Adolescent female soccer players’ soccer-specific warm-up effects on performance and inter-limb asymmetries

Abstract

No studies have assessed whether changes in physical performance and inter-limb asymmetries (ILA) can be achieved with the FIFA 11+ prevention programme in adolescent female soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the FIFA 11+ programme compared with a standard warm-up on physical performance and ILA in adolescent female soccer players. Thirty-six adolescent female soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG; n = 19) or a control group (CG; n = 17). Unilateral/bilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ) and horizontal jump tests, two different change of direction tests, an ankle dorsiflexion test, the Y-Balance test (YBT) and inter-limb asymmetries were measured before and after 10 weeks of training. The results revealed no significant group-by-time interactions in the vast majority of variables (p>0.05). Paired t-test revealed significant improvements of the right [effect size (ES):0.56] and left (ES:0.49) CMJ, right (ES:0.74) and left (ES:0.54) DJ (ES:0.74), right (ES:1.27) and left (ES:1.26) posteromedial direction and right (ES:0.89) and left (ES:0.84) posterolateral direction in the YBT in the EG (p < 0.05). Right anterior direction in the YBT and V-cut test were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05). For inter-limb asymmetry variables, no significant group-by-time interactions (ES:0 to 0.93) and an improvement between pre- and post-tests (ES:-0.76 to 0.49) were observed. Therefore, the FIFA 11+ programme led to improved unilateral jumping, dynamic balance and reduced lower extremity symmetries of several tests in adolescent female soccer players.

Effects of Combined Strength and Power Training on Physical Performance and Interlimb Asymmetries in Adolescent Female Soccer Players

“…Our findings and others 34,41 have observed significant improvements in change of direction ability in adolescent female soccer players. It has been described that to achieve the fastest performance during a change of direction test; larger contributions of isometric and eccentric strength, higher braking and propulsive forces and lower contact times, are all required 42 Despite the apparent critical relevance of between-limb imbalance for protection against injury and performance 17,18 , to the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first study to assess the impact of a training intervention on lower-extremity asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players 4 . Nevertheless, the current CSPT program did not make any meaningful changes in inter-limb asymmetries.…”

“…Nevertheless, the current CSPT program did not make any meaningful changes in inter-limb asymmetries. Pardos-Mainer et al 4 reported that a neuromuscular training program was effective at reducing the drop jump (ES: 0.72) and change of direction (ES: 0.93) asymmetries. When viewing the asymmetry results in Table 4, it is evident that the SD is quite large relative to the mean value; more so than for other test metrics.…”

“…In this regard, soccer players predominately run throughout the game, while other high intensity activities like sprinting, jumping, kicking and changing direction are also important performance factors that require both maximal strength and anaerobic power of the neuromuscular system 1,2 . Given the importance of high intensity activities for soccer performance, training strategies that ensure their optimal development are continuously being investigated and also, in recent years is having a great importance in youth soccer players 3,4 .…”

Effects of Strength vs. Plyometric Training Programs on Vertical Jumping, Linear Sprint and Change of Direction Speed Performance in Female Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The selected studies were submitted to the PEDro methodological quality scale. Two studies obtained a score of 9/10 [ 36 , 37 ], one study obtained 8/10 [ 38 ], six obtained 7/10 [ 5 , 6 , 39 , 40 , 41 ], two obtained 5/10 [ 42 , 43 ], and two obtained 4/10 [ 44 , 45 ]. Table 1 displays the complete and detailed PEDro scale score of each study.…”

“…Different intervention programs, such as neuromuscular training, plyometric training (PT), strength training (ST) or power training [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ], have been performed to improve physical capacities. However, there are discrepancies about which are the best exercises to improve female soccer players’ performance due to the lack of studies.…”