Effect of additional short sprint training on physical performance in adolescent male soccer players: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis (SRMA) was to evaluate the effects of additional short
sprint training with different intervention training programs (i.e. plyometric training, strength training or multidirectional
training) on linear sprint, change of direction speeds (CODS) and jump ability performance in young male soccer players.
Methods: An electronic database search was performed, and 7 articles were included in the meta-analysis.
Results: The players’ mean age ranged from 7.6 to 18.8 years. The duration of combined interventions was from three weeks to
10 months, with training frequency ranging from one to two sessions per week. In general, the results of the performance were
associated with a large and significant reduction in the time of CODS (ES -1.60 (95% CI – 2.33, -.87), Z=4.32 (P< .001)]. Moreover,
the effects on vertical jump height showed a non-significant and small improvement between pre and post-test on the vertical jump
performance [ES .45 (95% CI – .14, .75), Z=2.90 (P= .004)], with an average heterogeneity of I2 = 0%.
Conclusions: The current SRMA suggests that although additional short sprint training may produce improvements in certain
aspects of performance, efficacy varies depending on individual and training-specific factors.