Publications
Acute Metabolic, Mechanical, and Perceptual Responses to Curve Versus Linear Repeated-Sprint Training in Highly Trained Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Andres Baena-Raya 1, 2, Jose Maria Ruiz-Zaragoza 3, David M. Diez-Fernandez 1, 2, Ezequiel Rey 4, 5, Marcos A. Soriano 6, 7, 8, Alejandro Perez-Castilla 1, 2, Manuel A. Rodriguez-Perez 1, 2, Alexis Padron-Cabo 4
Affiliations:
- Department of Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- SPORT Research Group (CTS-1024), CIBIS (Centro de Investigacion para el Bienestar y la Inclusion Social) Research Center, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- Union Deportiva Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
- Instituto de Investigacion en Ciencias del Deporte (CIDEGA), University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
- Center of Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
- University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Strength Training and Neuromuscular Performance (STreNgthP) Research Group, Camilo Jose Cela University, Madrid, Spain
Journal: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance - November 2025 (DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2024-0421)
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Field & Applications:
- Sport
- Fatigue / Overtraining
- Warm-up / Recovery
- Muscle development / Performance
- Muscle symmetry
Purpose: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the acute metabolic, mechanical, and perceptual responses to curve versus linear repeated-sprint-training (RST) protocols in highly trained youth soccer players and (2) analyze whether the sprint trajectory influences the time course of recovery following RST protocols.
Methods: Twenty-seven highly trained youth soccer players randomly performed 2 RST protocols (12 × 17 m with 15-s intervals) with different trajectories: linear or curve (radius of 9.15 m). Blood lactate concentration, countermovement-jump height, modified reactive strength index, and myotonometric measurements of the biceps femoris long head (stiffness, frequency, and decrement) were assessed before and 0 minutes, 5 minutes, and 24 hours after the protocols. Likewise, best and average sprint velocities were recorded in both protocols, and perceptual responses were evaluated using Borg and Hooper scales.
Results: Linear RST showed higher velocity outputs than curve RST (P < .001). No significant time × condition interactions were observed for blood lactate concentration, countermovement-jump height, modified reactive strength index, time to takeoff, or myotonometric measurements (all P < .05), except for right-leg stiffness (P = .047), which significantly increased from 0 minutes to 24 hours only after curve RST (P < .05). Additionally, players also reported poorer sleep quality (P = .045) following the curve RST.
Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that the acute metabolic, mechanical, and perceptual demands of RST are not trajectory dependent. Therefore, strength and conditioning coaches can use both trajectories to address soccer-specific sprint demands in elite youth soccer players.
Keywords: repeated-sprint ability, curvilinear sprint, football, acceleration
In summary, despite differences in kinematic pro les, linear and curve repeated-sprint training (RST) elicited broadly similar acute metabolic, mechanical, and perceptual responses, regardless of the sprint trajectory. Likewise, while players reported poorer sleep quality following the curve RST, the overall time course of recovery was comparable across RST protocols. These findings might help coaches design periodized training programs and recovery strategies for highly trained youth soccer players.