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. 2023 Dec 18;11(24):3195.
doi: 10.3390/healthcare11243195.

Is a Maximal Strength-Training Program Effective on Physical Fitness, Injury Incidence, and Injury Burden in Semi-Professional Soccer Players? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Roberto Durán-Custodio  1   2 , Daniel Castillo  3 , Javier Raya-González  4 , Javier Yanci  5
Affiliations

Is a Maximal Strength-Training Program Effective on Physical Fitness, Injury Incidence, and Injury Burden in Semi-Professional Soccer Players? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Roberto Durán-Custodio et al. Healthcare (Basel). .

Abstract

The aims of the study were to analyze the effects of a 12-week maximal strength- training program on injury incidence, injury burden, and physical fitness in semi-professional soccer players and to compare the perceived exertion load and well-being state between injured and non-injured soccer players. Twenty semi-professional male soccer players participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG, n = 10 players), who performed a maximal strength-training program, or to a control group (CG, n = 10 players), who only performed their regular soccer training. Physical fitness was measured at baseline and after the training program. In addition, the injury incidence, burden, training/match load, and the state of well-being of the players were recorded. The EG showed significant improvements in vertical jumps, change in direction ability, linear sprints, repeated sprint ability, isometric strength (p < 0.003; effect size = 1.78-11.86), and quadriceps-hamstring imbalance in both legs (p < 0.001; effect size = 2.37-3.71) in comparison to the CG. In addition, the EG players showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower injury burden (p < 0.001, relative risk = 5.05, 95% confidence interval = 3.27-7.79). This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of a 12-week maximal strength-training program on physical fitness attributes and injury burden in semi-professional soccer players.

Keywords: football; health; injuries; performance; prevention.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The selected exercises in the 12-week maximal strength-training program: horizontal leg press (A), unilateral lateral leg press with 45° inclination of the supporting foot with respect to the surface (B), knee extension (C), and knee flexion (D) in the 12-week maximal strength-training program.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Isometric strength exercises for hamstrings (A), quadriceps (B), hip abductors (C), and hip adductors (D) muscles.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Between-groups differences in injury incidence (A) and burden (B). CG: control group; EG: experimental group; RR: rate ratio; CI: confidence interval. *** Significant differences (p < 0.001).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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