Recreational soccer can improve the reflex response to sudden trunk loading among untrained women

Mogens Theisen Pedersen, Morten Bredsgaard Randers, Jørgen H. Skotte, Peter Krustrup

    37 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A slower reflex response to sudden trunk loading (SL) has been shown to increase future risk of low back injuries in healthy subjects, and specific readiness training can improve the response to SL among healthy subjects. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of recreational soccer training on the reaction to SL among untrained healthy women. Thirty-six healthy, untrained, Danish women (age 19-45 years) were randomly assigned to a soccer group (SO, n = 19) and a running group (RU, n = 17). In addition, an untrained control group (CON, n = 10) was recruited. Training was performed for 1 hour twice a week (mean heart rate of 165 b.min-1 in SO and 164 b.min-1 in RU) for 16 weeks. Test of reactions to sudden unexpected trunk loading was performed before and after the training period. Furthermore, time-motion analysis of the soccer training was performed for 9 subjects. Group assignment was blinded to the test personnel. Physical education students organized the training. During 1 hour of soccer training, the total number of sudden moves including sudden loading of the upper body (e.g. turns, stops, throw-ins, headers, and shoulder tackles) was 192 (63). In SO, time elapsed until stopping of the forward movement of the trunk (stopping time) decreased (p < 0.05) by 15% and distance moved after unexpected SL decreased (p < 0.05) by 24% compared with no changes in RU and CON. In conclusion, football training includes a high number of sudden loadings of the upper body and can improve the reflex response to SL. The faster reflex response indicates that soccer training can reduce the risk of low back injuries.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalJournal of Strength and Conditioning Research
    Volume23
    Issue number9
    Pages (from-to)2621-2626
    Number of pages6
    ISSN1064-8011
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Recreational soccer can improve the reflex response to sudden trunk loading among untrained women'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this