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Effects of Strength Training on Cognitive Function, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor
Mariem Bousselmi1,2, Hassane Zouhal3, Manel Darragi1,2
1Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of SFAX, University of Sfax, 3O27, Sfax, Tunisia.
Background:
Female soccer continues to gain global popularity. Selected components of physical fitness (e.g., muscle power, change-of-direction [CoD] speed) and cognitive function (e.g., attentional demand, training-induced) play an important role in soccer performance and should, therefore, be systematically developed.
Objectives:
In this study, we examined the effects of 12 weeks of strength training (ST) on selected measures of physical fitness, soccer performance, cognitive function, and selected markers of neuroplasticity in young female soccer players.
Methods:
Twenty-two highly-trained female soccer players with Tier 3 training and performance caliber aged 14.9±0.8 years were randomly assigned to a strength training group (SG: n = 11) or an active control group (CG: n = 11). During the training period, SG performed two weekly upper and lower body ST sessions (3 sets, 12 repetitions per set) at an intensity of 60-80% of the one-repetition-maximum (1-RM) and three soccer-specific training sessions (tactical-technical drills). Players from CG continued their regular soccer-specific training routine consisting of five weekly sessions. Training volumes were similar between groups. Pre- and post-training tests were conducted for the assessment of body composition (e.g., body mass, skinfold site measurements), muscle strength (1-RM bench press/Lat pull-down/leg press),the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), cognitive function (Stroop test), and selected markers of blood neurotrophins, such as basal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) serum concentrations.
Results:
The following findings from post hoc analyses are based on significant (p <.05) group-by-time interactions. Post hoc analyses revealed ST-related increases in muscle strength for 1-RM bench press (p <0.001; ηp2=0.41), lat pull-down (p <0.001; ηp2=0.43), and leg press (p <0.001; ηp2=0.36) and improvements in soccer-specific performance for the LSPT in the SG (p =0.007; ηp2=0.22). Post hoc tests indicated improved cognitive function (Stroop test) in the SG (p <0.001; ηp2=0.56) but not in the CG. There were no significant group-by-time interactions for neuroplasticity markers, such as BDNF and IGF-1 basal serum concentrations (p>0.05; ηp2=0.00-0.04).
Conclusions:
A 12-week in-season ST program with two weekly sessions improved measures of physical fitness, soccer-specific performance, and cognitive function but not biomarkers of neuroplasticity in young highly-trained female soccer players. Accordingly, we recommend ST should be implemented to improve physical fitness and cognitive function of young female soccer athletes.
