Exploring the Determinants of Repeated-Sprint Ability in Adult Women Soccer Players

Lillian Gonçalves; Filipe Manuel Clemente; Joel Ignacio Barrera; Hugo Sarmento; Francisco Tomás González-Fernández; Markel Rico-González; J. M. Cancela Carral

Exploring the Determinants of Repeated-Sprint Ability in Adult Women Soccer Players

This study aimed to explore the main determinants of repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in women soccer players considering aerobic capacity, sprinting performance, change-of-direction, vertical height jump, and hip adductor/abductor isometric strength. Twenty-two women soccer players from the same team participating in the first Portuguese league were observed. Fitness assessments were performed three times during a 22-week cohort period. The following assessments were made: (i) hip abductor and adductor strength, (ii) squat and countermovement jump (height), (iii) change-of-direction test, (iv) linear sprinting at 10- and 30-m, (v) RSA test, and (vi) Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1. Positive moderate correlations were found between peak minimum RSA and adductor and abductor strength (r = 0.51, p &lt: 0.02 and r = 0.54, p &lt: 0.01, respectively). Positive moderate correlations were also found between peak maximum RSA and adductor and abductor strength (r = 0.55, p &lt: 0.02 and r = 0.46, p &lt: 0.01, respectively). Lastly, a moderate negative correlation was found between fatigue index in RSA and YYIR1 test performance (r = −0.62, p &lt: 0.004). In conclusion, abductor and adductor isometric strength-based coadjutant training programs, together with a high degree of aerobic endurance, may be suitable for inducing RSA in female soccer players.

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