Impact of Eccentric Exercises on Soccer Players’ External Load, Muscle Soreness and Physical Performance: A Comparative Study of Pre and Post-Training Routines

Abstract

This study examined the impact of integrating eccentric bodyweight exercises (Nordic Hamstring and Single Leg Deadlift) into soccer training, before and after training sessions, on players’ well-being, external load and physical performance over two successive training sessions. Twenty-one male trained players (23.6 ± 3.7 years, playing experience of 13.3 ± 4.01 years) participated in the study. The study spanned two days of the microcycle (MD-4 and MD-3) over four consecutive weeks, during which the players were subjected to two conditions: eccentric training before or after the MD-4 training (pre-strength and post-strength, respectively). The players’ wellness, external load and physical performance (CMJ, 10 m and 30 m-sprint) were assessed in all training sessions. In pre-strength condition, players exhibited a decrease in the CMJ following the eccentric intervention (P = 0.02). For the 30 m-sprint, a decline in performance was noted after the soccer training compared to the moments immediately before (P = 0.04) and after the eccentric intervention (P = 0.002). In the post-strength condition, players reported increased muscle soreness in the following day (MD-3, P = 0.03). Additionally, a reduced number of high-intensity accelerations were observed on MD-3 when the eccentric training was performed after MD-4 (P = 0.04). The study reveals that jumping and sprinting performance may decrease immediately after eccentric routines. However, while jumping performance may recover after the training, sprinting remains affected. Conversely, conducting eccentric routines after training may influence players’ muscle soreness and physical performance on the following day. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing soccer training schedules that incorporate eccentric routines either before or after regular training sessions.