Changes evaluated in soccer-specific power endurance either with or without a 10-week, in-season, intermittent, high-intensity training protocol

J Strength Cond Res. 2003 May;17(2):379-87. doi: 10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0379:ceispe>2.0.co;2.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in soccer-specific power endurance of 34 female high school soccer players throughout a season either with or without an intermittent, high-intensity exercise protocol. Thirty-four female high school soccer players were tested prior to the 2000 fall season and again 10 weeks later. The tests included an abridged 45-minute shuttle test (LIST), hydrostatic weighing, vertical jump, 20-m running-start sprint, and 30-second Wingate test. The experimental group (EG; n = 17, age 16.5 +/- 0.9 years) completed a 10-week in-season plyometric, resistive training, and high-intensity anaerobic program. The control group (n = 17, age 16.3 +/- 1.4 years) completed only traditional aerobic soccer conditioning. Statistical significance was set at alpha < 0.05. The experimental group showed significant improvements in the LIST (EG = delta 394 seconds +/- 124 seconds), 20-m sprint (EG = Delta-0.10 seconds +/- 0.10 seconds), increase in fat-free mass (EG = delta 1.14 kg +/- 1.22 kg), and decreases in fat mass (EG = Delta-1.40 kg +/- 1.47 kg) comparing pre- to postseason. This study indicates that a strength and plyometric program improved power endurance and speed over aerobic training only. Soccer-specific power endurance training may improve match performance and decrease fatigue in young female soccer players.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anaerobic Threshold
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anthropometry
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Physical Endurance
  • Probability
  • Program Evaluation
  • Reference Values
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Soccer / physiology*
  • Time Factors