Effectiveness of field-based resistance training protocols on hip muscle strength among young elite football players

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week progressive resistance training program on hip joint muscles' strength measures, using the Copenhagen adduction (CA) and the sliding hip (SH) exercises.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Sport training and medical centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-two young male football athletes (age 17.5 ± 1.1 years; height 178.3 ± 3.2 cm; body mass 66.1 ± 8.6 kg) allocated to a CA, SH, and matched control (C) group.

INTERVENTIONS

Two weekly sessions of CA and SH.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Maximal eccentric strength test for the hip adductor (EHAD) and maximal eccentric strength test for the hip abductor (EHAB) muscles, and the relative EHAD/EHAB ratio assessed through a break test in the side-lying position.

RESULTS

No significant differences between groups were found at baseline for any of the assessed variables (all P > 0.053). The CA group had a significant strength increase in the right and left leg (d = 2.11, d = 1.9, respectively). The SH group also had a significant strength increase in the right and left leg (d = 1.68 and d = 1.67, respectively). The CA group presented EHAD/EHAB improvements in the right and left leg (d = 0.84 and d = 1.14, respectively). The SH group also presented EHAD/EHAB improvements in the right and left leg (d = 1.34 and d = 1.44, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both exercises' protocols were effective in inducing significant increases on EHAD, EHAB, and EHAD/EHAB ratio when compared with the control group. Practitioners should be aware of the training effectiveness of both protocols.