The effect of complex contrast training with different training frequency on the physical performance of youth soccer players: a randomized study.

Background: Complex contrast training (CCT) is potentially an efficient method to improve physical abilities such as muscle strength, power output, speed, agility, are extremely important in developing soccer players of different age categories. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effects of 6 weeks of CCT program applied in different training frequency (sessions per week) on youth soccer players performance. Methods: Twenty-one youth soccer players (age: 15.3 ± 1.1 years; body mass 64.9 ± 0.7 kg; height 175.4 ± 0.7 cm) were randomized into three groups: a regular pre-season training control group (G0, n = 8), a group with regular pre-season training plus twice-a-week CCT (G2, n = 6), and a group with regular pre-season training plus thrice-a-week CCT (G3, n = 7). The CCT consisted of soccer skills-based exercises distributed across five stations, to be performed before common regular practice during a 6-week pre-season period. The agility (505 Agility test), sprint (S5 and S15), jump (SJ and CMJ), and free kick speed (11 m from the goal) of the groups were analyzed pre- and post-CCT intervention. During a 6-week pre-season period, the players integrated CCT into their regular training sessions. Furthermore, performance variables were compared between the groups. Results: A statistical difference was identified for the timepoint for the players' CMJ (p = 0.023; η2 = 0.343) and the free kick speed (p = 0.013; η2 = 0.383) using ANOVA. The G3 showed a significant improvement in the CMJ (p = 0.001) and the free kick speed (p = 0.003) between pre- to post-CCT test. No other significant changes in performance were observed (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The CCT training program with a weekly frequency of 3 days per week is effective in improving free kick speed and CMJ performance in young male soccer players (U-15 and U-17 categories). CCT training programs have the potential to refine an athlete's preparation for competition. However, certain performance tests did not demonstrate substantial enhancements. Consequently, additional investigations are required to ascertain the effectiveness of CCT.

Relationship Between Training Volume and Ratings of Perceived Exertion in Swimmers.

The markers of external training load (ETL), distance and intensity, do not take into account the athletes' psychophysiological stress, i.e., internal training load (ITL). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ETL and ITL using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session-RPE in swimmers. Seventeen young swimmers (10 male, 15.8 ± 0.87 yr and 7 female, 15.1 ± 0.46 yr) belonging to one national level youth team took part in this study over 4 wk. The external training load was planned using swimming distance (in meters) at seven different training intensities. Swimmers' RPE was assessed 30 min after each training session. Session-RPE was calculated by multiplying RPE by session duration (min). The relationship between the variables was analyzed with Pearson correlations and a multiple linear regression was performed to predict the session-RPE as a function of the independent variables (aerobic and anaerobic volume). The swimming distance at different intensities correlated strongly with RPE and very largely with session-RPE (.64, p < .05 and .71, p < .05, respectively). Regression analysis indicated that the aerobic and anaerobic volumes together explained more than 50% of the ITL variability. In conclusion, the swimming distance in each training session was significantly associated with RPE and session-RPE in swimmers. In other words, based on these results, the use of high-volume training at lower intensities affects the RPE and Session-RPE more than the anaerobic volume.