Analyzing the Magnitude of Interlimb Asymmetries in Young Female Soccer Players: A Preliminary Study

Although asymmetries in lower limbs have been linked with players’ performance in male soccer players, literature that has been published addressing female soccer is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was twofold: (i) describe the asymmetries of women soccer players during jumping, change-of-direction and range-of-motion tests; and (ii) test possible relationships between asymmetries and injury risk in female soccer players. Sixteen female players (15.5 ± 1.5 years) performed a battery of fitness tests (i.e., jump ability, change-of-direction ability and passive range-of-motion) and muscle mass analysis via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, through which the specific asymmetry index and the related injury risk were calculated. Significant (p < 0.05) lower asymmetries in the change-of-direction test were observed in comparison to those observed in jumping and range-of-motion tests; significant (p < 0.05) lower asymmetries in muscle mass were also reported compared to those found in the change-of-direction and countermovement jump tests. Additionally, increased injury risk for countermovement jump and hip flexion with extended knee range-of-motion (relating to asymmetry values) and for ankle flexion with flexed knee range-of-motion in both legs (relating to reference range-of-motion values), as well as increased individual injury risk values, were observed across all tests. These findings suggest the necessity to implement individual approaches for asymmetry and injury risk analyses.

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Associations between Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Jump and Change of Direction Speed Tests and Physical Performance in Adolescent Female Soccer Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073474 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3474

Author(s):

Elena Pardos-Mainer ◽

Chris Bishop ◽

Oliver Gonzalo-Skok ◽

Hadi Nobari ◽

Jorge Pérez-Gómez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Age Groups ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Adolescent Female ◽

Specific Training ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Percentage Difference ◽

Hop Test ◽

Physical Tests

The association between asymmetries in jump and change of direction (COD) with physical performance in several sports show inconclusive results. The purposes of this study were to: (1) measure inter-limb asymmetries in three distinct groups in adolescent female soccer players and, (2) to determine the association between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance in different age groups. Fifty-four players were distributed in three age groups: U-18, U-16 and U-14. All of them performed a series of jumps, sprints and change of direction speed tests. Asymmetries were assessed as the percentage difference between limbs, with the equation: 100/Max value (right and left) * in value (right and left) * −1 + 100. Mean inter-limb asymmetries were 2.91%, 4.82% and 11.6% for 180° COD, single leg hop and single leg countermovement jump tests respectively, but higher percentages of asymmetries were observed in many players individually. U-18 and U-16 showed significant differences on 180° left COD compared to U-14. Effect size (ES): 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; U-18 presented differences on single left leg hop test compared to U-14, ES: −0.72; U-16 also showed differences on 40 m speed compared to U-14, ES 0.87 (All p < 0.05). Jumping and COD physical tests show asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players, but these asymmetries do not interfere with physical performance. The largest asymmetry was observed in the single leg countermovement jump, and no asymmetries between groups were found. Due to the high variability in the direction of asymmetries, it is recommended to consider players’ individual asymmetries for designing specific training programs.

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Effects of complex strength training with elastic band program on repeated change of direction in young female handball players: Randomized control trial

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching ◽

10.1177/17479541211062152 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174795412110621

Author(s):

Mehrez Hammami ◽

Nawel Gaamouri ◽

Yosser Cherni ◽

Sabri Gaied ◽

Mohamed Souhaiel Chelly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Young Female ◽

Control Group ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Elastic Band ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Jump Test ◽

Back Extensor ◽

Experimental Group

This study examined the effect of 10-week complex strength training with elastic band program on fitness components in young female handball players. Thirty-eight handball players aged 15.8 ± 0.2 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group or control group. The experimental group performed complex strength training with elastic band twice a week over 10 weeks, which included 8 workshops of progressing set length (number of sets) and band resistance for each specific exercise. Sessions were lasted approximately 35 min. The control group maintained regular in-season training. Tests included handgrip; back extensor; medicine ball throw; 30 m sprint times; Modified Illinois change-of-direction (Illinois-MT); four jump tests (squat jump, countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms and five jump test; static (stork test) and dynamic (Y balance test) balance; and repeated sprint T-test. The experimental group enhanced all strength performance (handgrip right ( p < 0.001), handgrip left ( p < 0.001), back extensor strength ( p < 0.001) and medicine ball throw ( p < 0.001) compared to the controls); sprint performance (5 m ( p<0.001), 10 m ( p < 0.001), 20 m ( p < 0.001), and 30 m ( p < 0.001)); the change of direction (Illinois-MT ( p < 0.001)); jump performance (squat jump ( p < 0.001), countermovement jump ( p < 0.001), countermovement jump with arms ( p < 0.001), and five jump test ( p < 0.01)); and the repeated sprint T-test scores ( p<0.001in all scores). In contrast, no significant difference in both static and dynamic balance performance between experimental group and control group. Ten weeks of complex strength training with elastic band improve fitness components measures in young female handball players then habitual training.

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Evaluación y relación entre distintos parámetros de condición física en futbolistas semi profesionales (Evaluation and relationship among different fitness parameters in semi professional soccer players)

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i26.34411 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 114-117

Author(s):

Javier Yanci Irigoyen ◽

Alberto García Huerta ◽

Daniel Castillo Alvira ◽

Luis Ángel Rivero Benito ◽

Asier Los Arcos Larumbe

Keyword(s):

Average Distance ◽

T Test ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Arm Swing ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Palabras Clave ◽

Fitness Parameters ◽

Cardiovascular Capacity ◽

Jump Ability

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron, por un lado, evaluar la capacidad cardiovascular, el rendimiento en el sprint en línea recta, la capacidad de cambio de dirección (CODA) y el salto horizontal en jugadores de fútbol semi profesionales, y por otro, examinar la relación existente entre las distintas capacidades analizadas. En este estudio participaron 18 jugadores de fútbol semi profesionales (25.6 ± 4.8 años, 1.82 ± .1 m, 77.9 ± 7.1 kg, 23.6 ± 1.8 kg·m-2). El VO2max estimado obtenido en el test intermitente de resistencia Yo-Yo nivel 1 (YYIR1) fue de 51.70 ± 3.94 ml·kg-1·min-1. Los resultados en el sprint 5 m (SP5), 15 m (SP15) y en el Modified Agility T-test (MAT) fueron de 1.01 ± .05 s, 2.39 ± .10 s y 4.89 ± .23 s, respectivamente. En la capacidad de salto horizontal (SH) se obtuvo una distancia media de 1.97 ± .15 m para el salto con contra movimiento (HCMJ) y de 2.37 ± .16 m para el salto con contra movimiento con manos libres (HCMJAS). Se observaron correlaciones significativas y altas entre los valores de SP15 con el MAT (r = .757, p < .01) y con el HCMJ (r = -.749, p < .01). Debido a las altas correlaciones encontradas entre las distintas cualidades anaeróbicas, podría resultar interesante implementar entrenamientos específicos de salto horizontal en las rutinas de entrenamiento con el fin de mejorar el rendimiento en la capacidad de aceleración y la capacidad de cambiar de dirección de los futbolistas. Palabras clave: aceleración, agilidad, salto horizontal, resistencia, correlación, rendimiento.Abstract: The aims of this study were, first, to analyze cardiovascular capacity, performance in the straight sprint, change of direction ability (CODA) and horizontal jump ability in semi-professional soccer players, and secondly, to examine the relationship among the different abilities. This study involved 18 semi professional soccer players (25.6 ± 4.8 years, 1.82 ± .1 m, 77.9 ± 7.1 kg, 23.6 ± 1.8 kg·m-2). The estimated VO2max obtained in the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 1 test (YYIR1) was 51.70 ± 3.94 ml·kg-1·min-1. The results in the 5 m sprint (SP5), 15 m sprint (SP15) and Modified Agility T-test (MAT) were 1.01 ± .05 s, 2.39 ± .10 s and 4.89 ± .23 s, respectively. In the horizontal jump (HJ) an average distance of 1.97 ± .15 m for the countermovement jump (HCMJ) and 2.37 ± .16 m for the arm swing counter movement jump (HCMJAS) was obtained. Significant and high correlations between the values of SP15 and MAT (r = 0.757, p < .01) and the HCMJ (r = -.749, p < .01) were observed. Correlations found among different anaerobic qualities, can lead us to think that it might be interesting to implement specific horizontal jump training routines to improve performance of sprint and change of direction abilities in soccer players.Key words: acceleration, agility, horizontal jump, endurance, correlation, performance.

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Laterality of the legs in young female soccer players

Human Movement ◽

10.1515/humo-2015-0047 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Katarzyna Z. Antosiak-Cyrak ◽

Grzegorz Wiczyński ◽

Elżbieta M. Rostkowska

Keyword(s):

Young Female ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Static Balance ◽

Balance Test ◽

Body Balance ◽

Hop Tests ◽

Global Movements ◽

The Right ◽

Better Than

AbstractPurpose. The aim of the present study was assessment of laterality of the legs of young female soccer players and their non-training counterparts. Methods. The study sample comprised 9 female soccer players and 19 non-training girls. They underwent three measurement sessions, one every six months. The applied tests included kinesthetic differentiation, rate of local movements, static balance, single-leg hop, rate of global movements, strength and speed, and functional asymmetry of the legs tests. Results. The soccer players were better than the controls in their performance of the rate of local movements, rate of global movements, kinesthetic differentiation, single-leg 15m timed hop and static balance tests. Smaller differences between the results of the left and the right legs in soccer players, than in non-training girls, were noted in the rate of local movements, rate of global movements and kinesthetic differentiation tests. In the static balance test, the differences were greater in the group of soccer players. Conclusions. Lateralization of the lower limbs is a highly complex characteristic with a different variability in athletes than in nontraining individuals. The results of the present study also point to the specialization of soccer players’ left legs in body balance and single-leg hop tests.

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Effects of contrast strength training with elastic band program on sprint, jump, strength, balance and repeated change of direction in young female handball players

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching ◽

10.1177/17479541211050724 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174795412110507

Author(s):

Mehrez Hammami ◽

Nawel Gaamouri ◽

Yosser Cherni ◽

Mohamed Souhaiel Chelly ◽

Lee Hill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Young Female ◽

T Test ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Elastic Band ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Repeated Sprint ◽

Back Extensor ◽

Medicine Ball

Maximal strength, power and his derivates (sprint, change of direction repeatedly and jump) are considered as major determinants of success in elite handball players. Contrast strength training with elastic band (CSTEB) program is form of resistance training, and may play an important method of training to improve this quality. This study examined the effects of 10-week contrast strength training with elastic band (CSTEB) program on physical performance in young female handball players. Thirty participants (age: 15.7 ± 0.3 years; body mass: 63.7 ± 3.7 kg; body height: 166.8 ± 3.8 cm; body fat: 26.9 ± 3.4; and Maturity-offset: 2.9 ± 0.3 years) were randomly assigned between experimental group (EG; n = 15) and control group (CG; n = 15). Two-way analyses of variance (group × time) were assessed for handgrip; back extensor; medicine ball throw; 30-m sprint times; Modiﬁed Illinois change-of-direction (Illinois-MT); four jump tests [(squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with arms (CMJA) and five jump test (5JT)]; static (stork) and dynamic (Y balance) balance tests; and repeated sprint T-test (RSTT). The EG enhanced all strength performance [handgrip right, handgrip left, back extensor strength and medicine ball throw (p < 0.001)] compared to CG. The EG enhanced all sprint performance. The EG also improved performance in the Illinois-MT. All jump performance improved signiﬁcantly [SJ (p = 0.007), CMJ (p = 0.001) and CMJA (p = 0.001)] except 5JT in the EG. Of the same, 3 of 4 repeated sprint T-test scores [RSTT-Best-Time, RSTT-Mean-Time and RSTT-Total-Time] increased significantly in the EG relative to the CG. Conversely, there were no significant changes in balance performance between groups. It is concluded that 10-weeks of CSTEB improved physical performance (strength, sprint, change of direction, jump, and repeated change of direction) measures in young female handball players.

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Short-Term Compound Training on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports8080108 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 108 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Athos Trecroci ◽

Marco Duca ◽

Damiano Formenti ◽

Giampietro Alberti ◽

F. Marcello Iaia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vertical Jump ◽

The Other ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Plyometric Training ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Short Term ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Compound Training ◽

Strength Exercises

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a five-week compound training (with strength and plyometric exercises performed on separate days) on sprint, change of direction, and vertical jump in young soccer players. Eighteen novices in strength and plyometric training were assigned to either a compound training (CMPT) or a control condition (CNT). Both groups trained three times per week. One session was dedicated to soccer-specific drills. The other two weekly sessions were dedicated to circuit-based training routines employing on one-day strength exercises and on the other day plyometric exercises in the CMPT group. At the same time, the CNT group performed two weekly soccer-specific training sessions. All players were tested by 15-m sprint, change-of-direction and acceleration test (CODAT), squat jump, and countermovement jump with arms swing tests. CMPT group improved CODAT, squat jump and countermovement jump to a higher extent compared to CNT group (large vs small or trivial effects, p < 0.05), while both groups had similar 15-m sprint performance (p > 0.05). These results support the use of compound training to improve change of direction and vertical jump performances in young novice soccer players, which are unfamiliar with structured and advanced strength and plyometric training.

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Efectos de entrenamiento de fuerza en sistema isoinercial sobre la mejora del CMJ en jóvenes futbolistas de elite (Effects of strength training using a isoinertial device on jump ability in young elite soccer players)

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i26.34464 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 180-182

Author(s):

Sergio Romero Boza ◽

Adrián Feria Madueño ◽

Borja Sañudo Corrales ◽

Moisés De Hoyo Lora ◽

Juan José Del Ojo López

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Force Production ◽

Team Sport ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Maximal Strength ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Palabras Clave ◽

Jump Ability ◽

Physical Skills

El fútbol es un deporte colectivo donde, para alcanzar el éxito, los jugadores necesitan de habilidades técnicas, tácticas y físicas, fundamentalmente de carácter intermitente siendo éstas acciones las que determinan el rendimiento. Un ejemplo de acciones de este tipo son los saltos. Este gesto deportivo esta correlacionado con la fuerza máxima, entendiendo que una mayor producción de fuerza permite una mayor generación de altura en dicho gesto. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar el efecto de entrenamiento de fuerza en sistema isoinercial sobre la mejora del Salto con Contramovimiento y analizar los cambios en la altura del mismo después de un programa de entrenamiento de 15 semanas, realizado sobre jóvenes futbolistas de élite. Los resultados obtenidos, muestran que no existen cambios significativos en esta variable de análisis (p< 0,05) por lo que se concluye que este tipo de entrenamiento con la duración especificada no tiene efectos sobre el rendimiento en la altura del salto (CMJ).Palabras clave: Entrenamiento Isoinercial, Futbolistas, Rendimiento, CMJ.Abstract: Soccer is a team sport where, to achieve success, players need of technical, tactical and physical skills, mainly intermittent character being such actions which determine the performance. An example of such actions is the jumpers. This sports actions is correlated with the maximal strength, understanding that force production allows greater height in this actions. The aim is to study the effects of strength training using a isoinertial device on Countermovement Jump ability and to analyze the changes in height after 15 weeks program training in young elite soccer players. There are no significant changes after to analyze the results (p< 0,05), so it is concluded that this type of training with certified duration has no effect on performance in height jump (CMJ).Keywords: Isoinertial Training, Soccers Players, Performance, CMJ.

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Effects of Three Different Combined Training Interventions on Jump, Change of Direction, Power Performance, and Inter-Limb Asymmetry in Male Youth Soccer Players

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports9120158 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 158

Author(s):

Alejandro Moreno-Azze ◽

José Luis Arjol-Serrano ◽

David Falcón-Miguel ◽

Chris Bishop ◽

Oliver Gonzalo-Skok

Keyword(s):

Young Male ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Power Performance ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Mean Power ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Combined Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Training Interventions ◽

Speed Test

Background: This study compared the effects of performing different unilateral combined training interventions on diverse vertical and horizontal jumping performance parameters, change of direction, concentric and eccentric mean power, and their associated inter-limb asymmetries in young soccer players. Methods: Forty-seven young male soccer players (age: 15.5 ± 0.9 years) were distributed into three groups. Two groups performed the same training volume with both legs, beginning with the weaker leg (Stronger Volume Weaker leg group (SVW), n = 14) or with the stronger leg (Stronger Volume Stronger leg group, (SVS), n = 15). The third group executed double the volume with the weaker leg and also commenced with such leg (Double Volume Weaker leg group (DVW), n = 16) during a 10-week period. Pre- and post-intervention tests included a single-leg hop, single-leg lateral hop, triple hop, bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps, a change of direction speed test, concentric and eccentric mean power during the lateral squat test, and their corresponding asymmetries. Results: Single-leg hop weaker leg, triple hop weaker leg, and bilateral countermovement jump improvements were achieved in the SVW (ES: 0.29 to 0.46) and DVW (ES: 0.55 to 0.73) groups. Between-groups analysis showed better results in single-leg hop in the SVW and DVW compared to group SVS. The DVW group achieved better improvements in countermovement jump in comparison to groups SVS and SVW. Conclusions: Groups that started with the weaker leg seemed to achieve a greater volume of significant changes than when starting with the stronger leg. Performing a double volume on the weaker limb does not guarantee further improved performance compared to other groups.

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Effects of Resisted Sprints With Changes of Direction Through Several Relative Loads on Physical Performance in Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2018-0702 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1022-1028 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David Rodríguez-Osorio ◽

Oliver Gonzalo-Skok ◽

Fernando Pareja-Blanco

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Body Mass ◽

External Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Before And After ◽

Moderate Load ◽

Run Test ◽

Positive Effect

Purpose: To compare the effects of resisted change-of-direction (COD) movements, using several relative loads, on soccer players’ physical performance. Methods: Fifty-four male soccer players were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 3 groups, which differed only in the magnitude of the external load used during the COD training: COD training without external load (COD-0; n = 16), COD training with a 12.5% body-mass external load (COD-12.5; n = 19), and COD training with a 50% body-mass external load (COD-50; n = 19). Participants performed the specific COD training twice per week for 6 wk. Before and after the training period, a battery of tests was completed: countermovement jump, 30-m running sprint (time in 10 m [T10], 20 m [T20], and 30 m [T30]), L-run test, and V-cut test. Results: Within-group comparisons showed substantial improvements in countermovement jump and T10 (likely) in COD-0, whereas countermovement jump, T10, and T20 were substantially enhanced (possibly to likely) in COD-50. COD-12.5 induced substantial improvements in all analyzed variables (likely to most likely). Between-groups comparisons showed better effects on all analyzed variables for COD-12.5 than for COD-0 (possibly to very likely), whereas COD-50 only showed possibly better effects than COD-0 on T10. In addition, COD-12.5 induced a better effect on L-run and V-cut tests than COD-50 (possibly to likely). Conclusions: These results indicate that COD training, especially moderate load (12.5% body mass) resisted COD training, may have a positive effect on COD skills, running sprint performance, and jumping ability in young soccer players.

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Association of Performance in Strength and Plyometric Tests with Change of Direction Performance in Young Female Team-Sport Athletes

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology ◽

10.3390/jfmk6040083 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 83

Author(s):

Hallvard Nygaard Falch ◽

Eirik Lindset Kristiansen ◽

Markus Estifanos Haugen ◽

Roland van den Tillaar

Keyword(s):

Training Programs ◽

Team Sport ◽

Young Female ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Ground Contact ◽

Specific Training ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Back Squat ◽

Median Split ◽

Specific Skill

The change of direction (COD) ability is a task-specific skill dependent on different factors such as the degree of the turn, which has led to differentiating CODs as more force- (>90°) or velocity-oriented (<90°). Considering force and velocity requirements is of importance when designing sport-specific training programs for enhancing COD performance. Thus, 25 female handball and soccer players participated in this study, which investigated the association between three different strength and plyometric exercises and force- and velocity-oriented COD performance. By utilizing the median split analysis, the participants were further divided into a fast (n = 8) and a slow (n = 8) COD group, to investigate differences in step kinematics between fast and slow performers. The correlational analysis revealed that the bilateral back squat and unilateral quarter squat were significantly associated with several force- and velocity-oriented COD performance (r = −0.46 to −0.64), while the association between plyometric and COD performance was limited (r < 0.44). The fast COD group revealed higher levels of strength, jump height, peak velocities, higher step frequencies, shorter ground contact times, and greater acceleration and braking power (d > 1.29, p < 0.03). It was concluded that the observed correlation between strength and COD performance might be due to stronger athletes being able to produce more workload in a shorter time, which was supported by the step kinematics.

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