Improved maximal strength is not associated with improvements in sprint time or jump height in high-level female football players: a clusterrendomized controlled trial

Sigurd Pedersen, Kim Arne Heitmann, Edvard H Sagelv, Dag Johansen, Svein Arne Pettersen, Sigurd Pedersen, Kim Arne Heitmann, Edvard H Sagelv, Dag Johansen, Svein Arne Pettersen

Abstract

Background: Maximal strength increments are reported to result in improvements in sprint speed and jump height in elite male football players. Although similar effects are expected in females, this is yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of maximal strength training on sprint speed and jump height in high-level female football players.

Methods: Two female football teams were team-cluster-randomized to a training group (TG) performing maximal strength training (MST) twice a week for 5 weeks, or control group (CG) doing their regular pre-season preparations. The MST consisted of 3-4 sets of 4-6 repetitions at ≥85% of 1 repetitions maximum (1RM) in a squat exercise. Sprint speed and jump height were assessed in 5-, 10- and 15 m sprints and a counter-movement jump (CMJ) test, respectively. Nineteen participants in TG (18.3 ± 2.7 years) and 14 in CG (18.3 ± 2.4 years) completed pre- and posttests and were carried forward for final analyses.

Results: There was no improvement in neither of the sprint times (p > 0.36), nor jump height (p = 0.87). The players increased their 1RM in squats (main of effect of time: p < 0.00, pη2 = 0.704), and an interaction effect of time x group was observed (p < 0.00, pη2 = 0.516) where the TG increased their 1RM more than the CT (between subjects effects: p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.965).

Conclusions: MST improved maximal strength in female football players to a large extent; however, the improvement in maximal strength did not result in any transference to sprint speed or jump height.

Trial registration: This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov PRS (Protocol registration and results System) with the code NCT04048928, 07.08.2019, retrospectively registered.

Keywords: 1RM; Counter movement jump; Soccer; Sprint; Squats.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The logged training for the 90° squat exercise performed as maximal strength training (MST) by the training group. The dots represent the average weight lifted ± SE (vertical bars) during each set
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The mean percentage change from pre- to posttest for 1RM ± SE in TG and CG. TG = training group; CG = control group; 1RM = 1 repetition maximum. * = Between group difference p < 0.01

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