Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Sprint and Eccentric Hamstring Training in Elite Youth Soccer Players

This study will compare two different training methods used to improve sprint performance and hamstring strength in elite youth soccer players. Participants aged 16-17 years will be assigned to one of three groups: a sprint training group, an eccentric hamstring strength training group, or a control group. The two training programs will be performed for 6 weeks alongside the players' regular soccer and strength-conditioning training. The main purpose of the study is to determine whether sprint training or eccentric hamstring strength training is more effective for improving sprint speed and sprint mechanical performance. Sprint performance will be assessed over 5, 10, 20, and 30 meters, together with mechanical variables derived from sprint force-velocity profiling. Eccentric hamstring strength will also be measured before and after the intervention. The study will address whether a 6-week sprint training program can improve sprint performance and hamstring strength to a similar or greater extent than a targeted eccentric hamstring strength program. It is expected that sprint training will produce greater improvements in sprint-related performance, while eccentric hamstring training will produce greater improvements in eccentric hamstring strength.

Eccentric Versus Isometric Calf Training in Cricket Players

This study aims to compare the effect of isometric exercises and eccentric exercises on calf muscles in cricketers. The exercises will be evaluated for the effectiveness of calf muscle strength, power, and sprinting of the player and enhancing their performance.

Game-Based Versus Linear Sprint Training in Male Soccer Players

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of two different sprint training approaches on physical performance in male amateur soccer players during the competitive season. The study aimed to determine whether once-weekly game-based sprint training or linear sprint training could improve sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, hamstring strength, and maximum running velocity achieved during official matches. Thirty-six male amateur soccer players were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: the Game-Based Sprint Group, the Linear Sprint Group, or the Control Group. Participants in both sprint training groups completed one additional sprint training session per week for 12 weeks while continuing their regular soccer training and competition schedule. The Linear Sprint Group performed maximal 40-meter linear sprints, whereas the Game-Based Sprint Group performed soccer-specific sprint activities that included running, ball involvement, and technical actions. The Control Group continued regular soccer training without an additional sprint-specific intervention. Sprint performance, change-of-direction performance, and right and left hamstring strength were assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Maximum running velocity was also monitored during official matches throughout the 12-week study period. The study was designed to compare how the two sprint training approaches affected performance over time and whether changes observed during standardized testing were also reflected in maximum running velocity during competitive matches.

Load-Matched Unilateral Versus Bilateral Squat Training in Elite Youth Futsal Players

This randomised controlled trial compared the effects of two load-matched squat training modalities on physical performance in elite youth futsal players. Seventeen players from the Antioqueña regional futsal squad in Colombia were randomly allocated to either a unilateral squat training group or a bilateral squat training group. Both groups completed a six-week velocity-based training programme, with two supervised sessions per week, while continuing their usual futsal training. Training intensity was prescribed using mean propulsive velocity targets across three two-week blocks. The main outcomes were countermovement jump height, single-leg countermovement jump height for the right and left limbs, 10-metre sprint time, and estimated squat one-repetition maximum. Secondary descriptive data included 20-metre sprint time. The study aimed to determine whether unilateral squat training produced superior adaptations compared with bilateral squat training when training load was objectively standardised.

Horizontal Plyometric Training and Sprint Mechanics in Early-Adolescent Track-and-Field Athletes

This field-based exploratory pre-post study examined the effects of a six-week horizontally oriented plyometric training program on sprint performance and sprint-related temporal-kinematic outcomes in early-adolescent male track-and-field athletes. Participants completed 12 supervised plyometric training sessions integrated into their regular athletics practice. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention using field-based sprint testing, video-derived temporal-kinematic analysis, and horizontal jump performance measures. The study was conducted in a low-resource community sport setting in Antioquia, Colombia. The intervention was designed according to the participants' age, training background, and usual sport practice demands, with progressive exercise exposure, supervision, adequate recovery, and safety monitoring throughout the training period.