prevent injuries. The single-leg compound training method was used to explore the effect and degree of the improvement of the lower limb asymmetry in basketball players. Methodology: Experimental method, measurement method and questionnaire survey method are divided into pre-experiment and formal experiment. The measurement takes 38 male high-level basketball players to measure and evaluate the strength index. The formal experiment was designed with one-factor completely randomized experiment. High-level basketball players were randomly selected as the main subjects and randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The experimental group conducted single-leg compound training intervention for 8 weeks, and the control group conducted normal teaching training. The Pre-and Posttest tested the degree of lower limb asymmetry and physical fitness performance of the lower limb asymmetry and physical fitness performance indicators between the experimental group and the control group before and after the intervention. Result: The results found that: (1) Male college basketball second-level players have the asymmetry of the lower limb strength, and the asymmetry degree of the strength index on both sides of the lower limbs is more obvious. (2) 8-week single-leg compound training can effectively improve the asymmetry of lower limb strength in male college basketball players. (3) The decrease of lower limb asymmetry in male college basketball players can significantly improve the explosive force of lower limbs. This shows that the improvement of lower limb asymmetry can improve the physical performance of basketball players. Conclusion: The study shows that male college basketball players' explosive force and overall physical performance on the court can be greatly improved by targeting their lower limb strength asymmetry through targeted training. More balanced strength distribution can result from effective training interventions, which will ultimately enhance athletic performance.

The effect of infra low frequency–neurofeedback training on pistol shooting performance and attention in semi-skilled players

PurposeNeurofeedback (NF) typically involves an operant conditioning or other reinforcement protocol aimed at self-regulating patterns of brain activation. Endogenous Neuromodulation, characterized by the absence of discrete reinforcers, has emerged over the last two decades with the extension of training into the infra-low frequency regime, i.e., below 0.1 Hz. Specifically, Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Neurofeedback training has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the self-organization and regulation of the central nervous system in considerable generality. The present study explores a pivotal question: Can Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Neurofeedback, acknowledged for its influence on arousal, vigilance, and emotional states, effectively enhance both attention generally and shooting performance specifically? Additionally, we explored whether the training exerted beneficial effects on three attentional networks—Conflict, Orienting, and Alerting.MethodsTo assess shooting performance, we employed the Shooter’s Coordination Analysis Target Training (SCATT), while attention networks were gauged through the Attention Network Test (ANT). Twenty semi-skilled pistol shooters, aged 28–40, underwent both the ANT and SCATT assessments before and after completing 20 half-hour ILF-Neurofeedback sessions. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an ILF NFB group, which underwent 20 sessions of ILF NFB training, and a control group that received no NFB.ResultsOur findings revealed that ILF-Neurofeedback significantly enhanced performance. In the ANT, the training led to a reduction in Conflict and an increase in Orienting and Alerting.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the effectiveness of ILF-Neurofeedback in improving shooting performance, and in positively impacting all three attention networks assessed by the ANT.

Differences in spatiotemporal pressure and performance between Chinese and German elite youth football players during matches

IntroductionIn modern football, spatial and temporal pressure significantly influence player performance and tactical outcomes, particularly in youth competitions. This study aims to investigate the spatial pressure differences between Chinese and German U17 elite youth football teams, focusing on the ball-handler’s distance to the nearest defender (D).MethodsVideo analysis was conducted to measure D across various match contexts, including scorelines (leading, tied, and trailing), game phases (passing and receiving), pass outcomes (successful and unsuccessful), and pitch zones. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric methods to compare the D under different conditions. The Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used to identify significant differences, with post hoc comparisons conducted where necessary.ResultsResults show that the German team consistently maintained greater D than the Chinese team (p &amp;lt; 0.001, d = 0.463), highlighting their superior spatial management and tactical adaptability.DiscussionGreater D was associated with enhanced offensive flexibility and defensive stability, allowing the German team to create space effectively and maintain structural integrity under pressure. In contrast, the Chinese team’s smaller D suggested limitations in spatial utilization and higher defensive engagement risks. These findings underscore the importance of tactical training emphasizing spatial awareness and balanced pressure management, providing valuable insights for youth football development.

Confiabilidad inter-evaluador y test-retest de la prueba de alcance multidireccional sentado en jugadores de baloncesto en silla de ruedas: Una prueba clínica de campo

Being able to define the maximum functional range that a wheelchair basketball player can achieve is very important, however, the use of a clinical tool to measure reach from the sitting position is not well documented. For this purpose, the Seated Multidirectional Reach Test (SMRT) was designed as a field test to evaluate a player's performance in his action volume and detect bilateral differences in multiple directions. A study was carried out on 30 players (age = 25.02 ± 6.39) of the Argentine men's wheelchair basketball team, to analyze inter-rater (n=32) and intra-rater (n=32) reliability of the SMRT. Relative intra-rater (0.95-0.98) and inter-rater reliability (0.91-0.98) was excellent in all measurements. The standard errors of measurement (SEM) ranged from 2 to 6%, while the minimal detectable change (MDC) ranged from 9 to 16%. The findings of this study suggest that the SMRT is reliable between measurements and between evaluators, and could be an appropriate tool to use as a clinical measure of reaching performance and to describe the volume of action in wheelchair basketball players.

Comparison of eccentric and concentric training effects on improving explosive performance in elite female basketball players: a pilot study

Comparison of eccentric and concentric training effects on improving explosive performance in elite female basketball players: a pilot study

Optimizing Muscle Performance in Young Soccer Players: Exploring the Impact of Resisted Sprint Training and Its Relationship with Distance Covered.

Speed training with resisted sprints has been shown to positively affect neuromuscular performance in soccer players. Various loads, ranging from 10% to 120% of body mass, have demonstrated performance improvements across the spectrum. However, the impact of sprint distance with optimal load on these adaptive responses has yet to be thoroughly described. To analyze the influence of sprint distance in resisted sprints on muscle performance in young soccer players. This quantitative study utilized a pre-post experimental design. The sample consisted of 24 young soccer players (15.3 ± 0.68 years; 61.4 ± 7.08 kg; 1.60 ± 0.06 m) randomized into three groups (10, 20, and 30 m) and subjected to 12 sessions of resisted sprint training over six weeks. The volume was homogenized across groups, with a total distance of 120 m for each. The intervention's effect was analyzed through performance in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), modified 505 agility test (505 m), and linear sprint tests. Differences were analyzed using a mixed ANOVA, incorporating a between-subjects factor (training group) and a within-subjects factor (pre- and post-intervention). Time-dependent differences were observed in all groups for peak force (PF) (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.62), time to PF (TPF) (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.53), impulse at 50 (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.57), 100 (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.60), and 200 ms (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.67) in IMTP; jump height by impulse-momentum (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.64), rate of force development (p = 0.04; η2p = 0.14), yielding impulse (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.49), and concentric impulse (p = 0.01; η2p = 0.19) in CMJ; time (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.46) in 505 m; and average speed in linear sprint (p = 0.003; η2p = 0.36), with moderate to large effect sizes, regardless of the distance covered. No differences were observed for the interaction between the time* and group or between groups. Performance improvements were independent of the sprint distance, with no differences between training groups. Distances between 10 and 30 m may enhance muscle performance in young soccer players.

Acute Effects of Dark Chocolate on Physical Performance in Young Elite Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

Acute Effects of Dark Chocolate on Physical Performance in Young Elite Soccer Players: A Pilot Study