Effect of Resisted Sprint and Plyometric Training on Lower Limb Functional Performance in Collegiate Male Football Players: A Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the short-term effects of resisted sprint and plyometric training on sprint performance together with lower limb physiological and functional performance in collegiate football players. Ninety collegiate football players participated in this three-arm, parallel group randomized controlled trial study. Participants were randomly divided into a control group and two experimental groups: resisted sprint training (RST) (n = 30), plyometric training (PT) (n = 30), and a control group (n = 30). Participants received their respective training program for six weeks on alternate days. The primary outcome measures were a knee extensor strength test (measured by an ISOMOVE dynamometer), a sprint test and a single leg triple hop test. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 6 weeks post-training. Participants, caregivers, and those assigning the outcomes were blinded to the group assignment. A mixed design analysis of variance was used to compare between groups, within-group and the interaction between time and group. A within-group analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared to the baseline with the 6 weeks post-intervention scores for all the outcomes including STN (RST: d = 1.63; PT: d = 2.38; Control: d = 2.26), ST (RST: d = 1.21; PT: d = 1.36; Control: d = 0.38), and SLTHT (RST: d = 0.76; PT: d = 0.61; Control: d = 0.18). A sub-group analysis demonstrated an increase in strength in the plyometric training group (95% CI 14.73 to 15.09, p = 0.00), an increase in the single leg triple hop test in the resisted sprint training group (95% CI 516.41 to 538.4, p = 0.05), and the sprint test was also improved in both experimental groups (95% CI 8.54 to 8.82, p = 0.00). Our findings suggest that, during a short-term training period, RST or PT training are equally capable of enhancing the neuromechanical capacities of collegiate football players. No adverse events were reported by the participants.

Effect of plyometric training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation assisted strength training on muscular, sprint, and functional performances in collegiate male football players

“…Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction Strength (STN) Test: We used an ISOMOVE dynamometer, software version 0.0.1 (ISO-MANSW-IT; Tecnobody, Dalmine (BG), Italy), to assess the maximum peak torque of quadriceps muscles strength dominant leg before strength training and after 8-weeks of training. The reliability of quadriceps strength measurements of the ISOMOVE dynamometer was previously validated ( Hasan et al, 2021 ). Participants completed the warm-up session and were familiarized with the equipment before data collection.…”

“…Participants were instructed to stand with their forward legs placed closer to the starting line, and then on verbal command, they started sprinting with a maximal speed over a 50 m distance. All the performances were recorded by a handheld stopwatch (XINJIE, SW8-2008) times (in seconds) ( Hasan et al, 2021 ; Alonazi et al, 2021 ; Zafeiridis et al, 2005 ) when the participant’s foot touched the finishing line. The subsequent two sprint test trials were performed after 5 min recovery period, and the lowest timing of the two scores was considered the pre-test (baseline) scores.…”

“…The single-leg triple hop test performance measured the distance covered from the starting point to where the back of the participant’s heel hit the ground (please refer to Fig. 5 ) ( Hasan et al, 2021 ; Alonazi et al, 2021 ; Kale & Gurol, 2019 ; Hamilton et al, 2008 ). They performed three trials with a 3 min’ recovery period.…”

“…Plyometric training is also known as dynamic or jump training, involves exercises where muscles are required to exert maximum force throughout short intervals with an overall goal of increasing power ( Markovic & Mikulic, 2010 ). Plyometric is seen as a popular training modality, either alone or when combined with other types of training ( Markovic & Mikulic, 2010 ; Antrich & Brewster, 1986 ; Augustsson & Thomee, 2000 ; Hasan et al, 2021 ). The available evidence shows that this type of training has several positive changes, whether this is in athletic performance and muscle functioning abilities ( Markovic & Mikulic, 2010 ).…”

The Effects of Plyometrics and Asanas on Flexibility and Strength Endurance of Adolescent Volleyball Players

“…Later, other sports adopted it as well (10,11) .Research has shown positive outcomes of plyometric training in both athletes and non-athletes. Its advantages include improved muscle strength, joint function, stability, reduced chances of significant knee problems, and improved running economy (12,13) .Similarly, yoga asanas are physical positions or postures mainly focused on enhancing steadiness, comfort, and a joyful spirit (14) . Asanas (static postures) are designed to engage all targeted and supporting muscle groups while maintaining a regular and steady breathing rhythm (15) .…”