The Effects of Lower-Extremity Plyometric Training on Soccer-Specific Outcomes in Adult Male Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

in International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Click name to view affiliation

Peter A. van de Hoef
Search for other papers by Peter A. van de Hoef in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Jur J. Brauers
Search for other papers by Jur J. Brauers in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Maarten van Smeden
Search for other papers by Maarten van Smeden in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Frank J.G. Backx
Search for other papers by Frank J.G. Backx in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Michel S. Brink
Search for other papers by Michel S. Brink in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0565
Keywords:
plyometric exercise; football; football-specific outcomes; performance; sprint speed
In Print:
Volume 15: Issue 1
Page Range:
3–17
Restricted access

Background: Plyometric training is a specific form of strength training that is used to improve the physical performance of athletes. An overview of the effects of plyometric training on soccer-specific outcomes in adult male soccer players is not available yet. Purpose: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of plyometric training on soccer-specific outcome measures in adult male soccer players and to identify which programs are most effective. Methods: PubMed, Embase/Medline, Cochrane, PEDro, and Scopus were searched. Extensive quality and risk of bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane ROBINS 2.0 for randomized trials. A random effects meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager 5.3. Results: Seventeen randomized trials were included in the meta-analysis. The impact of plyometric training on strength, jump height, sprint speed, agility, and endurance was assessed. Only jump height, 20-m sprint speed, and endurance were significantly improved by plyometric training in soccer players. Results of the risk of bias assessment of the included studies resulted in overall scores of some concerns for risk of bias and high risk of bias. Conclusion: This review and meta-analysis showed that plyometric training improved jump height, 20-m sprint speed, and endurance, but not strength, sprint speed over other distances, or agility in male adult soccer players. However, the low quality of the included studies and substantial heterogeneity means that results need to be interpreted with caution. Future high-quality research should indicate whether or not plyometric training can be used to improve soccer-specific outcomes and thereby enhance performance.

van de Hoef, Brauers, and Backx are with Div Brain, Dept of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. van Smeden is with the Dept of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. Brink is with the Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

van de Hoef (p.a.vandehoef@umcutrecht.nl) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Cover International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
  • 1.

    Stølen T, Chamari K, Castagna C, Wisløff U. Physiology of soccer: an update. Sport Med. 2005;35(6):501–536. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535060-00004

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Barnes C, Archer DT, Hogg B, Bush M, Bradley PS. The evolution of physical and technical performance parameters in the English premier league. Int J Sports Med. 2014;39:1–11. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1375695

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    Faude O, Koch T, Meyer T. Straight sprinting is the most frequent action in goal situations in professional football. J Sports Sci. 2012;30(7):625–631. PubMed ID: 22394328 doi:10.1080/02640414.2012.665940

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 4.

    Davies G, Riemann BL, Manske R. Current concepts of plyometric exercise. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015;10(6):760–786. PubMed ID: 26618058 doi:10.1080/00754170500221345

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    Sale DG. Neural adaptation to resistance training. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1988;20(5 Suppl):S135–S145. PubMed ID: 3057313 doi:10.1249/00005768-198810001-00009

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Ramírez-Campillo R, Burgos CH, Henríquez-Olguín C, et al. Effect of unilateral, bilateral, and combined plyometric training on explosive and endurance performance of young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29(5):1317–1328. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000762

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7.

    Markovic G, Mikulic P. Neuro-musculoskeletal and performance adaptations to lower-extremity plyometric training. Sport Med. 2010;40(10):859–895. doi:10.2165/11318370-000000000-00000

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Young W, McLean B, Ardagna J. Relationship between strength qualities and sprinting performance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1995;35(1):13–19. PubMed ID: 7474987 doi:10.1201/b10132-109

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Malisoux L. Stretch-shortening cycle exercises: an effective training paradigm to enhance power output of human single muscle fibers. J Appl Physiol. 2005;100(3):771–779. PubMed ID: 16322375 doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01027.2005

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Slimani M, Chamari K, Miarka B, Del Vecchio FB, Chéour F. Effects of plyometric training on physical fitness in team sport athletes: a systematic review. J Hum Kinet. 2016;53:231–247. PubMed ID: 28149427 doi:10.1515/hukin-2016-0026

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Taylor JB, Wright AA, Dischiavi SL, Townsend MA, Marmon AR. Activity demands during multi-directional team sports: a systematic review. Sport Med. 2017;47(12):2533–2551. doi:10.1007/s40279-017-0772-5

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12.

    Varley MC, Gabbett T, Aughey RJ. Activity profiles of professional soccer, rugby league and Australian football match play. J Sports Sci. 2014;32(20):1858–1866. PubMed ID: 24016304 doi:10.1080/02640414.2013.823227

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13.

    Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. J Clin Epidemiol. 2009;62(10):1006–1012. PubMed ID: 19631508 doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.005

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    Booth A, Clarke M, Dooley G, et al. The nuts and bolts of PROSPERO: an international prospective register of systematic reviews. Syst Rev. 2012;1:2. PubMed ID: 22587842 doi:10.1186/2046-4053-1-2

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 15.

    Higgins J, Sterne J, Savović J, et al. A revised tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials. In: Cochrane Methods. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;10(suppl 1):29–31. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD201601

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 16.

    Cochrane TC. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3. Copenhagen Nord Cochrane Cent. 2008.

  • 17.

    Mendiguchia J, Martinez-Ruiz E, Morin JB, et al. Effects of hamstring-emphasized neuromuscular training on strength and sprinting mechanics in football players. Scand J Med Sci Sport. 2015;25(6):e621–e629. doi:10.1111/sms.12388

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 18.

    Landis JR, Koch GG. The measurement of observer agreement for categorical data. Biometrics. 1977;33(1):159–174. PubMed ID: 843571 doi:10.2307/2529310

  • 19.

    Arcos AL, Yanci J, Mendiguchia J, Salinero JJ, Brughelli M, Castagna C. Short-term training effects of vertically and horizontally oriented exercises on neuromuscular performance in professional soccer players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2014;9(3):480–488. PubMed ID: 23579053 doi:10.1123/ijspp.2013-0063

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    Boer PH, Van Aswegen M. Effect of combined versus repeated sprint training on physical parameters in sub-elite football players in South Africa. J Phys Educ Sport. 2016;16(3):964–971. doi:10.7752/jpes.2016.03152

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 21.

    Brito J, Vasconcellos F, Oliveira J, Krustrup P, Rebelo A. Short-term performance effects of three different low-volume strength-training programmes in college male soccer players. J Hum Kinet. 2014;40:121–128. PubMed ID: 25031680 doi:10.2478/hukin-2014-0014

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 22.

    Faude O, Roth R, Di Giovine D, Zahner L, Donath L. Combined strength and power training in high-level amateur football during the competitive season: a randomised-controlled trial. J Sports Sci. 2013;31(13):1460–1467. PubMed ID: 23768214 doi:10.1080/02640414.2013.796065

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 23.

    Jovanovic M, Sporis G, Omrcen D, Fiorentini F. Effects of speed, agility, quickness training method on power performance in elite soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25(5):1285–1292. PubMed ID: 21522073 doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d67c65

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 24.

    Loturco I, Ugrinowitsch C, Tricoli V, Pivetti B, Roschel H. Different loading schemes in power training during the preseason promote similar performance improvements in Brazilian elite soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(7):1791–1797. PubMed ID: 23085970 doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182772da6

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 25.

    Loturco I, Nakamura FY, Kobal R, et al. Training for power and speed: effects of increasing or decreasing jump squat velocity in elite young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29(10):2771–2779. PubMed ID: 25807028 doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000951

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 26.

    Loturco I, Nakamura FY, Kobal R, et al. Traditional periodization versus optimum training load applied to soccer players: effects on neuromuscular abilities. Int J Sports Med. 2016;37(13):1051–1059. PubMed ID: 27706551 doi:10.1055/s-0042-107249

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 27.

    Loturco I, Kobal R, Kitamura K, et al. Mixed training methods: effects of combining resisted sprints or plyometrics with optimum power loads on sprint and agility performance in professional soccer players. Front Physiol. 2017;8:1034. PubMed ID: 29311968 doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.01034

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 28.

    Nakamura D, Suzuki T, Yasumatsu M, Akimoto T. Moderate running and plyometric training during off-season did not show a significant difference on soccer-related high-intensity performances compared with no-training controls. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26(12):3392–3397. PubMed ID: 22207263 doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182474356

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 29.

    Rodríguez-Rosell D, Torres-Torrelo J, Franco-Márquez F, González-Suárez JM, González-Badillo JJ. Effects of light-load maximal lifting velocity weight training vs combined weight training and plyometrics on sprint, vertical jump and strength performance in adult soccer players. J Sci Med Sport. 2017;20(7):695–699. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2016.11.010

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 30.

    Ronnestad BR, Kvamme NH, Sunde A, Raastad T. Short-term effects of strength and plyometric training on sprint and jump performance in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2008;22(3):773–780. PubMed ID: 18438241 doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31816a5e86

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 31.

    Spineti J, Figueiredo T, de Oliveira VB, et al. Comparison between traditional strength training and complex contrast training on repeated-shuttle-sprint ability and muscle architecture in male elite soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2015;56(11):1269–1278. PubMed ID: 26609969 doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.18.07934-3

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 32.

    Váczi M, Tollár J, Meszler B, Juhász I, Karsai I. Short-term high intensity plyometric training program improves strength, power and agility in male soccer players. J Hum Kinet. 2013;36:17–26. doi:10.2478/hukin-2013-0002

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 33.

    Wells C, Edwards A, Fysh M, Drust B. Effects of high-intensity running training on soccer-specific fitness in professional male players. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2014;39(7):763–769. PubMed ID: 24971676 doi:10.1139/apnm-2013-0199

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 34.

    Yanci J, Los Arcos A, Camara J, Castillo D, García A, Castagna C. Effects of horizontal plyometric training volume on soccer players’ performance. Res Sport Med. 2016;24(4):308–319. doi:10.1080/15438627.2016.1222280

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 35.

    American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014. doi:10.1007/s13398-014-0173-7.2

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 36.

    Markovic G. Does plyometric training improve vertical jump height? A meta-analytical review. Br J Sports Med. 2007;41(6):349–355. PubMed ID: 17347316 doi:10.1136/bjsm.2007.035113

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 37.

    Latorre Román PÁ, Villar Macias FJ, García Pinillos F. Effects of a contrast training programme on jumping, sprinting and agility performance of prepubertal basketball players. J Sports Sci. 2018;36(7):802–808. doi:10.1080/02640414.2017.1340662

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 38.

    Chelly MS, Hermassi S, Aouadi R, Shephard RJ. Effects of 8-week in-season plyometric training on upper and lower limb performance of elite adolescent handball players. J Strength Cond Res. 2014;28(5):1401–1410. PubMed ID: 24149768 doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000279

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 39.

    Alemdaroğlu U. The relationship between muscle strength, anaerobic performance, agility, sprint ability and vertical jump performance in professional basketball players. J Hum Kinet. 2012;31:149–158. doi:10.2478/v10078-012-0016-6

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 40.

    Laudner K, Evans D, Wong R, et al. Relationship between isokinetic knee strength and jump characteristics following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015;10(3):272–280. PubMed ID: 26075142 doi:10.2519/jospt.1998.28.1.23

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 41.

    Ramirez-Campillo R, Álvarez C, García-Hermoso A, et al. Methodological characteristics and future directions for plyometric jump training research: a scoping review. Sport Med. 2018;48(5):1059–1081. doi:10.1007/s40279-018-0870-z

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 42.

    Bedoya AA, Miltenberger MR, Lopez RM. Plyometric training effects on athletic performance in youth soccer athletes: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29(8):2351–2360. PubMed ID: 25756326 doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000877

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 43.

    Kyrolainen H, Belli A, Komi PV. Biomechanical factors affecting running economy. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;33(8):1330–1337. PubMed ID: 11474335 doi:10.1097/00005768-200108000-00014

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 44.

    Young W, Benton D, Duthie G, Pryor J. Resistance training for short sprints and maximum-speed sprints. Strength Cond J. 2001;23(2):7–13. doi:10.1519/00126548-200104000-00001

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 45.

    Rebelo ANC, Silva P, Rago V, Barreira D, Krustrup P. Differences in strength and speed demands between 4v4 and 8v8 small-sided football games. J Sports Sci. 2016;34(24):2246–2254. PubMed ID: 27278256 doi:10.1080/02640414.2016.1194527

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 46.

    Little T, Williams AG. Specificity of acceleration, maximum speed, and agility in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19(1):76–78. PubMed ID: 15705049 doi:10.1519/14253.1

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 47.

    Keller S, Koob A, Corak D, von Schöning V, Born D-P. How to improve change-of-direction speed in junior team sport athletes-horizontal, vertical, maximal, or explosive strength training? [published online ahead of print September 07, 2018]. J strength Cond Res. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002814

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 48.

    Coyle EF. Integration of the physiological factors determining endurance performance ability. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 1995;23:25–63. PubMed ID: 7556353 doi:10.1249/00003677-199500230-00004

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 49.

    Lacour JR, Bourdin M. Factors affecting the energy cost of level running at submaximal speed. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2015;115(4):651–673. PubMed ID: 25681108 doi:10.1007/s00421-015-3115-y

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 9404 2018 116
Full Text Views 398 40 1
PDF Downloads 191 33 1