Effects of a whole-body electrostimulation program on strength,sprinting,jumping,and kicking capacity in elite soccer players

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a 14-week dynamic whole-body electrostimulation (wb-ems) training program on muscular strength,soccer relevant sprint,jump and kicking velocity performance in elite soccer players during competitive season. twenty-two field-players were assigned to 2 groups: wb-ems group (eg,n = 12),jump-training group (tg,n = 10). the training programs were conducted twice a week concurrent to 6-7 soccer training sessions during the 2nd half of the season. participants were tested before (baseline),during (wk-7) and after (wk-14). blood serum samples for analyzing igf-1 and ck were taken before each testing,15-30min post and 24h post the training program. our findings of the present study were that a 14-week in-season wb-ems program significant increased one-leg maximal strength (1rm) at the leg press machine (1.99 vs. 1.66 kg/kg,p = 0.001),and improved linear sprinting (5m: 1.01 vs. 1.04s,p=0.039),sprinting with direction changes (3.07 vs. 3.25s,p = 0.024),and vertical jumping performance (sj: 38.8 vs. 35.9cm p = 0.021) as well as kicking velocity (1step: 93.8 vs. 83.9 km∙h-1,p < 0.001). the tg showed no changes in strength and performance. the eg revealed significantly increased ck levels 24h post training and yielded significantly higher ck levels compared to the tg. igf-1 serum levels neither changed in the eg nor in the tg. the results give first hints that two sessions of a dynamic wb-ems training in addition to 6-7 soccer sessions per week can be effective for significantly enhancing soccer relevant performance capacities in professional players during competitive season. © journal of sports science and medicine.