Hamstring Strength, Maximum Running Velocity, Soccer Performance, Sprint Performance
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of two different sprint training approaches on physical performance in male amateur soccer players during the competitive season. The study aimed to determine whether once-weekly game-based sprint training or linear sprint training could improve sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, hamstring strength, and maximum running velocity achieved during official matches. Thirty-six male amateur soccer players were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: the Game-Based Sprint Group, the Linear Sprint Group, or the Control Group. Participants in both sprint training groups completed one additional sprint training session per week for 12 weeks while continuing their regular soccer training and competition schedule. The Linear Sprint Group performed maximal 40-meter linear sprints, whereas the Game-Based Sprint Group performed soccer-specific sprint activities that included running, ball involvement, and technical actions. The Control Group continued regular soccer training without an additional sprint-specific intervention. Sprint performance, change-of-direction performance, and right and left hamstring strength were assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Maximum running velocity was also monitored during official matches throughout the 12-week study period. The study was designed to compare how the two sprint training approaches affected performance over time and whether changes observed during standardized testing were also reflected in maximum running velocity during competitive matches.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALLinear Sprint Training
Participants performed maximal 40-m linear sprints once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions with the same recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The intervention was performed in addition to regular soccer training.
BEHAVIORALGame-Based Sprint Training
Participants performed soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of 8-10-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions using the same sprint duration and recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions of 10-12-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The drills incorporated ball involvement, perceptual demands, and soccer-specific technical actions.
Sponsors
Istanbul Gelisim University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male amateur-licensed soccer players. * A minimum of 5 years of regular soccer training experience. * Participation in organized soccer training at least 5 days per week.
Exclusion criteria
* A serious musculoskeletal injury within the previous 6 months that could interfere with participation in the training intervention or performance assessments. * Musculoskeletal surgery within the previous 6 months that could interfere with the study outcomes.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 40-m Sprint Performance | Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12 | The time required to complete a 40-m maximal linear sprint was measured using the SmartSpeed electronic timing system (VALD Performance, Australia). Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest time was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better sprint performance. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| T-Drill Change-of-Direction Performance | Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12 | Change-of-direction performance was assessed using the T-drill test. Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest completion time was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better performance. |
| Hamstring Strength | Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12 | Bilateral hamstring strength was assessed using the NordBord system (VALD Performance). Right and left limbs were assessed separately, with force recorded in Newtons (N). Participants completed two maximal-effort trials for each limb, and the highest value was retained for analysis. |
| Match Maximum Running Velocity | During official matches throughout the 12-week intervention period | Maximum running velocity during official soccer matches was monitored using the Catapult S7 GPS system. The highest running velocity achieved by each participant during each official match was retained for analysis. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed