Combined Resistance and Plyometric Training Is More Effective Than Plyometric Training Alone for Improving Physical Fitness of Pubertal Soccer Players

Light load jump squat and plyometric training enhance jumping, sprinting, change of direction, and balance performance of male soccer players (U-19): a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In sports science, optimizing athletic performance is pursued through an emerging approach that combined light-loaded squat (LLS) training and plyometric jump training (PJT), targeting strength, power, and neuromuscular adaptations, particularly beneficial for the dynamic demands of youth soccer. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a combined LLS training and PJT program on athletic performance and balance in youth soccer players.

METHODS

Thirty-two male players were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (EG: N.=16; age: 18.56±0.51 years; body mass: 66.87±4.99 kg; height: 1.78±0.07 m) and a control group (CG: N.=16; age: 18.68±0.47 years; body mass: 67.93±4.58 kg; height: 1.77±0.07 m) from the same U19 team of a professional club voluntarily participated in the study. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), horizontal jump (HJ), drop jump (DJ), 30 m sprint (30 mS), change of direction ability (4×5 m sprint test [S 4×5 m]) and static balance (the stork balance) performance tests were carried out in the week before and the week after the 8 weeks with combined LLS and PJT period. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for all tests.

RESULTS

The results of this study show that the EG had significantly greater improvements than the CG in all tests (all P<0.001). Also, EG experienced higher performance between preintervention and post intervention measures (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the 4×5mS performance (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that coaches may be advised to use the combined LLS and PJT since it is as effective as traditional methods and perfect for sports and activities requiring fast, explosive movements during the in-season period than regular training.

Plyometric Jump Training Effects on Maximal Strength in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis of Randomized-Controlled Studies

BACKGROUND

Maximal strength may contribute to soccer players' performance. Several resistance training modalities offer the potential to improve maximal strength. During recent years, a large number of plyometric jump training (PJT) studies showed evidence for maximal strength improvements in soccer players. However, a comprehensive summary of the available data is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of PJT compared with active, passive or intervention controls on the maximal strength of soccer players, irrespective of age, sex or competitive level.

METHODS

To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS) were systematically searched. Studies published from inception until March 2023 were included. A PICOS approach was used to rate studies for eligibility. The PEDro scale was used to assess risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model if ≥ 3 studies were available. Moderator and sensitivity analyses were performed, and meta-regression was conducted when ≥ 10 studies were available for a given comparison. We rated the certainty of evidence using GRADE.

RESULTS

The search identified 13,029 documents, and from these 30 studies were eligible for the systematic review, and 27 for the meta-analyses. Overall, 1,274 soccer players aged 10.7-25.0 years participated in the included studies. Only one study recruited females. The PJT interventions lasted between 5 and 40 weeks (median = 8 weeks), with 1-3 weekly sessions. Compared to controls, PJT improved maximal dynamic strength (18 studies, 632 participants [7 females], aged 12.7-24.5 y; effect size [ES] = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08-0.78, p = 0.017, impact of statistical heterogeneity [I2] = 77.9%), isometric strength (7 studies; 245 participants, males, aged 11.1-22.5 y; ES = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.28-0.87, p < 0.001, I2 = 17.7%), and isokinetic peak torque (5 studies; 183 participants, males, aged 12.6-25.0 y; ES = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.22-0.80, p = 0.001, I2 = 0.0%). The PJT-induced maximal dynamic strength changes were independent of participants' age (median = 18.0 y), weeks of intervention (median = 8 weeks), and total number of training sessions (median = 16 sessions). The certainty of evidence was considered low to very low for the main analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions involving PJT are more effective to improve maximal strength in soccer players compared to control conditions involving traditional sport-specific training. Trial Registration The trial registration protocol was published on the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform in December 2022, with the following links to the project ( https://osf.io/rpxjk ) and to the registration ( https://osf.io/3ruyj ).

The Effects of Strength, Plyometric and Combined Training on Strength, Power and Speed Characteristics in High-Level, Highly Trained Male Youth Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Male youth soccer players competing at a high level will typically engage in large volumes of soccer training from a young age. However, it is not known whether the high levels of habitual training that these high-performing players are exposed to limit their ability to respond to strength, plyometric or combined training interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the specific effects of strength, plyometric and combined training with active controls (standard soccer training) on the strength, power and speed characteristics of high-level, highly trained young male soccer players.

METHODS

We performed a literature search across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus to identify controlled studies that implemented strength, plyometric or combined training in high-level male youth soccer players. Participants were defined as high level or highly trained based on established guidelines related to either competition level or age-related weekly hours spent in soccer training. Studies needed to report at least one outcome of lower body strength, squat jump, countermovement jump, horizontal power, acceleration (0-10 m), speed (15-40 m) or change of direction speed. A meta-analysis was then performed using a random-effects model to determine the magnitude (Hedge's g) of training responses and whether effects differed across modes of training.

RESULTS

From an initial return of 5464 papers, n = 34 studies met the inclusion criteria and provided a total sample of n = 1396 high-level male youth soccer players. Strength, plyometric and combined training resulted in improvements in strength, squat and countermovement jump, horizontal power, acceleration, change of direction speed (all p < 0.05; g = 0.73-1.08, moderate) and speed (p < 0.05; g = 0.40-0.59, small). Lower body strength was the only outcome where training mode had a significant effect (p < 0.05), with plyometric training producing small effects (g = 0.27, p < 0.05) compared with moderate effects for strength (g = 1.07, p < 0.05) and combined (g = 0.75, p < 0.05) training. Prediction intervals for overall effects (all training modes combined) showed that the greatest confidence that future training will lead to positive effects was in the squat and countermovement jump, horizontal power and acceleration (prediction intervals = 0.03-1.81).

CONCLUSIONS

High-level, highly trained male youth soccer players can experience positive gains in indices of strength, power and speed from strength, plyometric and combined training, and the magnitude of gains are mostly similar across modes of training. Based on prediction intervals, there is a good level of certainty that future strength, plyometric and combined training in this population would lead to positive improvements in vertical and horizontal power and sprint acceleration.

Effects of diverse resistance training modalities on performance measures in athletes: a network meta-analysis

Background: Jumping ability is one of the necessary qualities for athletes. Previous studies have shown that plyometric training and complex training including plyometrics can improve athletes' jumping ability. With the emergence of various types of complex training, there is uncertainty about which training method has the best effect. This study conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of plyometric-related training on athletes' jumping ability, to provide some reference for coaches to design training plans. Methods: We systematically searched 3 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) up to July 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials investigating plyometrics related training in athletes. The two researchers conducted literature screening, extraction and quality assessment independently. We performed a network meta-analysis using Stata 16. Results: We analyzed 83 studies and found that complex training, which includes high-intensity intervals and plyometric exercises, was the most effective method for improving squat jumps (SURCA = 96%). In the case of countermovement jumps a combination of electrostimulation and plyometric training yielded the best results (SURCA = 97.6%). Weightlifting training proved to be the most effective for the standing long jump (SURCA = 81.4%), while strength training was found to be the most effective for the five bounces test (SURCA = 87.3%). Conclusion: Our current study shows that complex training performs more efficient overall in plyometric-related training. However, there are different individual differences in the effects of different training on different indicators (e.g., CMJ, SJ, SLJ, 5BT) of athletes. Therefore, in order to ensure that the most appropriate training is selected, it is crucial to accurately assess the physical condition of each athlete before implementation. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, Registration and protocol CRD42023456402.

Mental Fatigue Uniquely Influences Drop Landing Biomechanics for Individuals With a Concussion History

CONTEXT

Induced mental fatigue negatively impacts sport performance and neurocognition. However, it is unclear how induced mental fatigue influences landing biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of mental fatigue on drop landing biomechanics in individuals with and without a concussion history.

DESIGN

Crossover design.

METHODS

Forty-eight (24 per group) recreationally active individuals were matched on age (±3 y), sex, and body mass index (±1 kg/m2). All participants completed an experimental (30-min Stroop task) and control (30-min reading magazines) intervention on separate days separated by a minimum of 24 hours. Drop landings were performed before and after both interventions. Outcomes included peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), vertical loading rate (VLR), knee flexion angle, knee abduction angle, external knee flexion moment, external knee abduction moment, and initial ground contact knee flexion and knee abduction angles. Separate 2 (group) × 2 (intervention) between-within analyses of covariance compared drop landing outcomes. Each group's average pre-Stroop and premagazine outcomes were covariates.

RESULTS

There was a significant interaction for vGRF (P = .033, ηp2=.097) and VLR (P = .0497, ηp2=.083). The vGRF simple effects were not statistically significantly (P range = .052-.325). However, individuals with a concussion history displayed a medium effect size for greater vGRF post-Stroop compared with their own postmagazine vGRF (mean difference (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.163 (-0.002 to 0.327) bodyweight (BW), p = .052, ηp2=.081. In contrast, the control group displayed a small effect size (mean difference [95% CI] = 0.095 [-0.069 to 0.259] BW, p = .251, ηp2=.029). Individuals with a concussion history displayed greater VLR post-Stroop compared with controls (mean difference [95% CI], 26.29 [6.19 to 46.40] BW/s, P = .012, ηp2=.134) and their own postmagazine values (mean difference [95% CI] = 32.61 [7.80 to 57.42] BW/s, p = .011, ηp2=.135).

CONCLUSION

Mental fatigue leads to greater VLR for individuals with a concussion history. Athletic competition and activities of daily living can increase mental fatigue. Training programs may seek to teach mental fatigue reducing strategies to athletes with a concussion history.

Effectiveness of plyometric training vs. complex training on the explosive power of lower limbs: A Systematic review

Introduction: Explosive power is considered an important factor in competitive events. Thus, strategies such as complex training (CT) and plyometric training (PLT) are effective at improving explosive power. However, it is still not clear which of the two strategies can enable greater improvements on the explosive power. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to compare the effects of PLT and CT on the explosive power of the lower limbs. Methods: The Review Manager and GraphPad Prism programs were used to analyze the synthetic and time effects (effects over training time) on explosive power (i.e., jump ability, sprint ability) and maximum strength. Our research identified 87 studies comprising 1,355 subjects aged 10-26.4 years. Results: The results suggested the following: 1) Synthetic effects on jump ability (Hedges' g): .79 (p < .001) for unloaded PLT, 1.35 (p < .001) for loaded PLT and .85 (p < .001) for CT; 2) Synthetic effects on sprint ability: .83 (p < .001) for unloaded PLT, -2.11 (p < .001) for loaded PLT and -.78 (p < .001) for CT; 3) Synthetic effects on maximum strength: .84 (p < .001) for loaded PLT and 1.53 (p < .001) for CT; 4) The time effects of unloaded PLT and CT on explosive power were similar, but the time effects of CT on maximum strength were obviously above that of PLT. Discussion: In conclusion, unloaded PLT and CT have a similar effect on explosive performance in the short term but loaded PLT has a better effect. The improvement of the maximum strength caused by CT was greater than that induced by PLT. In addition, more than 10 weeks of training may be more beneficial for the improvement of power. Therefore, for explosive power training, we suggest adopting unloaded or light-loaded PLT during a short season and applying CT during an annual or long training cycle.

Effect of unilateral training and bilateral training on physical performance: A meta-analysis

Background: In Unilateral (UNI) exercises are more effective than bilateral (BI) exercises in improving athletic performance is debatable. Objectives: this meta-analysis investigated the effects of UNI and BI exercises on different effect indicators of jump ability, sprint ability, maximal force, change of direction ability, and balance ability. Data Sources: PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of science, CNKI, Proquest, Wan Fang Data. Study Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, the study had to be: 1) athletes; 2) UNI training and BI training; 3) the intervention period had to be more than 6 weeks and the intervention frequency had to be more than 2 times/week; 4) the outcome indicators were jumping ability, sprinting ability, maximum strength, and change of direction and balance. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Method: We used the random-effects model for meta-analyses. Effect sizes (standardized mean difference), calculated from measures of horizontally oriented performance, were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of 28 papers met the inclusion criteria, and Meta-analysis showed that UNI training was more effective than BI training in improving jumping ability (ES = 0.61.0.23 to 0.09; Z = 3.12, p = 0.002 < 0.01), sprinting ability (ES = -0.02, -0.03 to -0.01; Z = 2.73, p = 0.006 < 0.01), maximum strength (ES = 8.95,2.30 to 15.61; Z = 2.64, p = 0.008 > 0.05), change of direction ability (ES = -0.03, -0.06 to 0.00; Z = 1.90, p = 0.06 > 0.01) and balance ability (ES = 1.41,-0.62 to 3.44; Z = 1.36, p = 0.17 > 0.01). The results of the analysis of moderating variables showed that intervention period, intervention frequency and intervention types all had different indicators of effect on exercise performance. Conclusion: UNI training has a more significant effect on jumping and strength quality for unilateral power patterns, and BI training has a more significant effect on jumping and strength quality for bilateral power patterns.

Multidisciplinary Neuromuscular and Endurance Interventions on Youth Basketball Players: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

The main aims of this systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression were to describe the effect of multidisciplinary neuromuscular and endurance interventions, including plyometric training, mixed strength and conditioning, HIIT basketball programs and repeated sprint training on youth basketball players considering age, competitive level, gender and the type of the intervention performed to explore a predictive model through a meta-regression analysis. A structured search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and PICOS model in Medline (PubMed), Web of Science (WOS) and Cochrane databases. Groups of experiments were created according to neuromuscular power (vertical; NPV and horizontal; NPH) and endurance (E). Meta-analysis and sub-groups analysis were performed using a random effect model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMD). A random effects meta-regression was performed regressing SMD for the different sub-groups against percentage change for NPV and NPH. There was a significant positive overall effect of the multidisciplinary interventions on NPV, NPH and E. Sub-groups analysis indicate differences in the effects of the interventions on NPV and NPH considering age, gender, competitive level and the type of the intervention used. Considering the current data available, the meta-regression analysis suggests a good predictability of U-16 and plyometric training on jump performance. Besides, male and elite level youth basketball players had a good predictability on multidirectional speed and agility performance.

Body composition adaptations to lower-body plyometric training: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) on body composition parameters among males. Relevant articles were searched in the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, WOS, and SCOPUS, using the key words "ballistic", "complex", "explosive", "force-velocity", "plyometric", "stretch-shortening cycle", "jump", "training", and "body composition". We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigating the effects of PJT in healthy male's body composition (e.g., muscle mass; body fat), irrespective of age. From database searching 21 RCTs were included (separate experimental groups = 28; pooled number of participants = 594). Compared to control, PJT produced significant increases in total leg muscle volume (small ES = 0.55, p = 0.009), thigh muscle volume (small ES = 0.38, p = 0.043), thigh girth (large ES = 1.78, p = 0.011), calf girth (large ES = 1.89, p = 0.022), and muscle pennation angle (small ES = 0.53, p = 0.040). However, we did not find significant difference between PJT and control for muscle cross-sectional area, body fat, and skinfold thickness. Heterogeneity remained low-to-moderate for most analyses, and using the Egger's test publication bias was not found in any of the analyses (p = 0.300-0.900). No injuries were reported among the included studies. PJT seems to be an effective and safe mode of exercise for increasing leg muscle volume, thigh muscle volume, thigh and calf girth, and muscle pennation angle. Therefore, PJT may be effective to improve muscle size and architecture, with potential implications in several clinical and sport-related contexts.

Combined Plyometric and Short Sprint Training in U-15 Male Soccer Players: Effects on Measures of Jump, Speed, Change of Direction, Repeated Sprint, and Balance

This study examined the effect of 8 weeks of biweekly combined plyometric and short sprint training into the typical within-season training schedule of youth male soccer players. Participants were allocated at random to an experimental group (EG; n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 60.5 ± 7.1 kg, height: 1.64 ± 0.08 m, body fat: 11.3 ± 1.4%) and a control group (CG; n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.4 years, body mass: 61.0 ± 3.9 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m, body fat: 11.8 ± 1.4%). Measures obtained pre- and post-intervention included vertical and horizontal jump performances (i.e., squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with aimed arms (CMJA), and five-jump test (FJT)) and sprint performances (i.e., 10 and 30 m sprint). In addition, change-of-direction ability (sprint with 90° Turns (S90°) and sprint 9–3–6–3–9 m with backward and forward running (SBF)), repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), and dynamic balance performance (Y balance test) were measured pre- and post-intervention. The EG experienced higher jump (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.71), sprint (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.64), change-of-direction ability (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.66), RSSA (all parameters except the fatigue index p < 0.01; d ≥ 0.71), and dynamic balance (all p ≤ 0.05; d ≥ 0.50) improvement compared to the CG. Adding biweekly combined plyometric and short sprint training to standard training improves the athletic performance of youth male soccer players (under 15 (U15)).

Effects of three 8-week strength training programs on jump, speed and agility performance in prepubertal children

BACKGROUND: Supervised strength training has been shown to promote physiological adaptations in children and youth that can be beneficial to the process of physical growth and developed, and general health status. METHODS: Sixty-three children (9.2 ± 0.5 years old) were randomly assigned to training groups: multi jumps (MJ) (n= 20), sled towing (ST) (n= 21), or uphill running (UR) (n= 22). The following tests were applied before and after each intervention: vertical jump (ABK, CMJ, SJ), standing broad jump (SBJ), velocity/agility 4 × 10 m, and 20 m sprint test (ST20m). RESULTS: After 8 weeks of training, statistically significant changes were found in all study variables for all groups, but with different effect sizes. In the ABK jump, the largest effect size was observed in UR (1.40, 0.97–1.85), while in ST and MJ it was medium (0.67, 0.44–0.98 and 0.48, 0.17–0.82, respectively). Similarly, the effect size in the SJ jump was large for the UR and ST groups (1.10, 0.78–1.51 and 1.30, 0.98–1.64, respectively) and medium in MJ (0.56, 0.24–0.97). However, the magnitude of the effect registered in SBJ was large in MJ (0.80, 0.55–1.15) and medium in UR and ST (0.56, 0.32–0.86 and 0.64, 0.42–1.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: All three training programs improve jumping and velocity/agility performance but based on clinical significance, UR and ST methods can be considered more efficient to improve physical performance in children.

Effect of adding plyometric training to physical education sessions on specific biomechanical parameters in primary school girls

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to determine the effect of adding a school-based plyometric training program (PMT) to physical education (PE) sessions on the strength, balance, and flexibility in primary school girls.

METHODS

Students from grades 3-6 were randomized equally to a plyometric or control group. In the control group, students took their regular PE classes twice a week. In the plyometric group, students performed PMT twice a week during the initial 20 minutes of every PE session. The Lido Linea closed kinetic chain isokinetic dynamometer, Star excursion balance test (SEBT), and sit-and-reach test were used to assess muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, respectively, before and after nine weeks of training.

RESULTS

The improvement in extension peak force (p=0.04) and extension total work (p<0.001) was more prevalent in the PMT group than in the control group. SEBT scores had improved significantly (p<0.05) for all directions in the PMT group, except in the anterior direction, which was highly significant (p<0.001). Hamstring and lower back flexibility had improved more in the PMT group than in the control group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adding PMT to regular PE classes has a positive and notable effect on muscle strength, balance, and flexibility in primary school students.

Muscle Tone and Body Weight Predict Uphill Race Time in Amateur Trail Runners

Background: Vertical kilometer is an emerging sport where athletes continuously run uphill. The aims of this study were to assess changes in vertical impacts caused by uphill running (UR) and the relation between the anthropometric and lower limb muscular characteristics with speed. Methods: Ten male experienced runners (35 ± 7 years old) participated in this study. In the racetrack (4.2 km long, 565 m high), seven sections were stablished. Mean speed and impact value of sections with similar slope (≈21%) were calculated. The gastrocnemius stiffness (GS) and tone (GT); and the vastus lateralis stiffness (VS) and tone (VT) were assessed before the race. Results: Pearson’s correlation showed a linear relationship between vs. and VT (r = 0.829; p = 0.000), GT and GS (r = 0.792; p = 0.001). Mean speed is correlated with weight (r = −0.619; p = 0.024) and GT (r = 0.739; p = 0.004). Multiple linear regressions showed a model with weight and GT as dependent variables of mean speed. Mean impacts decreased significantly between sections along the race. Conclusions: The vertical impacts during UR were attenuated during the race. Moreover, body weight and GT were associated with the time-to-finish, which supports that low weight alone could not be enough to be faster, and strength training of plantar flexors may be a determinant in UR.

Effects of Bilateral and Unilateral Resistance Training on Horizontally Orientated Movement Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Both bilateral (BLE) and unilateral resistance exercise (ULE) methods can confer benefit to an athlete, but it remains to be established which has a greater effect on movement speed.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of BLE and ULE on horizontal movement performance.

DATA SOURCES

Google Scholar, CrossRef, and PubMed.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify for inclusion in the meta-analysis, studies must have included a resistance training intervention that compared the effects of BLE and ULE on a measure of movement speed such as sprinting in healthy study participants.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

We used the inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses. Effect sizes (standardised mean difference), calculated from measures of horizontally orientated performance, were represented by the standardised mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Though both modalities were effective (BLE = 0.60 [95% CI 0.34, 0.87], Z = 4.44 [p < 0.01]; ULE = 0.57 [95% CI 0.24, 0.89], Z = 3.44 [p = 0.0006]), there was no difference between the effect of BLE and ULE on movement speed (0.17 [95% CI - 0.15, 0.50], Z = 1.03 [p = 0.30]). For BLE, combined strength and plyometric training had the largest effect size (0.88 [95% CI 0.40, 1.36]]) followed by plyometric training (0.55 [95% CI 0.09, 1.01]), with the lowest effect in strength training (0.42 [95% CI - 0.02, 0.86]). For ULE, the largest effect size for training type was in plyometric training (0.78 [95% CI 0.33, 1.24]) closely followed by combined (0.63 [95% CI 0.03, 1.24]) with strength (0.29 [95% CI - 0.42, 1.01]) having a substantially lower effect size.

CONCLUSIONS

Both BLE and ULE are effective in enhancing horizontal movement performance. However, contrary to popular opinion, supported by the concept of training specificity, ULE was no more effective at achieving this than BLE.

The Training of Short Distance Sprint Performance in Football Code Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Short-sprint (≤ 20 m) performance is an important quality for success in the football codes. Therefore, developing an evidence base for understanding training methods to enhance short-sprint performance is key for practitioners. However, current systematic reviews are limited by (1) a lack of focus on football code athletes, (2) a lack of consideration of all training modalities and (3) a failure to account for the normal training practices undertaken by intervention groups within their analysis. Therefore, this review aimed to (1) conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature evaluating training interventions upon short-sprint performance within football code athletes, (2) undertake a meta-analysis to assess the magnitude of change of sport-sprint performance following training interventions and (3) identify how moderator variables affect the training response.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to establish standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. This identified the magnitude and direction of the individual training effects of intervention subgroups (primary, secondary, combined-specific, tertiary and combined training methods) on short-sprint performance while considering moderator variables (i.e., football code, sex, age, playing standard, phase of season).

Results

121 studies met the inclusion criteria, totalling 3419 athletes. Significant improvements (small-large) were found between pre- and post-training in short-sprint performance for the combined, secondary, tertiary and combined-specific training methods. No significant effect was found for primary or sport only training. No individual mode was found to be the most effective. Between-subgroup analysis identified that football code, age, playing standard and phase of season all moderated the overall magnitude of training effects.

Conclusions

This review provides the largest systematic review and meta-analysis of short-sprint performance development methods and the only one to assess football code athletes exclusively. Practitioners can apply combined, secondary and tertiary training methods to improve short-sprint performance within football code athletes. The application of sport only and primary methods does not appear to improve short-sprint performance. Regardless of the population characteristics, short-sprint performance can be enhanced by increasing either or both the magnitude and the orientation of force an athlete can generate in the sprinting action.

Trial Registration

OSF registration https://osf.io/kshqn/.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40279-020-01372-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.