Affiliations: [a] Research Unit "Sportive Practices in School and
University and Performance", Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education
of Kef, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia | [b] Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of
Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia | [c] Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University
of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. Bouhlel Ezdine, Laboratoire de
Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine Ibn-El-jazzar, 4002, Sousse,
Tunisie. Tel.: +216 55 96 22 14; Fax: +216 73224899; E-mail:
ezdine_sport@yahoo.fr
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Muscle power is one of the most important factors
influencing sport performance. Despite the variety of training methods used in
the literature, more individualised, varied and enjoyable methods are needed to
enhance muscle peak power in soccer. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of short-sprint cycle ergometer
training on peak power output and field performance of female soccer players.
METHODS: 7 female soccer players (age: 20.2 ± 1.5 (years);
body mass: 55.1 ± 6.1 (kg); height: 1.61 ± 0.06 (m)) served as an
experimental group, and seven female soccer players (age: 19.4 ± 1.5
(years); body mass: 65.2 ± 6.1 kg; height: 1.69 ± 0.08 m) as a
control group. Peak power output (� peak) during a cycle ergometer
force-velocity test and field performance (5-jump test and speeds over 10, 20
and 30 m) were assessed both before and after training (3 months duration, with
3 sessions per week). Each training session comprised 2 series of 15 sprints,
separated by a 15 min recovery interval. Individual sprints were of 5 sec
duration, at the optimal pedalling velocity for the subject (100–110 rpm)
and against the optimal frictional loading equal of the subject
(7.5%–8.5% of body mass); a recovery period of 55 sec was allowed between
sprints. RESULTS: The training regimen induced gains of peak power (p<
0.05), whether expressed in �, �/kg, or relative to leg muscle
volume (�/l). There were also gains in 5-jump (p< 0.01), and 20
and 30 m sprint velocities (p< 0.01). Findings in the control participants
remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: When combined with traditional soccer training, repeated
short sprints on a cycle ergometer offer an effective strategy for enhancing
leg power in female Tunisian soccer players.
