Effects of Six-Week Accentuated Eccentric Load Training on Balance and Strength in Young Football Players

University of Yalova15 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to investigate the effects of a structured training intervention on selected physical performance parameters in athletes. The primary objective is to determine whether the intervention leads to measurable improvements in performance outcomes such as balance, strength, sprint, change of direction, or jump performance. Participants will undergo baseline performance assessments before the intervention period. Following the baseline testing, participants will complete a supervised training program lasting several weeks. After the intervention, the same performance tests will be repeated under standardized conditions to evaluate changes in performance. All assessments will be conducted by trained researchers using validated measurement tools in a controlled training environment. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of the training intervention and contribute to the development of evidence-based training strategies for athletes.

This study is designed as an experimental intervention study to evaluate the effects of a structured training program on physical performance parameters in athletes. The intervention will be implemented over a defined training period, during which participants will follow a standardized exercise protocol supervised by qualified trainers or researchers. Baseline measurements will be collected prior to the intervention, including relevant performance tests such as balance, strength, sprint speed, change of direction ability, and jump performance, depending on the study design. After completion of the intervention period, post-intervention assessments will be conducted using the same testing procedures. All testing sessions will be performed under standardized environmental conditions, including consistent testing time, equipment, and procedures. The study will follow ethical principles for human participant research, and informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to participation.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

Interventions

Accentuated Eccentric TrainingBEHAVIORAL

Participants will complete a structured accentuated eccentric training program designed to improve neuromuscular performance. The intervention will be performed using resistance exercises in which the eccentric load is greater than the concentric load. Training sessions will be supervised by qualified researchers and conducted over a defined intervention period. All participants will follow the same standardized training protocol under controlled conditions.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy athletes aged 18 years or older * Regular participation in sports training * Ability to perform resistance and balance exercises safely * Voluntary participation with signed informed consent * No musculoskeletal injury within the last 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Current injury or pain affecting participation in training or testing * History of neurological, cardiovascular, or severe musculoskeletal disorders * Participation in another structured training or rehabilitation program during the study period * Use of medication or medical condition that could affect physical performance * Failure to complete the training intervention or testing procedures

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Dynamic Balance Performance (Y-Balance Test Composite Score)

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of eccentric training

Dynamic Balance Performance (Y-Balance Test Composite Score)

Dynamic balance performance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test. The composite score will be calculated based on reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions and normalized to limb length. Measurements will be performed before and after the training intervention under standardized testing conditions.

Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention