Comparative Effects of 2 Different Frequencies of Resistance Training in an Integral Periodization Approach on...

This study aimed to compare the effect of 2 different frequencies of an integral-periodization resistance-training (RT) program on physical performance and incidence of noncontact injury in young trained soccer players during an entire season.

Forty young trained soccer players (16.6 [0.69] y) were randomly divided into 2 groups: frequency 1 (F1G, n = 18) and frequency 2 (F2G, n = 22). Physical performance was assessed using countermovement jump, progressive loading tests for squat and hip-thrust, 10-m and 30-m sprint tests, the V-Cut test, and the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test. Noncontact injuries were also recorded and classified by severity. Both groups performed RT aligned with field-based loads, with F1G completing 1 session/wk and F2G 2 sessions/wk.

The F2G showed significant improvements in all tests, with effect sizes (ES) ranging from 0.40 to 4.35 (all P < .01). The F1G reported significant improvements only in the countermovement jump, squat, hip thrust, and V-Cut tests (ES: 0.54-2.79; all P < .01). The F2G demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the F1G in the squat (ES: 3.41; P < .01), hip thrust (ES: 4.35; P = .006), 10-m sprint (ES: 1.86; P < .001), and 30-m sprint (ES: 1.25; P < .001), along with a significant reduction in injury severity (ES = 0.89; P < .01). No significant differences were found in the countermovement jump, V-Cut, and the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (all P > .05).

Performing 2 RT sessions per week within an integral-periodization model led to superior physical performance improvements and reduced noncontact-injury severity in young trained soccer players compared to 1 session per week.