Relationship between neuromuscular profile and total volume of resisted sprint training in male professional soccer players

Purpose: This 11-week study aimed to correlate the neuromuscular profile and the total volume of resisted sprint training (RST) under different velocity loss (VL) magnitudes in male professional soccer players. Methods: : Seventeen soccer players (age 25.8±4.3 years; height 180.0±8.6 cm; weight 77.7±9.7 kg) were randomly allocated into two training groups, who trained at distinct percentages of VL: 10% of VL (G10, n=8) or 20% of VL (G20, n=9). The velocity-based sled training consisted of 20m resisted sprints executed with a progressive loading increase (45% to 65% of body-mass). Sprint times (10m and 20m), vertical jump height (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]), knee flexion and extension peak torque, as well as isometric rate of torque development, and lower-limb lean mass were correlated with the total volume of RST performed by G10 and G20 groups. Results: : The G10 performed 31% less repetitions and total RST distance than G20 (p<0.05). Significant negative Pearson’s correlations (large-to-very large) were observed between total volume performed by G10 and CMJ height (r=-0.85, p=0.016) as well as SJ height (r=-0.90, p= 0.005), and knee extension concentric peak torque (r=-0.70, p=0.05). No further correlation was found (p>0.05). Conclusions: : When lower magnitudes of VL were used during training sessions (10%), the stronger and more powerful players performed lower volume of RST. Interestingly, this relationship is not confirmed when higher magnitudes of VL (20%) are prescribed (greater fatigue incidence).