Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Comparison of plyometric repeated sprint and plyometric aerobic training on physical performance in youth soccer players
Selmi, Mohamed Amin; Hammami, Raouf; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Duncan, Michael; Sassi, Radhouane Haj; Morgans, Ryland; Bayrakdaroglu, Serdar; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and repeated-sprint sets (RSS) are established conditioning methods in soccer, yet their integration with plyometric training among highly trained youth soccer players remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of an 8-week program combining plyometric training with either RSS (PLYO-RSS) or HIIT (PLYO-HIIT) on physical fitness in young soccer players. Twenty-nine male players (14-15 years) were randomly assigned to PLYO-RSS (n = 14) or PLYO-HIIT (n = 15). Both interventions lasted 20 minutes per session and replaced part of regular soccer training. Physical fitness assessments included countermovement jump (CMJ), 15-s repeated vertical jumps (15''RJ), five-jump test (5JT), 10 m and 30 m sprint, maximal aerobic speed (MAS), VO2max, and repeated sprint performance (total sprint time, best sprint, fatigue index). Physiological markers (lactate, rating of perceived exertion, and HRmax) were also monitored. Significant improvements over time were observed in muscle power, sprint speed, aerobic capacity, and repeated-sprint ability (p <= 0.001; eta & sup2;p = 0.339-0.489). However, no main effects or group & times; time interaction effects were observed, indicating no evidence of differential responses between the two training modes. In conclusion, integrating plyometric training with either RSS or HIIT effectively enhances physical fitness in highly trained youth soccer players, offering flexible options for training prescription.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2024Exploring the associations between ankle dorsal and plantar flexion strength, reactive strength index, and balance in elite youth soccer players
Kayhan, Recep Fatih; Terzi, Esranur; Bayrakdaroğlu, Serdar; Ceylan, Halil İbrahim; Morgans, Ryland; Nikolaidis, Pantelis T.
Background: Enhanced muscular strength has been widely acknowledged as a fundamental determinant of improved performance in the lower extremities. However, the specific impact of ankle strength on explosive strength and balance remains inadequately elucidated. Consequently, this study aims to (a) evaluate balance, reactive power, and flexor–extensor muscle balances in soccer players, and (b) evaluate ankle dorsal and plantar flexion muscle strength as predictive factors for reactive strength index and balance performance. Methodology: A cohort comprising 38 actively engaged Turkish National League soccer players participated in the study. The assessment encompassed explosive power through a drop jump, dynamic balance utilizing a moving disc, and ankle strength measured with a handheld dynamometer. Results: The findings revealed that dominant lower limb dorsal flexion strength emerged as a significant predictor of both reactive strength (R2 = 0.106, p < 0.05) and balance (R2 = 0.121, p < 0.05). Similarly, non-dominant lower limb dorsal flexion strength was identified as a significant predictor of reactive strength (R2 = 0.362, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the study established that dominant lower limb plantar flexion strength significantly predicted balance (R2 = 0.121, p < 0.05), while non-dominant lower limb plantar flexion strength served as a significant predictor of both reactive strength (R2 = 0.148, p < 0.05) and balance (R2 = 0.179, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Consequently, these findings emphasize the significance of incorporating targeted exercises designed to enhance intrinsic foot musculature, thereby augmenting both explosive strength and balance in athletes. While acknowledging the persistent importance of strength assessment in evaluating lower extremity performance, our results underscore the critical role played by ankle muscle strength in the execution of explosive strength and balance.