Elastic Band Training Effects on Knee Strength and Performance in Female Football Players

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effects of an 8-week strength training program with elastic bands on several physical components in female football players at the U15, U19, and Senior levels. The main question it aims to answer is: Will a specific elastic band resistance training help improve some components of physical performance in female football players? Participants will perform a bi-weekly elastic band resistance training program lasting 20 minutes per session over 8 weeks. This program will be incorporated into their in-season regimen, with assessments conducted in the week prior (week 0) and after the intervention (week 9).

This study will involve U15´, U19´ and adult female football (soccer) players doing a specific elastic band training plan over a period of 8 weeks. This plan will be done twice a week and will consist of 6 exercises, divided into two training sessions, each lasting approximately 20 minutes. The week before the study begins (week 0), a demonstration will be given of the assessments and training plan that will be carried out during the following weeks, so that the participants have a better idea of what will happen. In addition, their height and weight will also have to be measured, followed by the first assessments. They will also fill in a questionnaire about their training habits and injury history. They will then be randomized into two possible groups: the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). If the participant stays in the EG, she will have to do the above protocol and if she stays in the CG, she will only have to do the assessments, which will be done in the familiarization week (week 0) and the ninth week (week 9).