Effects of Lower-body Strength Training Combined With Small-sided Games on Physical Performance in Young Soccer Players
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 20
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Body weights
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Small-sided games (SSGs) are an effective training method for improving aerobic fitness. However, their effects on physical performance attributes such as, sprinting, jumping, agility, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of lower-body strength training combined with SSGs training (CT) versus SSGs training alone on sprinting, agility, RSA, countermovement jump (CMJ), and aerobic fitness in young soccer players. Twenty young soccer players were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CT (n = 10; age: 14.0 ± 0.0) and SSGs (n = 10; age: 14.0 ± 0.0). The CT group performed lower-body strength training twice a week, in addition to SSGs training twice a week. The SSGs group performed SSGs training only twice a week, without any strength training. Before and after the 6-week training intervention, the 20-m sprint test, Illinois agility test (IAT), RSA, CMJ, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 were conducted.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 14 Years to 14 Years (Child)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •have no injuries, illnesses, or physical limitations that would prevent participation in the study
- •have been training and playing official soccer for a minimum of 2 years
- •have participated in all testing protocols
- •have participated in a minimum of 80% of the training sessions
- •have not participated in any structured strength training program for the last six months, except for bodyweight exercises; and
- •have not been a goalkeeper
Exclusion Criteria
- Not provided
Arms & Interventions
Combined Training
During the 6-week intervention period, the combined training group performed 2 sessions per week of lower-body strength training and 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training in different formats. The combined training group also participated in their team's regular soccer training, which focused on technical and tactical skills, with 5 sessions per week (60-90 minutes each).
Intervention: Combined training (Other)
Small-sided games alone
The small-sided games group performed 2 sessions per week of small-sided games training program in different formats, without participating in any strength training. The combined training group also participated in their team's regular soccer training, which focused on technical and tactical skills, with 5 sessions per week (60-90 minutes each).
Intervention: Small-sided games alone (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Body weights
Time Frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Body weights (in kg) were measured using a body mass measuring device (Fakir, Germany). These measurement was taken in the morning, before breakfast, while the players wore light clothing and no shoes. Measurement was performed twice to reduce the margin of error.
Body mass index
Time Frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Body mass index (BMI) (kilograms/m2) was calculated from height and body weight values.
Height
Time Frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Height (in cm) was measured using a stadiometer (SECA, Hamburg, Germany). These measurement was taken in the morning, before breakfast, while the players wore light clothing and no shoes. Measurement was performed twice to reduce the margin of error.
20-m sprint
Time Frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
The sprinting performance was assessed using the 20-m linear sprint test. The test was conducted using two pairs of photocells (Smartspeed, Fusion Sport Pty Queensland, Australia). The starting point was placed 70 cm behind the first pair of photocells. First, a familiarization trial was conducted at low intensity. The test was then performed twice, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The best result was used for analysis.
Agility
Time Frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
To assess agility performance, the Illinois Agility Test (IAT), a valid and reliable test for male team athletes, was used. Prior to starting the test, the player lies in a prone position, with the chin touching the surface of the starting line. After the researcher's command started, the player quickly stood up and ran in the indicated direction, avoiding contact with the placed cones. First, a familiarization trial was conducted at low intensity. Two trials were then performed, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The best time was used for analysis.
Repeated sprint ability (RSA)
Time Frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
RSA was assessed using the 6x20-m RSA test. A 20-second rest interval was provided between sprints. A photocell system (Smartspeed, Fusion Sport Pty, Queensland, Australia) was placed at the start and at the 20-m line to measure sprint time. The players started the test from the line marked 70 cm behind the first pair of photocells. The mean sprint time (mean sprint time over the six sprints) (RSAmean) and the total sprint time (total time over the six sprints) (RSAtotal) were used for the analysis.
Vertical jump
Time Frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Vertical jump performance was evaluated using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. The test was performed using the My Jump Lab smartphone application (Spain, Madrid, version 1.2.2), which has proven validity and reliability for vertical jump measurement. Players were instructed to begin the jump with their feet shoulder-width apart, in a 90° knee flexion position, with their hands on their hips. During the test, players were instructed to jump as high as possible while keeping their hands on their hips. The mobile phone was positioned 3 meters away from the player, and the camera height was set to 0.90 meters using a tripod. The players first performed a familiarization trial at low intensity. Each player then performed three jumps, with two-minute passive recovery intervals. The highest jump was used for analysis
Aerobic fitness
Time Frame: After 6 weeks of training intervention
Aerobic fitness was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRTL-1). The test was conducted following previously described instructions (Bangsbo et al., 2008). The players' estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) after the test was calculated using the formula ''VO2max = 36.4 + (0.0084 x covered distance in YYIRTL-1)''.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Muhammet Taha İlhan
Research Assistant
Aydin Adnan Menderes University