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Effects of Weighted Vest Sprint Training on Mid-Acceleration and Reactive Strength in Post-PHV Soccer Players
Nikola Stojanović1, Branislav Majkić1, Jadranka Vlašić2
1Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, 18000 Nis, Serbia.
Background:
This study examined the effects of an individualized weighted vest sprint training program on sprint performance and countermovement jump (CMJ) outcomes in post-peak height velocity (PHV) male youth soccer players while accounting for maturation status.
Methods:
Fifty players (mean age 17.76 ± 0.95 years) were randomly assigned to a weighted vest sprint group (WVG; n = 25) or a traditional unloaded sprint group (TS; n = 25). Sprint performance (5, 10, 20, and 30 m) and CMJ-derived variables (jump height, peak power output, reactive strength index modified (RSI-modified), and eccentric rate of force development) were assessed before and after an 11-week intervention performed twice weekly, with the WVG completing sprint drills while wearing a weighted vest (~11% body mass).
Results:
Weighted vest sprint training produced greater improvements in 10 m sprint performance and RSI-modified (d = 1.37 and 1.55, respectively). However, after Benjamini-Hochberg adjustment for multiple comparisons, the effects were no longer statistically significant and should therefore be interpreted with caution. Maturity offset did not meaningfully moderate training-induced adaptations.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that weighted vest sprint training may provide potential benefits for mid-acceleration performance and reactive strength in post-PHV youth soccer players, although the magnitude of these effects remains uncertain.
