The impact of strength training with a slow eccentric phase of movement on lower limb mobility, sprint and jump for distance performance

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the
impact of strength training with a slow
eccentric phase of movement on the
range of mobility of the lower limb
joints, sprint performance and power
of football players. The study included
15 men aged: 21 years ± 5, height: 175
cm ± 10, body weight: 70 kg ± 18, BMI:
22.9 ± 6.6 who train football in the
senior team of the LZS Victoria Żyrowa
club. The mobility of the lower limb in
the sagittal plane was examined. A
sprint performance test was carried out
over a distance of ten and thirty
meters. In order to test the
competitors' power, a jump for
distance test was performed. Circuit
training consisting of 9 strength
exercises was held once a week for a
period of six weeks. The competitors'
task was to perform 4 full circuits. The
training program included a command
to perform the concentric phase of
movement at a rapid pace. In the
eccentric phase, movement was to be
controlled and extended. The training
used showed a significant impact on
increasing the range of joint mobility
for football players. Muscle groups
most at risk of injury like hamstrings,
hip flexors, plantar flexors of the foot
have been functionally stretched. The
training had also a positive effect on
sprint performance and increasing the
player's power, tested by jump for
distance.