RSA response to preseason training in semiprofessional soccer players

Abstract This study has investigated the effect of 8 weeks of preseason training on the repeated sprinting ability (RSA) in semiprofessional soccer players (SPSP). An RSA test, consisting of 7 9 30 m sprint with 25 s active rest, was administered to 12 SPSP (age 23 ± 6 years) pre- and post-8 weeks of preseason soccer training. Preseasonal training consisting of aerobic sessions (high-intensity intermittent training) was provided three times a week on alternate days with the strength training sessions (basic and functional strength training) and sprint training drills. Analysis of variance for repeated measures was conducted to assess differences (p.05) in RSA test and fatigue index with time (i.e., pre-post) as within factor. Multivariate analysis of variance, with the seven repeated sprint tests as dependent variables and time (i.e. pre-post) as within factor, was conducted to test differences in sprint performance over the time. The main effect (p.001) was found before (pre-) and after (post-) the preseasonal training in global RSA performance; conversely, no statistical differences were found between fatigue index values. An overall significant effect was found for the seven sprints performed pre- and post. Univariate analysis shows that each sprint time was significantly (p.001) lower in the pre- than in the post-RSA tests. This study provides useful information for the coach to understanding the training process of SPSP and to maximize the best physical condition of the whole team