Effects of six-week concurrent fitness training for speed and explosive power in football players

Abstract

The study included total of 15 participants (average age of 17 [± 0.5] [SD +/-] years), within 3 groups ((G1) N=5, (G2) N=5, and (G3) N=5). G1 performed power exercises (traditional set – with break between sets) (~75-80% 1RМ). G2 performed exercises for acceleration/speed and plyometrics (traditional set – with break between sets). G3 performed exercises for speed / plyometrics / strength with contrast method (supersets- no break between sets). The trainings for all 3 groups were concurrent trainings, followed by regular football training, on the same day. To follow the effect of the program, the participants were tested in 2 tests, maximal speed at 30 meters -[30m] and maximal standing long jump –[Jump]. Friedman Anova (and Post Hoc Frieadman-Nemenyi -Q test) was performed for each group between 3 test points, as well as Kruskal-Wallis Anova for the comparison of differences between groups. The effect size with 90 % CL was evaluated according Field, A. (2017). The G1 group, had no effect on improving the speed (30 m sprint test) in football players (p = 0.07). For G2 group (speed + plyometrics) and G3 (strength + speed + plyometrics), 9 trainings were sufficient to significantly improve the speed (p = 0.01) Only 6 trainings made significant (p = 0.03) transformation of participants explosive strength, in the G2 group. The training of strength (G1) and strength + speed + plyometrics (G3) had a significant transformation (p = 0.01) on explosive strength after 9 supplemental trainings.