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

AbstractThe goal of this study was to assess the effects of a supervised slackline training program in a group of soccer players. Thirty-four male division I under-19 players (16.64 ± 0.81 years) agreed to participate in the study. They were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The first group (EG) followed a 6-week supervised slackline training program (3 sessions/week; 5-9 min/session), while the CG performed only regular soccer training. Several variables were assessed in all participants: acceleration (20-m sprint test), agility (90º turns test), jump performance (squat jump, countermovement jump), and postural control (Center of Pressure ( CoP) testing: length, area, speed, Xmean, Ymean, Xspeed, Yspeed, Xdeviation, Ydeviation). Ratings of perceived exertion and local muscle ratings of perceived exertions were also recorded after each slackline training session. At post-tests, there was a significant increase only in the EG in acceleration, agility, squat jump and countermovement jump performance, as well as several CoP variables: area in the bipedal support on a firm surface, and length, area and speed in the left leg on a firm surface. The program was rated as “somewhat hard” by the players, while quadriceps, gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior were the most exerted muscles while slacklining. In conclusion, slackline training can be an effective training tool for young, high-level soccer players.

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Effects of Short-Term Plyometric Training on Agility, Jump and Repeated Sprint Performance in Female Soccer Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052274 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2274

Author(s):

Marcin Maciejczyk ◽

Renata Błyszczuk ◽

Aleksander Drwal ◽

Beata Nowak ◽

Marek Strzała

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Short Term ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Repeated Sprint ◽

Before And After

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of short-term (4 weeks, twice a week: 8 sessions) plyometric training on agility, jump, and repeated sprint performance in female soccer players. The study comprised 17 females performing this sports discipline. The players were randomly divided into two groups: with plyometric training (PLY) and the control (CON). All players followed the same training program, but the PLY group also performed plyometric exercises. Tests used to evaluate physical performance were carried out immediately before and after PLY. After implementing the short PLY training, significant improvement in jump performance (squat jump: p = 0.04, ES = 0.48, countermovement jump: p = 0.009, ES = 0.42) and agility (p = 0.003, ES = 0.7) was noted in the PLY group. In the CON group, no significant (p > 0.05) changes in physical performance were observed. In contrast, PLY did not improve repeated sprint performance (p > 0.05) among female soccer players. In our research, it was shown that PLY can also be effective when performed for only 4 weeks instead of the 6–12 weeks typically applied.

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Kinetic and Kinematic Changes in Vertical Jump in Prepubescent Girls After 10 Weeks of Plyometric Training

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2019-0188 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 81-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

K. Katsikari ◽

Eleni Bassa ◽

Dimitrios Skoufas ◽

Savvas Lazaridis ◽

Christos Kotzamanidis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Contact Time ◽

Control Group ◽

Kinetic Properties ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Short Contact Time ◽

Prolonged Contact ◽

Drop Jumps

Purpose: To examine the effect of a 10-week plyometric training (PT) on the kinematic and kinetic properties of prepubescent girls during squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jumps. Methods: Twenty-four untrained girls (aged 9–11 y) were assigned to a training group (TG) and a control group. The TG followed twice a week PT for 10 weeks. Squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jumps performed from heights of 20, 35, and 50 cm were tested before and after PT. Jump height, kinematic, and kinetic parameters were evaluated using a motion analysis system and a force plate. Results: Jumping height in all jump types increased significantly after PT for the TG (P < .001). After training, the TG presented increased power (P < .001) and knee angular velocity (P < .001), higher knee flexion at the deepest point during the braking phase (P < .001), longer contact time (P < .001), and unchanged stiffness and reaction strength index (P > .05). No differences were observed in the control group (P > .05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that a 10-week PT positively affected jumping performance in prepubescent girls who improved their drop jump performance after training not by adopting a stiff/bouncing jumping style of short contact time and increased stiffness, but a compliant/absorbing style of prolonged contact time.

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Relationship between body composition, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test and vertical jump test in elite young soccer players

Turkish Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.47447/tjsm.0537 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Erkan Akdoğan ◽

Süleyman Olgun

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Recovery Test ◽

Jump Test ◽

Regional Body Composition

Objective: The aim of this study is to find out the relationships among body composition, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (IR) test and vertical jump test in elite young soccer players. Material and Methods: Eighteen healthy young male soccer players (Age: 16.5±0.3 years, height: 178.0±5.9 cm, body weight: 65.9±7.9kg,) voluntarily participated in the study. Total and regional body composition parameters of the soccer players were examined through a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method. Vertical jump performance tests were squat jump (SJ) and active jump (AJ), and endurance performances were determined by the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test (Yo-Yo IR1). Relationships among body composition, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test and vertical jump test were analyzed with Pearson Correlation coefficient. Significance level was taken as ≤0.05. Results: A statistically significant negative correlation was found between squat jump and countermovement jump (r=-0.588, r=-0.573, p<0.05), and the leg fat rate. However, there were no statistically significant relationship among squat jump, Yo-Yo IR1 and countermovement jump and other whole/regional body composition (p>0.05). Conclusion: Changes in body composition are important issues for the physical performance level of young soccer players, as local excess body fat may cause deterioration, especially in jumping performance.

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Plyometric Training in Normobaric Hypoxia improves Jump Performance

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-1656-9677 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Betül Coşkun ◽

Dicle Aras ◽

Cengiz Akalan ◽

Settar Kocak ◽

Michael J. Hamlin

Keyword(s):

Sprint Performance ◽

Normobaric Hypoxia ◽

Control Group ◽

Drop Jump ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Hypoxic Conditions ◽

And Function

AbstractStrength training in hypoxia has been shown to enhance hypertrophy and function of skeletal muscle, however, the effects of plyometric training in hypoxia is relatively unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of plyometric training in hypoxia compared to normoxia on body composition, sprint and jump parameters. Twenty-three male physical education students (20.4±2.0 years, mean±SD) participated in the study and were divided into a plyometric training in hypoxia (PTH, n=8), plyometric training in normoxia (PTN, n=7) or control group (C, n=8). The PTH group trained in normobaric hypoxia (approximately 3536 m) 3 days/week for 8 weeks, while the PTN trained in normoxia. PTH induced significant improvements from baseline to post-testing in countermovement-jump (37.8±6.7 cm, 43.4±5.0 cm, p<0.05), squat-jump (35.4±6.2 cm, 41.1±5.7 cm, p<0.05), drop-jump height (32.8±6 cm, 38.1±6 cm, p<0.05) and 20-m sprint performance (3257.1±109.5 ms, 3145.8±83.6 ms, p<0.05); whereas PTN produced significant improvement only in countermovement-jump (37.3±4.8 cm, 40.5±4.5 cm, p<0.05) and 20-m sprint performance (3209.3±76.1 ms, 3126.6±100.4 ms, p<0.05). Plyometric training under hypoxic conditions induces greater improvement in some jump measures (drop-jump and squat-jump) compared to similar training in normoxia.

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Effects of robot-assisted trunk control training on trunk control ability and balance in patients with stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Technology and Health Care ◽

10.3233/thc-202720 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Dong-Hoon Kim ◽

Tae-Sung In ◽

Kyoung-Sim Jung

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Training Session ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Control Group ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Robot Assisted ◽

Trunk Control ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Balance Ability

BACKGROUND: Trunk control ability is an important component of functional independence after the onset of stroke. Recently, it has been reported that robot-assisted functional training is effective for stroke patients. However, most studies on robot-assisted training have been conducted on upper and lower extremities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of robot-assisted trunk control training on trunk postural control and balance ability in stroke patients. METHODS: Forty participants with hemiparetic stroke were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: the RT (robot-assisted trunk control training) group (n= 20) and the control group (n= 20). All participants underwent 40 sessions of conventional trunk stabilization training based on the Bobath concept (for 30 minutes, five-times per week for 8 weeks). After to each training session, 15 minutes of robotassisted trunk control training was given in the RT group, whereas the control group received stretching exercise for the same amount of time. Robot-assisted trunk control training was conducted in three programs: sitting balance, sit-to stand, and standing balance using a robot system specially designed to improve trunk control ability. To measure trunk postural control ability, trunk impairment scale (TIS) was used. Center of pressure (COP) distance, limits of stability (LOS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and functional reach test (FRT) were used to analyze balance abilities. RESULTS: In TIS, COP distance, LOS, BBS and FRT, there were significant improvements in both groups after intervention. More significant changes were shown in the RT group than the control group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that robot-assisted trunk control training is beneficial and effective to improve trunk postural control and balance ability in stroke patients. Therefore robot-assisted training may be suggested as an effective intervention to improve trunk control ability in patients with stroke.

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Slackline Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17228649 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (22) ◽

pp. 8649

Author(s):

Lucía González ◽

Juan Argüelles ◽

Vicente González ◽

Kristian Winge ◽

Marta Iscar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Postural Control ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Spastic Cerebral Palsy ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Group ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Time Interaction ◽

Static Posturography

Objective: To assess whether a slackline intervention program improves postural control in children/adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Patients’ association. Participants: Twenty-seven children/adolescents with spastic CP (9–16 years) were randomly assigned to a slackline intervention (n = 14, 13 ± 3 years) or control group (n = 13, 12 ± 2 years). Intervention: Three slackline sessions per week (30 min/session) for 6 weeks. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was static posturography (center of pressure—CoP—parameters). The secondary outcomes were surface myoelectrical activity of the lower-limb muscles during the posturography test and jump performance (countermovement jump test and Abalakov test). Overall (RPE, >6–20 scale) rating of perceived exertion was recorded at the end of each intervention session. Results: The intervention was perceived as “very light” (RPE = 7.6 ± 0.6). The intervention yielded significant benefits on static posturography (a significant group by time interaction on Xspeed, p = 0.006) and jump performance (a significant group by time interaction on Abalakov test, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Slackline training improved static postural control and motor skills and was perceived as non-fatiguing in children/adolescents with spastic CP.

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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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The Effect of Resistance and Balance Training on Postural Control and Physical Fitness in Adults with Down Syndrome

Exercise Science ◽

10.15857/ksep.2021.30.2.175 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 175-182

Author(s):

Yun-A Shin ◽

Sang-Min Hong ◽

Jong-Sun Lee ◽

Hyo-Been Jeong

Keyword(s):

Down Syndrome ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Postural Control ◽

Training Program ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Balance Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Fat Percentage ◽

Foot Pressure ◽

The Difference

PURPOSE:This study aimed to examine the effects of resistance and balance training on physical function and postural control in individuals with Down syndrome (DS).METHODS:Ten adults with DS constituted the experimental group (EX) and attended an 8-week resistance and balance training program. The results were compared with those of the control group (CON), which consisted of 10 patients who did not undergo any physical training. Body composition, postural stability, and physical fitness were measured before and after the training program. Resistance and balance training were performed for 60 minutes, three times a week for 8 weeks.RESULTS: Body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference decreased significantly in the EX group after completing the 8-week resistance and balance training program. The center of pressure and the difference between standing foot pressure on the left and right were significantly improved in the EX group. Physical fitness including sit-to-stand repetitions and 10 m shuttle duration significantly improved in the EX and CON groups.CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that resistance and balance training to improve musculoskeletal problems is an effective strategy to prevent injury, fatigue, and falls during exercise and to improve general health in individuals with DS.

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Do differences between the training load perceived by elite beach volleyball players and that planned by coaches affect neuromuscular function? (¿Las diferencias entre la carga de entrenamiento percibida por los jugadores de voleibol de playa de élite y

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v38i38.77625 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 632-636

Author(s):

Ana Denise Andrade ◽

Mário Simim ◽

Witalo Kassiano ◽

José Manuel Palao ◽

Karla De Jesus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Training Session ◽

Neuromuscular Function ◽

Training Load ◽

Technical Training ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Previous Training

Summary. This study aimed to verify the differences between the training load planned by coaches and that perceived by Beach Volleyball (BV) players and observe the effects on athletes’ neuromuscular function. Three female BV players and well-known coaches participated in the research and were accompanied for three training weeks in the preseason phase. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected through the 0-10 scale during a previous training session. Strength, physical fitness and tactical-technical training have been assessed with coaches and athletes’ responses 30 minutes after the end of the session. RPE Session was calculated by the product between the training duration in minutes and RPE, to estimate Internal Training Load (ITL). Neuromuscular function was assessed through Countermovement Jump (CMJ). To verify differences between coaches and athletes’ responses and vertical jump performance were used either the magnitude of differences and clinical inference. Athletes experienced lower RPE and ITL as planned by coaches in the first week of training. CMJ increased substantially from the first to the third week (with likely differences (93/03/04), standardized difference = 1.60 and 90% confidence intervals = 0.00; 3.21). We suggest that training load planned by coaches similar to that perceived by athletes have a concomitant improvement with neuromuscular performance.Resumen. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar las diferencias entre la carga de entrenamiento planificada por los entrenadores y la percibida por los jugadores de voleibol de playa (VP) y observar los efectos sobre la función neuromuscular de los atletas. Tres jugadoras de VP y entrenadores conocidos participaron en la investigación y fueron acompañadas durante tres semanas de entrenamiento en la fase de pretemporada. El valor nominal del esfuerzo percibido (NEP) se recolectó a través de la escala 0-10 durante una sesión de entrenamiento anterior. La fuerza, la forma física y el entrenamiento táctico-técnico se evaluaron con las respuestas de los entrenadores y atletas 30 minutos después del final de la sesión. El producto calculó la sesión de NEP entre la duración del entrenamiento en minutos y el NEP, para estimar la carga interna de entrenamiento (CIE). La función neuromuscular se evaluó mediante salto contramovimiento (SCM). Para verificar las diferencias entre los entrenadores y las respuestas de los atletas y el rendimiento del salto vertical, se utilizó la magnitud de las diferencias y la inferencia clínica. Los atletas experimentaron menos NEP e CIE que fueron planificados por los entrenadores en la primera semana de entrenamiento. SCM aumentó sustancialmente de la primera a la tercera semana (con diferencias probables (93/03/04), diferencia estandarizada = 1.60 e intervalos de confianza del 90% = 0.00; 3.21). Sugerimos que la carga de entrenamiento planificada por entrenadores similar a la percibida por los atletas tenga una mejora concomitante con el rendimiento neuromuscular.

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Is the Integration of Additional Eccentric, Balance and Core Muscles Exercises into a Typical Soccer Program Effective in Improving Strength and Postural Stability?

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports9110147 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 147

Author(s):

Konstantinos Dafkou ◽

Chrysostomos Sahinis ◽

Athanasios Ellinoudis ◽

Eleftherios Kellis

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Postural Balance ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Training Group ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Core Stability ◽

Muscle Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Soccer Teams

Soccer teams integrate specific exercises into their typical workout programs for injury prevention. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the incorporation of a brief and supplementary training program that involves eccentric, balance, and core exercises into the weekly soccer schedule can cause positive neuromuscular adaptations. Twenty-one soccer players were randomly allocated to either a training (n = 11) or a control group (n = 10). All players followed their teams’ typical program, consisting of 4–5 soccer-specific sessions plus 1 match, weekly. Training group players additionally performed biweekly, hamstring eccentric, balance, and core stability exercises for 8 weeks. Isokinetic concentric and eccentric peak torque (PT) of the hamstrings and quadriceps, changes in the center of pressure (COP) during a 30 s single-leg stance, and a supine bridge (trunk stability) test were assessed before and after the intervention. After the intervention, a 27% increase in hamstring concentric PT and a 33% reduction in COP sway in the stance test, were observed for the training group only (p < 0.05). These improvements were significant only for the non-dominant leg. Furthermore, the control group displayed an increase in COP sway during the bridge test compared to baseline values (p < 0.05), which reflects a deterioration in postural balance over time. Consequently, incorporating small doses of hamstring eccentric, proprioception, and core stability exercises into a typical training program of youth soccer players improves strength and postural balance in the non-dominant leg, as well as core muscle performance.

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