Effects of a horizontal speed deceleration training programme on measures of physical fitness in youth male handball players.

This study examined the effects of an 8-week horizontal speed deceleration training (HSDT) programme in combination with regular handball-specific training as compared with handball-specific training only in measures of physical fitness in male youth handball players. Thirty-nine players were randomly assigned to either an HSDT group (n = 18; 15.55 ± 0.24 years) or an active-control group (CG; n = 21; 14.59 ± 0.23 years). The results showed significant and large between-group differences at post-test in countermovement jump, change-of-direction speed, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) (all p < 0.01; d = 2.04 and 1.37, 1.39, 1.53, and 1.53 for the CMJ, 505 CoD, RSAbest, RSAaverage, and RSAtotal performances, respectively). The post-hoc-analysis demonstrated significant and large improvements in all measures of physical fitness in the HSDT group (∆2.49% to 16,25%; d = 1.01 to 1,70; all p < 0,01). The CG, however, failed to reach any significant difference in all measures of physical fitness ((∆0.31% to 1.98%; d = 0.15 to 0.22; p = 0.379; p > 0.05). To summarise, an 8-week in-season HSDT programme alongside regular handball-specific training yielded positive effects on various performance measures including jumping ability, CoD speed, and RSA, when compared to handball-specific training alone. These results highlight the potential benefits of integrating HSDT into the training regimen of youth handball athletes during the competitive season.

The Effects of Volume-Matched 1- and 2-Day Repeated Backward Sprint Training Formats on Physical Performance in Youth Male Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Bouguezzi, R, Negra, Y, Sammoud, S, Uthoff, A, Moran, J, Behrens, M, and Chaabene, H. The effects of volume-matched 1- and 2-day repeated backward sprint training formats on physical performance in youth male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study examined the effects of a 6-week, 1 vs. 2 sessions of volume-matched weekly repeated backward sprint training (RBST) on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players. Thirty male youth soccer players from a regional soccer team were randomly assigned to a 2-day group (n = 15; age = 16.40 ± 0.64 years; Maturity-offset = 2.19 ± 0.65 years) or a 1-day group (n = 15; age = 16.27 ± 0.51 years; Maturity-offset = 1.91 ± 0.40 years). Measures of jumping ability, linear sprint speed, change-of-direction (CoD) speed, aerobic endurance (AE), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) were measured before and after 6 weeks of training. The training interventions involved 1 to 2 sets, each comprising 7 repetitions over a 20-m distance of RBST in the 2-day group, and 2 to 4 sets, also with 7 repetitions each over the same distance, in the 1-day group. Statistical analyses were conducted using the analysis of covariance model with baseline measurements entered as covariates. Results indicated that RBST over 2 days generated greater benefits compared with a single day for improving CoD speed (∆4.91 vs. 0.04%; effect size [d] = 0.78 vs. 0.00, respectively), linear sprint speed (10-m: ∆4.74 vs. 0.36%; d = 0.96 vs. 0.00, respectively; 20 m: ∆3.34 vs. 0.82%; d = 1.00 vs. 0.49, respectively), and RSA performances (RSAbest: ∆2.61 vs. 0.29%; d = 0.71 vs. 0.16, respectively; RSAmean: ∆2.86 vs. 0.89%; d = 0.59 vs. 0.16, respectively; RSAtotal: ∆2.86 vs. 0.89%; d = 0.62 vs. 0.41, respectively). However, similar improvements in the 2 RBST formats were observed on jumping (2-day group: ∆6.9%; d = 0.75; 1-day group: ∆10.6%, d = 1.26) and AE performance (2-day group: ∆17.24%, d = 1.04; 1-day group: ∆27.25%, d = 2.25). In summary, the findings suggest that, when volume is matched, spreading the RBST regimen over 2 days may result in greater improvements compared with a single-day approach for enhancing CoD speed, linear sprint speed, and RSA performance.

Change of Direction Speed in Youth Male Soccer Players: The Predictive Value of Anthropometrics and Biological Maturity.

This study aimed to develop the optimal allometric body size/shape and a biological maturity model that predicted the change of direction (CoD) mean speed performance in youth male soccer players. One-hundred and fifteen youth soccer players (age: 12.4 [1.3] y) participated in this study. The 505 test was used to assess CoD mean speed performance. Anthropometric measurements comprised body height (cm), sitting height (cm), body mass (kg), fat mass (kg), lower limb length (cm), thigh length (cm), leg length (cm), foot length (cm), thigh girth (cm), and calf girth (cm). The maturity status was determined based on the maturity offset method. To identify size/shape and maturity characteristics associated with CoD speed performance, we computed a multiplicative allometric log-linear regression model, which was refined using backward elimination. The multiplicative allometric model exploring the association between 505 CoD mean speed performance and the different anthropometric characteristics in youth soccer players estimated that fat mass (P < .001), sitting height (P = .02), and maturity offset (P = .004) are the key predictors. More specifically, youths who are more mature and have a lower fat mass and a shorter trunk length, are likely to achieve a better CoD mean speed performance. These findings highlight the relevance of considering anthropometric and maturity characteristics in youth soccer players to support talent identification.

Preseason Integrative Neuromuscular Training Improves Selected Measures of Physical Fitness in Highly Trained, Youth, Male Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Hammami, R, Negra, Y, Nebigh, A, Ramirez-Campillo, R, Moran, J, and Chaabene, H. Preseason integrative neuromuscular training improves selected measures of physical fitness in highly trained, youth, male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): e384-e390, 2023-This study examined the effects of an 8-week integrative neuromuscular training (INT) program, including balance, strength, plyometric, and change of direction exercises, on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players. Twenty-four male soccer players participated in this study. They were randomly allocated into an INT (n = 12; age = 15.7 ± 0.6 years, body height = 179.75 ± 6.54 cm, body mass = 78.20 ± 7.44 kg, maturity-offset = +2.2 ± 0.6 years) or an active control (CG, n = 12; age = 15.4 ± 0.8 years, body height = 178.4 ± 6.4 cm, body mass = 72 ± 8.3 kg, maturity-offset = +1.9 ± 0.7 years) group. Before and after training, tests to measure dynamic balance (Y-Balance test [YBT]), muscle strength (one repetition maximum [1RM]), muscle power (five jump test [FJT], single-leg hop test [SLHT], and countermovement jump [CMJ] height), linear sprint time (10 and 30-m), and change of direction with ball (CoDball) were performed. The analysis of covariance was used to test between-group differences (INT vs. CG) at posttest using baseline values as covariates. Significant, large, between-group differences at posttest were noted for the YBT (p = 0.016; d = 1.1), 1RM (p = 0.011; d = 1.2), FJT (p = 0.027; d = 1.0), SLHT (p = 0.04; d = 1.4), CMJ height (p < 0.001; d = 1.9), 10-m sprint (p < 0.01; d = 1.6), and CoDball (p < 0.05; d = 0.9) in favor of the INT group. Significant moderate-to-large pre-to-post changes were detected in the INT group for YBT, 1RM, CMJ height, SLHT, FJT, 10-m and 30-m sprint time, and CoDball test (d = 0.7 to 3.07, p < 0.05). No significant pre-to-post changes were observed in the CG (p > 0.05), except for 10-m sprint time (d = 1.3; p < 0.05). Exposure to INT twice weekly is effective and time efficient to improve various measures of physical fitness in highly trained youth male soccer players.

Key Anthropometric Variables Associated With Front-Crawl Swimming Performance in Youth Swimmers: An Allometric Approach.

ABSTRACT: Sammoud, S, Negra, Y, Chaabene, H, Bouguezzi, R, Attia, A, Granacher, U, Younes, H, and Nevill, AM. Key anthropometric variables associated with front-crawl swimming performance in youth swimmers: an allometric approach. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1259-1263, 2023-This study aimed to establish key anthropometric characteristics (e.g., optimal body height, limb-segment length, and girth/breadth ratios) related to 100-m front-crawl performance in young swimmers. In total, 74 swimmers (boys [ n = 41; age: 18.1 ± 3.5 years]; girls [ n = 33; age: 15.9 ± 3.1 years]) participated in this study. We adopted a multiplicative allometric log-linear regression model to identify key anthropometric characteristics associated with 100-m front-crawl swimming performance. The main outcomes indicated that length ratio = ([height/leg length]), foot length and ankle girth, biacromial breadth, and % of body fat were associated with 100-m front-crawl mean swimming speed performance. These findings highlight the importance of assessing anthropometric characteristics in young front-crawl swimmers for talent identification and development.

The effect of combining HIIT and dry-land training on strength, technique, and 100-m butterfly swimming performance in age-group swimmers: a randomized controlled trial.

Combined interventions of pool-based and dry-land workouts are a common practice in swimming training. However, the effects on strength, technique and swimming performance are still not clear. Through a randomized controlled trial study, we investigated the effect of combining high intensity interval training (HIIT) and maximum strength training (MST) on strength, technique and 100-m butterfly swimming performance. Competitive age-group swimmers (N = 22, males) were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG: 14.1 ± 0.3 years old) performed 8 weeks of combined short-moderate HIIT and MST. The control group (CG: 14.5 ± 0.3 years old) subjects performed their usual training. Muscular strength, technique and swimming performance were evaluated before and after 8 weeks. Substantial improvements were observed in maximum muscle strength (mean diff: 22-28%; p < 0.001; d = 3.25-3.61), technique (p < 0.05; d = 0.98-1.96) and 100-m butterfly swimming performance (3.5%; p = 0.001; d = 1.81) when combining HIIT and MST during 8 weeks. Combining short-moderate HIIT and MST during 8 weeks can enhance maximum muscular strength, technique, and 100-m butterfly swimming performance. Coaches should adjust training programmes accordingly since it could yield important differences in swimming performance during competitions.

The effects of repeated backward running training on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players.

This study explored the effects of an 8-week repeated backward running training (RBRT) programme on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players. Youth male soccer players were randomly allocated into a RBRT group (n = 20; 13.95 ± 0.22y) or a control group (CG; n = 16; 14.86 ± 0.29y). The CG continued normal soccer training, while the RBRT group replaced some soccer drills with RBRT twice per week. Within-group analysis revealed that RBRT improved all performance variables (∆-9.99% to 14.50%; effect size [ES] = -1.79 to 1.29; p ≤ 0.001). Meanwhile, trivial-to-moderate detrimental effects on sprinting and change of direction (CoD) speed (∆1.55% to 10.40%; p ≤ 0.05) were noted in the CG. The number of individuals improving performance above the smallest worthwhile change ranged from 65-100% across all performance variables in the RBRT group, whereas<50% in the CG reached that threshold. The between-group analysis indicated that the RBRT group improved performance on all performance tasks more than the CG (ES = -2.23 to 1.10; p ≤ 0.05). These findings demonstrate that substituting part of a standard soccer training regimen with RBRT can enhance youth soccer players' sprinting, CoD, jumping, and RSA performance.

Effects of plyometric jump training versus power training using free weights on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players.

This study aimed to contrast the effects of power training (PT) and plyometric-jump-training (PJT) programmes on measures of physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players. Thirty-three participants were randomly allocated to PT group (n = 11), PJT group (n = 11), and an active control group (CG; n = 11). Before and after 12 weeks of training, tests were performed for the assessment of sprint-speed , change-of-direction (CoD) speed, muscular strength , and aerobic-endurance (AE). Findings indicated significant group×time interaction effects for all sprint-speed intervals, CoD speed, AE, and strength (d = 0.20-0.32). Post-hoc analyses revealed significant, moderate-to-large improvements in all sprint-speed intervals, CoD speed, AE, and muscle strength following PT (ES = 0.71 to 1.38). The PJT induced significant, moderate-to-large enhancements in 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m sprint, CoD speed, and AE (ES = 0.51 to 0.96) with no significant changes for 5 m sprint-speed and muscle strength (ES = 0.71 and 0.16, respectively). No significant pre-post changes were observed for the CG . Overall, PT and PJT are effective means to improve various measures of physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players. Notably, to additionally improve acceleration and muscle strength, PT has an advantage over PJT.

Effects of jump training on physical fitness and athletic performance in endurance runners: A meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of jump training (JT) on measures of physical fitness and athletic performances in endurance runners. Controlled studies which involved healthy endurance runners, of any age and sex, were considered. A random-effects model was used to calculate effect sizes (ES; Hedge's g). Means and standard deviations of outcomes were converted to ES with alongside 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Twenty-one moderate-to-high quality studies were included in the meta-analysis, and these included 511 participants. The main analyses revealed a significant moderate improvement in time-trial performance (i.e. distances between 2.0 and 5.0 km; ES = 0.88), without enhancements in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), velocity at VO2max, velocity at submaximal lactate levels, heart rate at submaximal velocities, stride rate at submaximal velocities, stiffness, total body mass or maximal strength performance. However, significant small-to-moderate improvements were noted for jump performance, rate of force development, sprint performance, reactive strength, and running economy (ES = 0.36-0.73; p < 0.001 to 0.031; I2 = 0.0% to 49.3%). JT is effective in improving physical fitness and athletic performance in endurance runners. Improvements in time-trial performance after JT may be mediated through improvements in force generating capabilities and running economy.

Plyometric Training Improves Not Only Measures of Linear Speed, Power, and Change-of-Direction Speed But Also Repeated Sprint Ability in Young Female Handball Players.

ABSTRACT: Chaabene, H, Negra, Y, Moran, J, Prieske, O, Sammoud, S, Ramirez-Campillo, R, and Granacher, U. Plyometric training improves not only measures of linear speed, power, and change-of-direction speed but also repeated sprint ability in young female handball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2230-2235, 2021-This study examined the effects of an 8-week plyometric training (PT) program on components of physical fitness in young female handball players. Twenty-one female adolescent handball players were assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 12; age = 15.9 ± 0.2 years) or an active control group (CG, n = 9, age = 15.9 ± 0.3 years). While EG performed plyometric exercises in replacement of some handball-specific drills, CG maintained the regular training schedule. Baseline and follow-up tests were performed for the assessment of linear speed (i.e., 5-, 10-, and 20-m time), change-of-direction (CoD) speed (i.e., T-test time), muscle power (i.e., countermovement jump [CMJ] height and reactive strength index [RSI]), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) (RSA total time [RSAtotal], RSA best time [RSAbest], and RSA fatigue index [RSAFI]). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Within-group analyses for the EG revealed moderate-to-large improvements for the 5-m (effect size [ES] = 0.81 [0.1-1.5]), 10-m sprint time (ES = 0.84 [0.1-1.5]), RSI (ES = 0.75 [0.1-1.4]), RSAFI (ES = 0.65 [0.0-1.3]), and T-test time (ES = 1.46 [0.7-2.2]). Trivial-to-small ES was observed for RSAbest (ES = 0.18 [-0.5 to 0.9]), RSAtotal (ES = 0.45 [-0.2 to 1.1]), 20-m sprint time (ES = 0.56 [-0.1 to 1.2]), and CMJ height (ES = 0.57 [-0.1 to 1.3]). For the CG, within-group analyses showed a moderate performance decline for T-test time (ES = -0.71 [-1.5 to 0.1]), small decreases for 5-m sprint time (ES = -0.46 [-1.2 to 0.3]), and a trivial decline for 10-m (ES = -0.10 [-0.9 to 0.7]) and 20-m sprint times (ES = -0.16 [-0.9 to 0.6]), RSAtotal (ES = 0.0 [-0.8 to 0.8]), and RSAbest (ES = -0.20 [-0.9 to 0.6]). The control group achieved trivial-to-small improvements for CMJ height (ES = 0.10 [-0.68 to 0.87]) and RSI (ES = 0.30 [-0.5 to 1.1]). In conclusion, a short-term in-season PT program, in replacement of handball-specific drills, is effective in improving measures of physical fitness (i.e., linear/CoD speed, jumping, and RSA) in young female handball players.