Laterality Influences Agility Performance in Elite Soccer Players

Abderrahman, Abderraouf Ben; Dupont, Grégory; Truptin, Pablo; Bris, Régis Le; Postec, Erwan Le; Coppalle, Sullivan; Ravé, Guillaume; Brughelli, Matt; Bideau, Benoît

doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00807

Cited by 25 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…An a priori power analysis [expected SD of residuals = 50 ms for reaction time (RT) and 0.05 s for movement time (MT), desired power = 0.80, and alpha error = 0.05] was computed using a related study (Zouhal et al, 2018) to simulate a statistically significant group by time interaction effect for our primary outcome (i.e., agility performance). The analysis revealed a minimum sample size of n = 7 per group.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Before the start of the study, eyedness, handedness, and footedness were determined to establish the soccer player’ laterality profile (Azémar et al, 2008; Zouhal et al, 2018). In other words, we assessed the dominant eye, hand, and foot through a well-established questionnaire (Azémar et al, 2008).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, footedness appears to play a crucial role for performance during body rotations (e.g., CoD component of agility) (Zouhal et al, 2019). Previous research has indicated that there is a laterality effect in athletes when they turn quickly (Azémar et al, 2008; Zouhal et al, 2018). Recently, Zouhal et al (2018) demonstrated a laterality effect in elite soccer players when performing 180° left and right body rotations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous research has indicated that there is a laterality effect in athletes when they turn quickly (Azémar et al, 2008; Zouhal et al, 2018). Recently, Zouhal et al (2018) demonstrated a laterality effect in elite soccer players when performing 180° left and right body rotations. These authors revealed better performances if the players used their supporting leg for the initiation of body rotations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, we aimed to reduce potential laterality effects during quick left and right turns in the examined cohort. With reference to the relevant literature (Sheppard and Young, 2005; Myer et al, 2011; Granacher et al, 2016; Zouhal et al, 2018), the main hypotheses of the current study were that (i) neuromuscular training will enhance agility performance and (ii) this type of training diminishes potential laterality effects of soccer players.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Agility Performance in Elite Soccer Players

et al. 2019

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Background Agility in general and change-of-direction speed (CoD) in particular represent important performance determinants in elite soccer. Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a 6-week neuromuscular training program on agility performance, and to determine differences in movement times between the slower and faster turning directions in elite soccer players. Materials and Methods Twenty male elite soccer players from the Stade Rennais Football Club (Ligue 1, France) participated in this study. The players were randomly assigned to a neuromuscular training group (NTG, n = 10) or an active control (CG, n = 10) according to their playing position. NTG participated in a 6-week, twice per week neuromuscular training program that included CoD, plyometric and dynamic stability exercises. Neuromuscular training replaced the regular warm-up program. Each training session lasted 30 min. CG continued their regular training program. Training volume was similar between groups. Before and after the intervention, the two groups performed a reactive agility test that included 180° left and right body rotations followed by a 5-m linear sprint. The weak side was defined as the left/right turning direction that produced slower overall movement times (MT). Reaction time (RT) was assessed and defined as the time from the first appearance of a visual stimulus until the athlete’s first movement. MT corresponded to the time from the first movement until the athlete reached the arrival gate (5 m distance). Results No significant between-group baseline differences were observed for RT or MT. Significant group x time interactions were found for MT ( p = 0.012, effect size = 0.332, small) for the slower and faster directions ( p = 0.011, effect size = 0.627, moderate). Significant pre-to post improvements in MT were observed for NTG but not CG ( p = 0.011, effect size = 0.877, moderate). For NTG, post hoc analyses revealed significant MT improvements for the slower ( p = 0.012, effect size = 0.897, moderate) and faster directions ( p = 0.017, effect size = 0.968, moderate). Conclusion Our results illustrate that 6 weeks of neuromuscular training with two sessions per week included in the warm-up program, significantly enhanced agility performance in elite soccer players. Moreover, improvements were found on both sides during body rotations. Thus, practitioners are advised to focus their training programs on both turning directions.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%