The effects of regular supplementary flexibility training on physical fitness performance of young high-level soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The present study examined the effect of regular static flexibility training on selective physical fitness components in young high-level soccer-players.

METHODS: Twenty three players (mean±SD) were randomly assigned into flexibility (Flex) and control (Con) groups (Flex group: N.=12, age 16.1±0.6 years; height 1.71±.06 m; body mass 62.4±7.5 kg; peak oxygen uptake [V̇O2peak] 55.8±4.1 ml.kg-1.min-1; Con group: N.=11, age 15.9±0.6 years; height 1.73±.07 m; body mass 61.5±5.6 kg; V̇O2peak 54.2±5.2 mL.kg-1.min-1). The Flex group performed a specific static stretching training-program before and after each training session, for four weeks (4 days/week). The two groups performed two series of anthropometrics and physical-fitness tests prior to and following the application of the stretching training performed on the Flex group.

RESULTS: There were initially no main treatment effects on aerobic capacity (V̇O2peak), on 10-m sprint and on Broad-jump. However, sit-and-reach flexibility, 35m sprint and agility (P<0.05) performance, and when results corrected with Δ (magnitude of changes), Δ flexibility, Δ 35m-sprint, Δ agility and Δ Broad jump (P<.05) scores were significantly improved in Flex group compared with Con group.

CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that regular specific supplementary application of static stretching training is effective in improving flexibility, 35-m speed, explosiveness and agility performance in young high-level soccer-players.