Effects of Plyometric Training and Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal-Intensity Exercise and Endurance in Female Soccer Players

AbstractPlyometric training and beta-alanine supplementation are common among soccer players, although its combined use had never been tested. Therefore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of a plyometric training program, with or without beta-alanine supplementation, on maximal-intensity and endurance performance in female soccer players during an in-season training period. Athletes (23.7 ± 2.4 years) were assigned to either a plyometric training group receiving a placebo (PLACEBO, n = 8), a plyometric training group receiving beta-alanine supplementation (BA, n = 8), or a control group receiving placebo without following a plyometric training program (CONTROL, n = 9). Athletes were evaluated for single and repeated jumps and sprints, endurance, and change-of-direction speed performance before and after the intervention. Both plyometric training groups improved in explosive jumping (ES = 0.27 to 1.0), sprinting (ES = 0.31 to 0.78), repeated sprinting (ES = 0.39 to 0.91), 60 s repeated jumping (ES = 0.32 to 0.45), endurance (ES = 0.35 to 0.37), and change-of-direction speed performance (ES = 0.36 to 0.58), whereas no significant changes were observed for the CONTROL group. Nevertheless, compared to the CONTROL group, only the BA group showed greater improvements in endurance, repeated sprinting and repeated jumping performances. It was concluded that beta-alanine supplementation during plyometric training may add further adaptive changes related to endurance, repeated sprinting and jumping ability.

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Effects of Strength vs. Plyometric Training on Change of Direction Performance in Experienced Soccer Players

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports8110144 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 144

Author(s):

Håvard Guldteig Rædergård ◽

Hallvard Nygaard Falch ◽

Roland van den Tillaar

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Training Group ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Physical Conditioning ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Approach Distance ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Improved Performance

The purpose of this study was to compare how 6 weeks of strength- vs. plyometric training, which were matched upon direction of motion and workload, influences change of direction (COD) performance. Twenty-one experienced male soccer players (age: 22.2 ± 2.7) were pair-matched into a strength- (n = 10) and a plyometric (n = 11) training group. CODs of 45°, 90°, 135° and 180° performed from either a 4 m or 20 m approach distance were compared before and after intervention. Results showed no significant difference between groups. Significant effects were only found within the plyometric training group (−3.2% to −4.6%) in 90°, 135° and 180° CODs from 4 m and a 180° COD from a 20 m approach distance. Individual changes in COD performances showed that with the 4 m approach at least 55% and 81% of the strength and plyometric training group, respectively, improved COD performance, while with the 20 m approach at least 66% of both groups improved performance. This study showed that the plyometric training program can improve most CODs, with angles over 90°, although this is dependent on the distance approaching the COD. Considering the limited time of implementing physical conditioning, in addition to regular soccer practice in most soccer environments, the current plyometric training program can be advantageous in improving CODs at maximal intensity.

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The Effect of Speed Training on Sprint and Agility Performance in 15-Year-Old Female Soccer Players

LASE Journal of Sport Science ◽

10.1515/ljss-2016-0006 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 61-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gunnar Elling Mathisen ◽

Svein Arne Pettersen

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

High Speed ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Group ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Short Burst ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Soccer Training ◽

Speed Training

Abstract The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of short burst speed and change-of -direction exercises on sprint and agility performance in youth female soccer players 15.5 (± 0.7) years. One training group (n=10) followed an eight-week, once per week training program consisting of short-burst sprinting exercises in addition to two normal soccer training, while a control group (n=9) followed three traditional soccer training session. Pre-and post-tests assessed significant improvement in 10 m sprint, pre 1.99 s (± 0.08), post 1.91 s (± 0.09), 20 m sprint pre 3.53 s (± 0.15), post 3.42 s (± 0.15), and agility performance, pre 8.23 s (± 0.31), post 7.80 s (± 0.33). Control group (15.1 years (± 0.7) did not demonstrate significant change in performance during the intervention period. The results demonstrate that a training program of short burst high speed exercises improve linear sprint and agility performance in youth female soccer players, beyond the gain of traditional soccer training consisting of small-sided games.

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Dual task training in persons with Multiple Sclerosis: a feasability randomized controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215517698028 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (10) ◽

pp. 1322-1331 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jacob J Sosnoff ◽

Douglas A Wajda ◽

Brian M Sandroff ◽

Kathleen L Roeing ◽

JongHun Sung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Training Program ◽

Dual Task ◽

Retention Rate ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Training Group ◽

Adherence Rate ◽

Control Group ◽

Task Training ◽

Dual Task Training

Objective: To determine the feasibility of dual task training in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. Design: Randomized, single-blinded controlled trial. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: A total of 234 individuals inquired about the investigation. After screening, 20 individuals with multiple sclerosis who self-reported problems with multitasking and were ambulatory volunteered for the investigation. 14 participants completed the post-assessment following the 12-week intervention. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to either single task training program which focused on balance and walking function ( n=6) or dual task training program that incorporated cognitive tasks in balance and walking training ( n=8). Measures: Before and after the 12-week interventions participants underwent assessments of walking; dual task walking; balance (Berg Balance Scale and balance confidence) and cognition as indexed by the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS. Results: There was an 8.5% recruitment rate, a 70% retention rate, and a 100% adherence rate. There was a trend for dual task gait speed to improve in the dual task training group following the intervention (Pre: task 1: 109.8±39, task 2: 104.2±34.1; Post: task 1:127.6±40.1, task 2: 122.8±37.4; P=0.14; η2 = 0.24). There was also a trend for the dual task training group (28.1) to have greater performance than the control group (24.7) on visuospatial memory ( P=0.10; η2= 0.23). There were no changes in cognitive performance during walking trials. Conclusions: The study procedures were found to be feasible and improvements should be made in recruitment efforts going forward. Further examination of dual task training programs in individuals with multiple sclerosis is warranted.

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Short-Term Performance Effects of Three Different Low-Volume Strength-Training Programmes in College Male Soccer Players

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2014-0014 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 121-128 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

João Brito ◽

Fabrício Vasconcellos ◽

José Oliveira ◽

Peter Krustrup ◽

António Rebelo

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Training Group ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Short Term ◽

Performance Effects ◽

Low Volume ◽

Training Programmes

Abstract This study aimed to analyse the short-term performance effects of three in-season low-volume strength-training programmes in college male soccer players. Fifty-seven male college soccer players (age: 20.31.6 years) were randomly assigned to a resistance-training group (n=12), plyometric training group (n=12), complex training group (n=12), or a control group (n=21). In the mid-season, players underwent a 9-week strength-training programme, with two 20 min training sessions per week. Short-term effects on strength, sprint, agility, and vertical jump abilities were measured. All training groups increased 1-RM squat (range, 17.2-24.2%), plantar flexion (29.1-39.6%), and knee extension (0.5- 22.2%) strength compared with the control group (p<0.05). The resistance-training group increased concentric peak torque of the knee extensor muscles by 9.9-13.7%, and changes were greater compared with the control group (p<0.05). The complex training group presented major increments (11.7%) in eccentric peak torque of the knee flexor muscles on the non-dominant limb compared with the control group and plyometric training group (p<0.05). All training groups improved 20-m sprint performance by 4.6-6.2% (p<0.001) compared with the control group. No differences were observed in 5-m sprint and agility performances (p>0.05). Overall, the results suggest that in-season low-volume strength training is adequate for developing strength and speed in soccer players.

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Memory and communication support strategies in dementia: Effect of a training program for informal caregivers

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610212001366 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 24 (12) ◽

pp. 1927-1942 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Jacki Liddle ◽

Erin R. Smith-Conway ◽

Rosemary Baker ◽

Anthony J. Angwin ◽

Cindy Gallois ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Informal Caregivers ◽

Training Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Recipient ◽

Control Group ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Person With Dementia ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground: People with dementia have a range of needs that are met by informal caregivers. A DVD-based training program was developed using research-based strategies for memory and communication in dementia. The effectiveness of the training on the caregiver experience and the well-being of the person with dementia was evaluated.Methods: A pre-test/post-test controlled trial was undertaken with caregiver–care-recipient dyads living in the community. Measures of the carers’ knowledge of memory and communication strategies, burden, positive perceptions of caregiving, and perceptions of problem behaviors were taken pre- and three months post-intervention. The depression and well-being of the person with dementia were also evaluated. Satisfaction with the training and feedback were measured.Results: Twenty-nine dyads (13 training group, 16 control group) participated. Bonferroni's correction was made to adjust for multiple comparisons, setting α at 0.00385. A significant improvement was found in caregivers’ knowledge for the training group compared to the control group (p = 0.0011). The training group caregivers reported a reduction in the frequency of care recipient disruptive behaviors (p = 0.028) and increased perceptions of positive aspects of caregiving (p = 0.039), both at a level approaching significance. The training group care recipients had increased frequency of verbally communicated depressive behaviors at a level approaching significance (p = 0.0126). The frequency of observed depressive behaviors was not significantly different between groups.Conclusions: This approach to training for caregivers of people with dementia appears promising for its impact on knowledge and the caregiving experience. Further research could monitor the impact of the training on broader measures of depression and well-being, with a larger sample.

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Self-Kinematic Training for Flight-Associated Neck Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance ◽

10.3357/amhp.5546.2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 91 (10) ◽

pp. 790-797

Author(s):

Hilla Sarig Bahat ◽

Dmitry German ◽

Galia Palomo ◽

Hila Gold ◽

Yael Frankel Nir

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Training Program ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Training Group ◽

Exercise Duration ◽

Control Group ◽

Mean Velocity ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Kinematic Performance

BACKGROUND: Flight-associated neck pain (FANP) is a serious problem in fighter pilots. Despite the high impact of FANP there is little evidence for effective management. However, self-kinematic training showed a positive effect in the general population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a self-kinematic training program using virtual reality in improving neck pain in fighter pilots.METHODS: There were 45 pilots with FANP who were randomized to a control group (N 23) or a training group (N 22). Training participants were instructed to exercise using a personalized self-training program, for 20 min/wk, for 4 wk. Primary outcome measures were neck disability (NDI%) and mean velocity ( s1), and secondary were pain, health status, accuracy, and isometric strength. Assessments were conducted by a blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis by a blinded statistician.RESULTS: There were 40 pilots who completed the postintervention assessments, and 35 completed the 6-mo follow-up. Baseline measurements showed mild pain and disability (mean VAS 43 22.73, NDI 17.76 9.59%) and high kinematic performance. Compliance with self-training was poor. No differences were observed in self-reported measures and strength. Exercise duration was correlated with NDI% improvement.DISCUSSION: This self-kinematic training promoted kinematic performance, but was ineffective in engaging the pilots to exercise, and consequently did not improve pain and disability. Poor compliance was previously reported in self-training for FANP, suggesting further studies should prioritize supervised training. Considering the high baseline kinematic performance, kinematics does not seem to be a key factor in FANP, and future exercise research should aim for intense strengthening to increase endurance to the high Gz pilots experience.Sarig Bahat H, German D, Palomo G, Gold H, Frankel Nir Y. Self-kinematic training for flight-associated neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(10):790797.

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Short-Term High Intensity Plyometric Training Program Improves Strength, Power and Agility in Male Soccer Players

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2013-0002 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 17-26 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Márk Váczi ◽

József Tollár ◽

Balázs Meszler ◽

Ivett Juhász ◽

István Karsai

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Short Term ◽

Knee Extensor Strength ◽

Isometric Torque ◽

Soccer Training ◽

Experimental Group

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a short-term in-season plyometric training program on power, agility and knee extensor strength. Male soccer players from a third league team were assigned into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group, beside its regular soccer training sessions, performed a periodized plyometric training program for six weeks. The program included two training sessions per week, and maximal intensity unilateral and bilateral plyometric exercises (total of 40 - 100 foot contacts/session) were executed. Controls participated only in the same soccer training routine, and did not perform plyometrics. Depth vertical jump height, agility (Illinois Agility Test, T Agility Test) and maximal voluntary isometric torque in knee extensors using Multicont II dynamometer were evaluated before and after the experiment. In the experimental group small but significant improvements were found in both agility tests, while depth jump height and isometric torque increments were greater. The control group did not improve in any of the measures. Results of the study indicate that plyometric training consisting of high impact unilateral and bilateral exercises induced remarkable improvements in lower extremity power and maximal knee extensor strength, and smaller improvements in soccer-specific agility. Therefore, it is concluded that short-term plyometric training should be incorporated in the in-season preparation of lower level players to improve specific performance in soccer.

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Effects of Strength vs. Plyometric Training Programs on Vertical Jumping, Linear Sprint and Change of Direction Speed Performance in Female Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020401 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 401

Author(s):

Elena Pardos-Mainer ◽

Demetrio Lozano ◽

Marcelino Torrontegui-Duarte ◽

Antonio Cartón-Llorente ◽

Alberto Roso-Moliner

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Inverse Variance ◽

Vertical Jumping ◽

Speed Performance ◽

Meta Analyses

The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of strength training (ST) and plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SportDiscus databases revealed 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Effect sizes (ES) were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). The magnitude of the main effect was small to moderate (vertical jump (ES 0.53 (95% CI—0.11, 0.95), Z = 2.47 (p = 0.01); linear sprint (ES −0.66 (95% CI—2.03, −0.21), Z = 2.20 (p = 0.03); COD (ES −0.36 (95% CI—0.68, −0.03), Z = 2.17 (p = 0.03)). Subgroup analyses were performed (i.e., ST and PT duration, frequency, session duration and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.12–0.88). In conclusion, PT provides better benefits than ST to improve vertical jump, linear sprint and COD performance in female soccer players. However, significant limitations in the current literature prevent assured PT and ST prescription recommendations being made.

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Effects of Plyometric Training with Agility Ladder on Physical Fitness in Youth Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-1308-3316 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alexis Padrón-Cabo ◽

Miguel Lorenzo-Martínez ◽

Alexandra Pérez-Ferreirós ◽

Pablo B. Costa ◽

Ezequiel Rey

Keyword(s):

Physical Fitness ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Group Analysis ◽

Training Group ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Youth Soccer

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of plyometric training with an agility ladder on components of physical fitness in youth soccer players. A total of twenty male under-13 soccer players were randomly assigned to a plyometric training group with an agility ladder (n=10) or a control group (n=10). Before and after training intervention linear sprint test (5 m, 10 m, 20 m), vertical jump ability (squat jump, countermovement jump and countermovement jump with arms), agility test, and slalom dribble test were assessed. The plyometric training with agility ladder was applied two times per week over six weeks. Data were analyzed using linear mixed model. The plyometric training group showed significant improvements (p<0.001) from pre-test to post-test in countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms, and slalom dribble test. In the control group, no significant enhancements were obtained in all performance tests (p>0.05). The between-group analysis showed significant differences in countermovement jump with arms (p=0.03), but no significant differences (p>0.05) were found in squat jump, countermovement jump, sprint, agility test, and slalom dribble test. In conclusion, the short-term plyometric training with agility ladder seems to be ineffective and not time-efficient to improve physical fitness in youth soccer players. However, the interpretation of these results must be understood within the sample size limitations.

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Effect of Plyometric Training on Jumping, Sprinting and Change of Direction Speed in Child Female Athletes

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports7050116 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 116 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Gregory Bogdanis ◽

Olyvia Donti ◽

Athanasia Papia ◽

Anastasia Donti ◽

Nikolaos Apostolidis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Female Athletes ◽

Training Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Jumping Performance ◽

Standing Long Jump ◽

Before And After ◽

Long Jump ◽

Post Hoc

Background: This study examined the effects of 8 weeks of plyometric training on jumping, sprinting, and change of direction (COD) performance. Methods: Fifty female 7–9-year-old gymnasts were randomly assigned to a plyometric training group (PG; n = 33), that performed supplementary plyometric training twice per week, and a control group (CG; n = 17) that continued regular training. The following tests were performed before and after the intervention: 10 and 20 m sprints, 5 + 5 m and 10 + 10 m COD tests, one-leg and two-leg countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), squat jump (SJ), and standing long jump (SLJ). Results: Only a main effect for time was found for all jumping performance parameters (p = 0.001). However, the improvement of one- and two-leg CMJ in PG had a greater effect size than CG (0.72 and 0.67 vs. 0.34 and 0.18, respectively). Group × time interactions were found for 10 and 20 m sprint tests (p = 0.018 and p = 0.011, respectively) and for 10 + 10 m COD (p = 0.008) with the post hoc test showing improvement only for the PG (p = 0.001, 0.001, and 0.003 and d = 1.1, 1.14, and 0.6, respectively). Conclusions: Supplementary plyometric training increased sprint and COD performance more than regular gymnastics training, while jumping performance was equally improved in both groups.

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