Explosive Strength, Microdosing, Plyometric Exercises, Soccer Performance, Speed
Conditions
Keywords
Micro-dosed plyometric training, Youth soccer players, Explosive strength, Sprint performance, reactive strength
Brief summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a micro-dosed plyometric training program works as well as a traditional plyometric program for improving speed and explosive abilities in elite under-19 soccer players during the pre-season. The main questions are: 1. Does micro-dosed training improve explosive and speed abilites, such as jumping and sprinting, as much as traditional training? 2. Does it improve reactivity and change-of-direction ability ? Researchers will compare two groups: * Traditional Training Group: 2 sessions per week, about 40 minutes each. * Micro-dosed Group: 3-4 shorter sessions per week, about 20 minutes each. Both groups will complete the same total weekly training volume. Participants will: * Take part in an 8-week plyometric training program during pre-season. * Complete performance tests (CM jump tests, a 30-meter sprint, and a 15-0-5 change-of-direction test, broad jump test, drop jump test) before and after 8-week plyometric intervention, . This study will help coaches and players understand if shorter, more frequent plyometric training sessions can be a good alternative to traditional longer sessions when weekly training load is matched.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALTraditional group training program
This intervention consists of two supervised plyometric training sessions per week, each lasting about 40 minutes. It represents the traditional approach with fewer but longer sessions. The total weekly training volume is equivalent to the micro-dosed group but distributed differently.
BEHAVIORALMicro-dosed group training program
This intervention consists of three to four shorter supervised plyometric sessions per week, each lasting about 20 minutes. It represents a micro-dosed approach, with higher frequency but shorter duration per session. The total weekly training volume is equivalent to the traditional group but distributed across more frequent sessions.
Sponsors
Masaryk University
Matej Bel University
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Masking was not feasible due to the visible differences in training frequency and scheduling.
Intervention model description
This is a parallel-group, quasi-experimental design. Players were allocated into two groups (micro-dosed vs. traditional plyometric training) using performance-based ranking (countermovement jump and drop jump tests) to achieve balanced groups. Both groups completed the similiar total weekly training volume during the 8-week pre-season period.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
17 Years to 19 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Active membership in a U19 elite soccer club during the intervention. * Medical fitness to participate in plyometric training and testing. * Attendance at ≥75% of training sessions. * Completion of all mandatory pre- and post-tests. * Previous experience with plyometric training and testing procedures.
Exclusion criteria
* Medical limitations preventing safe participation in training or testing. * Attendance lower than 75% of scheduled intervention sessions. * Failure to complete mandatory baseline or follow-up testing. * Injury preventing completion of the intervention.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in countermovement jump (CMJ) jump height | Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. | Change in vertical jump height (cm) measured with dual force plates during a countermovement jump, from baseline (pre-test) to post-intervention (8 weeks). |
| Change in Sprint Speed (30 m sprint test using 1080 Sprint system) | Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. | Change in sprint velocity (m/s) and split times (0-5 m, 0-10 m, 0-30 m). |
| Change in Drop Jump Reactive Strength Index (RSI) | Baseline and after 8 weeks. | Change in reactive strength index (jump height / ground contact time) measured during drop jump from 30 cm platform. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Standing Broad Jump Distance (SBJ) | Baseline and after 8 weeks. | Change in Standing Broad Jump Distance (SBJ) |
| Change in Sprint Mechanics (1080 Sprint) | Baseline and after 8 weeks. | Change in peak force (N) and peak power (W) during 30 m sprint. |
| Change in Change-of-Direction Performance (15-0-5 test) | Baseline and after 8 weeks. | Change in time (s) to complete 15-0-5 change-of-direction test, including deceleration and re-acceleration phases. |
Countries
Czechia
Outcome results
None listed