ORIGINAL PAPER
Ten weeks of isometric versus dynamic contrast resistance training on soccer players’ physical performance: a randomised controlled trial
1
Amity School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India
2
Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
3
Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile
4
Sport Sciences and Human Performance Laboratories, Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Chile
5
Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, Symbiosis International (deemed University), Pune, India
Submission date: 2025-02-26
Acceptance date: 2025-06-27
Publication date: 2025-12-22
Corresponding author
Rohit K. Thapa
Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune 412115, Maharashtra, India
Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune 412115, Maharashtra, India
Hum Mov. 2025;26(4):85-93
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
The study aimed to compare the effects of high-load isometric versus high-load dynamic contrast resistance training on soccer players’ physical performance.
Material and methods:
Highly trained male soccer players (n = 105; aged 24.4 ± 3.3 years) were randomly allocated to a control (i.e., soccer training only; n = 35), high-load isometric training (n = 35), or high-load dynamic contrast resistance training (n = 35) group. Two intervention sessions were conducted weekly over 10 weeks during the off-season. Physical performance was assessed before and after the interventions for linear sprint speed (10 m and 40 m), change of direction speed, 300-yard shuttle run test time, countermovement jump height, standing long jump distance, and absolute and relative (to body mass) maximal strength (1RM squat).
Results:
After the ANCOVA and post-hoc t-test, improvement was noted in the 10-m and 40-m sprints, and change of direction speed (p < 0.001–0.002) after both interventions compared to the controls. Further improvement was noted in the 300-yard shuttle run test time, countermovement jump height, and absolute and relative 1RM after dynamic compared to isometric intervention (p < 0.001–0.024).
Conclusions:
High-load isometric and high-load dynamic contrast resistance training can improve soccer players’ physical performance (linear and change of direction speed), although the latter approach may induce greater improvement in the 300-yard shuttle run, vertical jump, and maximal dynamic strength.
The study aimed to compare the effects of high-load isometric versus high-load dynamic contrast resistance training on soccer players’ physical performance.
Material and methods:
Highly trained male soccer players (n = 105; aged 24.4 ± 3.3 years) were randomly allocated to a control (i.e., soccer training only; n = 35), high-load isometric training (n = 35), or high-load dynamic contrast resistance training (n = 35) group. Two intervention sessions were conducted weekly over 10 weeks during the off-season. Physical performance was assessed before and after the interventions for linear sprint speed (10 m and 40 m), change of direction speed, 300-yard shuttle run test time, countermovement jump height, standing long jump distance, and absolute and relative (to body mass) maximal strength (1RM squat).
Results:
After the ANCOVA and post-hoc t-test, improvement was noted in the 10-m and 40-m sprints, and change of direction speed (p < 0.001–0.002) after both interventions compared to the controls. Further improvement was noted in the 300-yard shuttle run test time, countermovement jump height, and absolute and relative 1RM after dynamic compared to isometric intervention (p < 0.001–0.024).
Conclusions:
High-load isometric and high-load dynamic contrast resistance training can improve soccer players’ physical performance (linear and change of direction speed), although the latter approach may induce greater improvement in the 300-yard shuttle run, vertical jump, and maximal dynamic strength.
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