The chronic effects of change of direction during repeated-sprint training on jumping, sprinting, and change-of-direction abilities in players: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of repeated sprint training with one change of direction (RS-OCOD) and multidirectional changes of direction (RS-MCOD) on players' jumping, sprinting, and change-of-direction (COD) ability.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, 15 randomized controlled trials involving 223 players were analyzed. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models. Heterogeneity (I ² statistic), publication bias (funnel plots and Egger's test), and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Subgroup analyses differentiated RS-OCOD and RS-MCOD outcomes.

Results: RS-COD training significantly improved countermovement jump (CMJ) (SMD = -0.68, 95% CI [-1.04 to -0.34]), 20-40 m sprinting ability (SMD = 0.70 [0.39, 1.01]), and COD ability (SMD = 0.77 [0.39, 1.16]). RS-MCOD demonstrated superior effects on 20-40 m sprinting ability (large effect: SMD = 0.97) and COD ability (large effect: SMD = 0.97), while RS-OCOD showed greater benefits for CMJ (large effect: SMD = -0.92). High heterogeneity (I ² > 70%) was observed in 5 m/10 m sprint analyses, attributed to methodological diversity and age variability. Prediction intervals indicated potential overestimation of RS-MCOD effects.

Conclusion: RS-OCOD can significantly enhance a player's CMJ ability, while RS-MCOD can notably improve sprinting and COD abilities. These findings advocate for the incorporation of RS-COD into training programs to boost competitive performance. However, the effectiveness of RS-COD may vary based on the number and complexity of directional changes incorporated into the training regimen. Among them, RS-MCOD is prioritized for sports requiring frequent directional changes, whereas RS-OCOD enhances vertical jump performance in explosive sports.

Keywords: Explosive movement measures; Multidirectional sprint protocols; Neuromuscular adaptation.

Figure 1. PRISMA flow chart for inclusion and exclusion of studies.

Figure 2. Risk of bias assessment chart.

Note: Arede et al. (2021); Attene et al. (2015); Attene et al. (2016); Beato et al. (2019a); Beato et al. (2019b); Brini et al. (2020); Chtara et al. (2017); Sanchez-Sanchez et al. (2019); Negra et al. (2022); Pavillon et al. (2021); Sagelv et al. (2019); Stanković et al. (2024); Young et al. (2013); Zhao (2022); Zhou et al. (2024).

Figure 3. Forest plot of the effect of RS-COD on players’ jumping ability.

Note: Arede et al. (2021); Attene et al. (2015); Attene et al. (2016); Brini et al. (2020); Chtara et al. (2017); Sanchez-Sanchez et al. (2019); Pavillon et al. (2021); Stanković et al. (2024); Young et al. (2013); Zhao (2022).

Figure 4. Forest plot of the effect of RS-COD on players’ sprinting ability.

Note: Arede et al. (2021); Attene et al. (2015); Attene et al. (2016); Beato et al. (2019a); Beato et al. (2019b); Brini et al. (2020); Chtara et al. (2017); Sanchez-Sanchez et al. (2019); Negra et al. (2022); Pavillon et al. (2021); Sagelv et al. (2019); Stanković et al. (2024); Young et al. (2013); Zhao (2022); Zhou et al. (2024).

Figure 5. Forest plot of the effect of RS-COD on players’ COD ability.

Note: Arede et al. (2021); Attene et al. (2015); Attene et al. (2016); Beato et al. (2019a); Beato et al. (2019b); Brini et al. (2020); Chtara et al. (2017); Sanchez-Sanchez et al. (2019); Negra et al. (2022); Pavillon et al. (2021); Sagelv et al. (2019); Stanković et al. (2024); Young et al. (2013); Zhao (2022); Zhou et al. (2024).

Figure 6. Funnel plot of the effect of RS-COD on players’ (A) jumping, (B) sprinting, and (C) COD abilities.

Figure 7. Sensitivity analysis of the effect of RS-COD on players’ (A) jumping, (B) sprinting, and (C) COD abilities.

Note: Arede et al. (2021); Attene et al. (2015); Attene et al. (2016); Beato et al. (2019a); Beato et al. (2019b); Brini et al. (2020); Chtara et al. (2017); Sanchez-Sanchez et al. (2019); Negra et al. (2022); Pavillon et al. (2021); Sagelv et al. (2019); Stanković et al. (2024); Young et al. (2013); Zhao (2022); Zhou et al. (2024).