Effects of concurrent eccentric overload and high-intensity interval training on team sports players’ performance

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of an in-season five weeks of high-intensity training (HIT) with a concurrent HIT eccentric overload training (CT) program on male amateur team-sports players’ fitness performance. Twenty-two athletes were randomly assigned to HIT (n=10) or CT (n=12). Both groups completed a HIT program. The CT group also completed two-three sets of six repetitions of eccentric overload training. Before and after training, performance was assessed for change of direction ability (COD), repeated sprint ability for best time (RSAb), mean time (RSAm) and slowest time (RSAs), jumping, and shuttle-run performance. Within-group analyses in both groups showed substantial better scores on COD, RSAb and RSAm and shuttle-run performance. Between-group analyses showed greater improvements in COD, RSAb, RSAm, RSAs, and jumping after additional CT compared to solely HIT. In conclusion, compared to HIT alone, concurrent eccentric overload and HIT training within the same session improved COD, RSA, jump, and shuttle-run performance in basketball and soccers amateur players.

Eccentric Training Interventions and Team Sport Athletes

“…Kinetic data for a novel crossover and sidestep cutting task displayed moderate to large (0.48 to 1.43) changes in the eccentric phase of muscle action following an EO training intervention. Similar effect sizes (0.93 to 1.46) were reported for the Illinois and T-test times in trained athletes [ 27 , 33 ]. Interestingly, neither study reported performing agility-specific training as part of the intervention.…”

“…Five of the nine studies used an isokinetic dynamometer to perform the strength assessment. Training interventions utilised inertial flywheel devices [ 20 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 27 , 28 , 33 ], traditional isoinertial equipment [ 30 , 31 ] or exercises performed with bodyweight [ 19 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 29 ]. Mendiguchia et al [ 31 ] used both isoinertial and bodyweight exercises.…”

“…Effect size for peak braking force (0.72 to 0.84) and braking impulse (0.53 to 0.92) ranged from small to moderate. Two studies reported [ 27 , 33 ] moderate to large effect sizes (0.93 to 1.46) for changes in Illinois and T-test performance.…”

“…In the current review, changes in lower-body power performance were measured primarily with jumping variations. These investigations [ 20 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 33 ] revealed small to moderate (0.27 to 0.61) improvements in CMJ performance, while the inclusion of overspeed training protocols resulted in large (1.22) improvements [ 30 ]. One reason for the efficacy of EO training in improving power performance may be that relatively fewer motor units are recruited, resulting in more muscle tension, especially at higher velocities [ 7 , 41 ].…”

A Meta-Analytical Comparison of the Effects of Small-Sided Games vs. Running-Based High-Intensity Interval Training on Soccer Players’ Repeated-Sprint Ability

“…Concurrent training might be worth exploring since RSA benefits from lower-limb power for change-of-direction and maximal speed as well as a good energy supply. For example, a study comparing concurrent training (eccentric overload and HIIT) with HIIT by itself in soccer players showed benefits in players who underwent concurrent training [ 38 ].…”