Comparison of two physical conditioning programs in improving aerobic endurance in moderately trained youth amateur soccer players during the preparation period

Abstract

Problem Statement: There are conflicting data regarding the optimal method in improving aerobic endurance in young soccer players Approach: A training intervention in moderately trained youth amateur soccer players. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of two different physical conditioning programs in improving maximal oxygen uptake in moderately trained youth amateur soccer players. The first program was a traditional aerobic endurance training method (i.e involving mainly running), while the second program combined 50% of traditional aerobic endurance training with 50% of soccer specific aerobic training (i.e involving mainly training with the ball). Eighteen moderately trained youth soccer players from the same amateur were recruited and their maximal oxygen uptake was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test. Subsequently players were randomly assigned into a control group (traditional aerobic training) and an experimental group (combined traditional aerobic training plus soccer specific aerobic training). Results were analyzed using two way analysis of variance with repeated measures on one factor (time). Results: Both training interventions were successful in improving maximal oxygen uptake (p<0.001). However, there was no difference in maximal oxygen uptake between the two groups after the intervention. Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that a combined physical conditioning program is as effective as a traditional physical conditioning program in improving maximal oxygen uptake training in moderately trained youth soccer players during the preparation period, despite having approximately 50% less running volume. © JPES.