Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effects of eccentric complex training (ECC) versus traditional complex training (CON) on leg muscular performance speed change of direction and agility in soccer players. Twenty-six collegiate soccer player (aged 18-22 years old) were voluntarily recruited for this study. Before the experiment (2 weeks), the subjects were familiarized with the smith-machine squat technique and normalized for the muscle strength. Then, the subjects, matched by relative strength, were randomly assigned into one of the two groups: ECC group (n = 13) and CON group (n=12). Both groups underwent the complex training for 6 weeks. The ECC group completed 4 repetitions of 120% 1RM eccentric squat training (without concentric phase), whereas the CON group performed 6 repetitions of 80%1RM tradition squat training. Each training protocol comprised 4 sets of squat training separated by 5-mins rest period between sets followed by plyometric exercise. Before and after 6weeks of training, muscle strength, power, reactive strength index, leg stiffness, 10 and 20 m. speed, change of direction and agility were measured. Independent sample t-test and dependent sample t-test were applied with a statistical significant at p-value <.05. The results showed that after 6 weeks of training, concentric and eccentric muscle strength, power, leg stiffness and agility were increased significantly (p<.05) in ECC group. while a significant increase in concentric muscle strength and a significant decrease in change of direction ability were observed in CON group. Interestingly, a greater improvement of muscle strength was observed in EEC group as compared to CON group. In conclusion, ECC was more likely effective to improving leg muscular performance compared to CON, in soccer players.