Effects of Power Training vs Hypertrophy Training in Youth Soccer Athletes

Sammanfattning

Introduction: Soccer is an intense sport characterized by intermittent high-intensity bursts interspersed with lower-intensity periods. Recent advancements in technology reveal the physical demands of soccer, highlighting the importance of short sprints (10-30 meters) and their impact on game-changing moments. Strength, power and body composition play crucial roles in soccer performance. The force and velocity relationship, combining maximum force and velocity, supports maximal power and athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to compare power training and hypertrophy training on various performance variables. Method: Twelve highly trained youth male soccer players were randomly assigned to either a hypertrophy group or a power group. The study employed a randomized control trial design, with assessment conducted before and after the training intervention. Sprint performance, maximal force, maximal speed and maximal power. Results: The result showed non-significant difference between pre and post intervention for the power group and the hypertrophy group in sprint times 5,10 and 20 meters as well as maximum force, maximum speed, maximum power, Wingate test and comparing the two against each other. Discussion: The volume and frequency of the sessions in the intervention might have been too low to achieve any significant effect. The duration of the separate sessions was a consequence of the coaches limitations and might have affected the training.The relatively low loads (60% of 1RM) imposed by the coaches limitations in the power group might have hindered the optimal strength adaptations. An individualized approach for the training program could have optimized the training effect for the participants and therefore the results obtained. Conclusion: While our study did not reveal any significant results, it highlights the importance of factors such as volume, frequency, intensity and individualisation. Additionally, the sample size is too small to draw any solid conclusions from the results.