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

Abstract

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-tomoderate 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.

Comparison between backward, forward, and combined running training on performance of recreationally active young men

“…Of note, BR training has also shown positive results on lower limb muscle strength and power (UTHOFF et al, 2019;UTHOFF et al, 2018b;SWATI et al, 2012), sprint performance (UTHOFF et al, 2018a), andagility (UTHOFF et al, 2018b;SWATI et al, 2012;VENTER, 2009) in trained individuals. These neuromuscular effects are probably regarded to higher forces produced in isometric and concentric actions (FLYNN, SOUTAS-LITTLE, 1995) during BR, leading to muscle action-specific strength improvements that might positively affect athletic movements that rely primarily on concentric movements (NEGRA et al, 2022).…”