Effects of Slackline Training on Acceleration, Agility, Jump Performance and Postural Control in Youth Soccer Players

Change of Direction Ability as a Sensitive Marker of Adaptation to Different Training Configurations, and Different Populations: Results from Four Experiments

This article includes four separate experiments. In the first experiment male beach handball players (n = 24) were randomly assigned to regular training (n = 12) or plyometric and sprint training (n = 12). In the second experiment, male players were assigned to a handball practice only (n = 12), a plyometric training (n = 12), or an eccentric-overload (e.g., versa-pulley machine) training group (n = 12). In the third experiment, participants were assigned to padel training (n = 12) or specific on-court neuromuscular technical actions (n = 12). In the fourth experiment, females between 50-59 years (n = 25), 60-64 years (n = 25), and 65-70 years (n = 25) completed 10 weeks of bench stepping training involving jumps, and were compared to age-matched controls (n = 45). The COD ability was assessed with the 10-m COD ability test (experiments one and two), the COD ability test with 90º and 180º turns (third experiment), and with the timed-up-and-go test (fourth experiment). In experiment one, greater COD improvement was noted in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In experiment two, both intervention groups similarly improved COD when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In experiment three, although no significant group-time interactions were observed for COD, the experimental group improved all COD measures pre-post-training (p < 0.05), with a larger effect size for COD with 180° turn to the right compared to the control group (effect size = 0.8 vs. 0.3). In experiment four, the three training groups improved COD ability compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, COD is a sensitive marker of adaptation to different training configurations in these diverse groups.

Associations of Masticatory Muscles Asymmetry and Oral Health with Postural Control and Leg Injuries of Elite Junior Soccer Players

The influence of asymmetry between masticatory muscles on postural control is still under debate and only few studies examined the impact of oral health on injury risk. The present study investigated the relationships between masticatory muscles asymmetry, oral health, postural control and the prevalence of (non-contact or traumatic) leg injuries in a sample of 144 male elite junior soccer players. sEMG of the masseter and temporal muscles was performed during maximum teeth clenching, postural control was tested by measuring sway velocity during the unipedal stance with eyes closed, while oral health and the number of leg injuries were assessed using a questionnaire. The time-1 assessment was repeated in a subgroup of 69 players after one year. Pearson and partial correlation coefficients and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to assess associations. Asymmetry between the masseter and temporalis muscles (AMTM, quantified as anteroposterior coefficient, APC) was associated with higher sway velocity on the dominant leg (using time-1 data partial r = -0.24, p = 0.004, using longitudinal data partial r = -0.40, p = 0.005). Higher prevalence of two or more leg injuries throughout a competitive season was associated with poor oral health (adjusted OR (95%CI) using time-1 data = 2.14 (1.02–4.46), using longitudinal data = 4.47 (1.25–15.96)). These results indicate that AMTM has a negative influence on the sway velocity of the dominant leg only, possibly because frequent balancing exercises on the non-dominant leg may counteract negative influences of AMTM. The association of oral health with leg injuries underlines the need for oral health promotion and monitoring strategies in sports.

Effects of a Short-Term Slackline Training Program on Energy Expenditure and Balance in Healthy Young Adults: A Preliminary Report of a Randomized Controlled Trial

The development of technology and a fast-paced lifestyle has caused a significant decrease in physical activity, especially among young people. These worrying trends can be countered by the use of attractive forms of physical recreation, including the increasingly popular slackline. The aim of this study was to evaluate energy expenditure during slackline training and to analyze changes in dynamic and static balance parameters after supervised slackline training sessions. The study enrolled 28 healthy volunteers (14 men and 14 women aged 21−25) who were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and passive control. The energy expenditure level was the primary outcome and was assessed using the SenseWear Armband. Each participant underwent an initial and final balance assessment using two selected protocols on the Balance Master platform. The intervention lasted 5 days, with 15 min of supervised training per day. The average energy expenditure expressed in MET was 6.0 (±0.7) MET per training session. An analysis of the results regarding static and dynamic balance showed that the group participating in slackline training significantly improved stability on foam surfaces with their eyes open (p < 0.003), as well as tandem walk speeds (p < 0.05), both with small effect sizes. The results suggested that slackline training has the potential to produce significant positive effects on general health statuses following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on physical activity. The significant improvement in task-specific balance suggests that slackline training could become an important element of the prevention and rehabilitation of many injuries.

The effects of an integrative training program on elite young soccer players' physical performance

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a short duration and low weekly frequency integrative program on sprint, agility and jump performance in elite youth soccer players.

METHODS

Twenty-eight elite youth soccer players, members of two professional clubs, playing in the U19 developmental championship participated in this study. They were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group (EG, N.=15) and the control group (CG, N.=13). The duration of the intervention program was 8 weeks with a frequency of twice per week. The performance of the participants in the 10 meters and 30 meters speed, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ) and agility (Illinois agility test, Arrowhead agility test) was measured at the beginning and the end of the 8-week study.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in any performance measured between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that the addition of allowing frequency and short duration training intervention program did not enhance the physical fitness indicators, in high-level young soccer players.