title: Combined strength and power training in high-level amateur football during the competitive season: a randomised-controlled trial.
abstract: We aimed to analyse the effects of combined strength and power training during the competitive season on physical fitness in high-level amateur football players. Sixteen male players (22.5 (SD 2.5) years, 1.79 (0.05) m, 76.8 (6.1) kg) from one team were randomly assigned to either a strength training (ST, N = 8) or a control (CON, N = 8) group. ST conducted lower extremity resistance exercises combined with plyometrics and/or sprints 2 × 30 min per week for 7 weeks. CON performed technical-tactical training during the same time period. Before and after training several physical fitness parameters were assessed: one-repetition maximum (1-RM, half squat), isometric peak strength and rate of force development (RFD, leg press), jump height (countermovement, CMJ, drop jump, DJ), sprint times, agility, and intermittent endurance. Large significant test × group interactions were found for 1-RM, CMJ, and DJ reactivity index with increases in CT relative to CON(+11 to 18%). Although not significant (P < 0.20), likely practically relevant effects were observed for isometric peak strength and RFD (+24 to 29%). We found no relevant interaction effects for agility, sprint times, and intermittent endurance. A 7-week in-season combined strength and power training program can improve relevant strength and jump parameters in high-level amateur football players.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland. oliver.faude@unibas.ch
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Faude
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Di Giovine
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zahner
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Donath
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D005538:Football; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D053580:Muscle Strength; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D059385:Plyometric Exercise; D055070:Resistance Training; D012420:Running; D012621:Seasons; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult