Research article - (2016)15, 639 - 648
Effects of a Whole-Body Electrostimulation Program on Strength, Sprinting, Jumping, and Kicking Capacity in Elite Soccer Players
Andre Filipovic1,2,, Marijke Grau2, Heinz Kleinöder1, Philipp Zimmer2, Wildor Hollmann2, Wilhelm Bloch2
1Institute of Sport Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Germany
2Institute of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Germany

Andre Filipovic
✉ Roonstrasse 54, 50674 Cologne, Germany
Email: Andre.Filipovic@gmx.net
Received: 14-07-2016 -- Accepted: 13-09-2016
Published (online): 01-12-2016

ABSTRACT

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.

Key words: EMS, whole-body, strength training, direction changes, elite athletes, football

Key Points
  • Two WB-EMS sessions concurrently to 6-7 soccer training sessions per week enhanced maximal strength in the leg press machine within 7 weeks during competitive season.
  • Sprinting and jumping performance and kicking capacity were improved after 14 weeks.
  • WB-EMS did not effect serum IGF-1 levels in professional soccer players.








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