The Effects of an 8-Week Exer-Genie-Assisted Speed and ABC Drill Training Program on Speed, Hamstring Strength, and Vertical Jump Performance in Female Football Players

Overview

This study aims to examine the effects of an eight-week Exer-Genie®-assisted speed and agility-balance-coordination (ABC drill) training program on sprint performance, hamstring muscle strength, and vertical jump ability in young female football players. A total of 37 licensed female football players competing in the Turkish Women's Second League participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 17). The study evaluates whether this integrated training approach enhances acceleration, force production, and neuromuscular control compared to regular team training alone.

Study Design and Participants The study involves 37 female football players from the Pendik Güven Women's Football Team (mean age 14.4 ± 1.4 years), licensed by the Turkish Football Federation. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 17). Intervention Protocol The experimental group completed an Exer-Genie®-assisted sprint and ABC drill training program twice per week for eight weeks (total of 16 sessions). Each session was performed after a standardized warm-up and consisted of six 30-m sprint runs and technical drills. The sprints were performed with resistance applied using the 60-m Exer-Genie® device, with resistance intensity set at 10% of each athlete's body weight. The control group continued with their regular team training only.Outcome Measures 1. Sprint Performance: Assessed via 0-10 m, 10-30 m, and 30 m sprint times using the SmartSpeed electronic timing gate system. 2. Hamstring Strength: Assessed using the NordBord Hamstring Testing System. Specifically, the ISO Prone (0°) protocol was used to measure isometric hamstring strength and impulse values. 3. Vertical Jump: Assessed via the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test using the ForceDecks system to evaluate lower-limb explosive performance.Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA to evaluate time, group, and interaction effects, with a significance level set at p \< 0.05.