The comparison of traditional strength training and modern power training effects on muscle hypertrophy, kicking performance, and emg activity in soccer players

The Comparison of Traditional Strength Training and Modern Power Training Effects on Muscle Hypertrophy, Kicking Performance, and EMG Activity in Soccer Players The aim of this study is to comparision the effects of traditional strength training and modern power training applied to young football players on muscle hypertrophy, kicking performance, and electromyography (EMG) activity. On the other hand, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various methods performed in soccer training, with the objective of optimizing training programs and providing scientifically-based support to enhance the performance of soccer players. Our study participated 36 active soccer players, divided into three groups: Traditional Strength training group (GDA (n=11, Age: 17.2±0.9 years, Height: 176±7.5 cm, Weight: 65.3±7.6 kg), Modern Power Training Group (GA (n=12, Age: 16.7±0.7 years, Height: 174±5.6 cm, Weight: 64.9±7.9 kg), and Mixed Training Group (KA (n=13, Age: 16.9±0.7 years, Height: 174±6.2 cm, Weight: 62.3±6.2 kg). Twenty training sessions were performed, with a frequency of two sessions per week, including the first two weeks as an adaptation period. The resistance training comprised squat, leg extension, and leg curl exercises. The GDA group performed 3-5 sets of 10 repetitions at an intensity of 1RM-70-85%, while the GA group executed 5-8 sets of 5 repetitions in the optimal power load zone. On the other hand, the KA group performed a combined of GDA and GA training methods simultaneously. The soccer players were applied anthropometric measurements, field performance, and knee and hip strength tests, rate of force development (RFD), muscle EMG activities, and ultrasonographic measurements pre and post training period. After the resistance training program applied through various methods, soccer players in all three groups showed statistically significant increases in body weigth, %muscle mass and, thigh circumference, isometric, RFD, and isokinetic normalized peak torque values (p<0.05). There was a significant increase observed in the cross-sectional areas of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles, as well as in the EMG activities measured during maximum isometric contraction (p<0.05). A statistically significant decrease was observed in the normalized EMG activities measured during the squat (SQ) in the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences found in hip isokinetic normalized peak torque, sprint (0-30m), agility, jumping, and kick performance (p>0.05). While no difference was observed in the EMG activities measured during maximum voluntary muscle isometric contraction of the hip muscles (p>0.05), there was an increase in normalized electrical activity levels during the squat (SQ) (p<0.05). Analysis of the performance variables measured in the study shown no significant differences among the groups (p>0.05). As a result, similar effects of individualized training programs with different volume and intensity have been shown to youth soccer players without resistance training experience. The critical point is to include training in the program with a integrated approach, aimed at enhancing the on-field performance of soccer players. Furthermore, understanding the physiological mechanisms behind the observed changes may be possible through more comprehensive studies. Key Words: Rate of Force Development, Sprint, Agility, Jump, Squat Exercise