The effect of volume equated 1- versus 2-day formats of Nordic hamstring exercise training on fitness in youth soccer players: A randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

PurposeThis randomised controlled trial examined the effect of an 8-week volume-equated programme of Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training, executed at frequencies of 1- or 2-days per week, on fitness (10 m and 40 m sprint, '505' change of direction [COD] and standing long jump [SLJ]) in male youth soccer players (mean age: 16.4 ± 0.81 years).MethodPlayers were divided into an experimental group (n = 16) which was further subdivided into 1-day (n = 8) and 2-day (n = 8) per week training groups and a control group (n = 8).ResultsThere were significant group-by-time interactions for 10-m sprint (pConclusionThe NHE increases fitness in youth soccer players and there may be advantages to spreading training over two days instead of one.