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Elena Pardos-Mainer

Bio: Elena Pardos-Mainer is an academic researcher from University of Zaragoza. The author has contributed to research in topics: Lean body mass & Sprint. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 11 publications receiving 49 citations.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The FIFA 11+ programme led to improved unilateral jumping, dynamic balance and reduced lower extremity symmetries of several tests in adolescent female soccer players.
Abstract: No studies have assessed whether changes in physical performance and inter-limb asymmetries (ILA) can be achieved with the FIFA 11+ prevention programme in adolescent female soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the FIFA 11+ programme compared with a standard warm-up on physical performance and ILA in adolescent female soccer players. Thirty-six adolescent female soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG; n = 19) or a control group (CG; n = 17). Unilateral/bilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ) and horizontal jump tests, two different change of direction tests, an ankle dorsiflexion test, the Y-Balance test (YBT) and inter-limb asymmetries were measured before and after 10 weeks of training. The results revealed no significant group-by-time interactions in the vast majority of variables (p>0.05). Paired t-test revealed significant improvements of the right [effect size (ES):0.56] and left (ES:0.49) CMJ, right (ES:0.74) and left (ES:0.54) DJ (ES:0.74), right (ES:1.27) and left (ES:1.26) posteromedial direction and right (ES:0.89) and left (ES:0.84) posterolateral direction in the YBT in the EG (p < 0.05). Right anterior direction in the YBT and V-cut test were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05). For inter-limb asymmetry variables, no significant group-by-time interactions (ES:0 to 0.93) and an improvement between pre- and post-tests (ES:-0.76 to 0.49) were observed. Therefore, the FIFA 11+ programme led to improved unilateral jumping, dynamic balance and reduced lower extremity symmetries of several tests in adolescent female soccer players.

41 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of strength training and plyometric training on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players were compared using the inverse-variance random-effects model.
Abstract: The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of strength training (ST) and plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SportDiscus databases revealed 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Effect sizes (ES) were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). The magnitude of the main effect was small to moderate (vertical jump (ES 0.53 (95% CI—0.11, 0.95), Z = 2.47 (p = 0.01); linear sprint (ES −0.66 (95% CI—2.03, −0.21), Z = 2.20 (p = 0.03); COD (ES −0.36 (95% CI—0.68, −0.03), Z = 2.17 (p = 0.03)). Subgroup analyses were performed (i.e., ST and PT duration, frequency, session duration and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.12–0.88). In conclusion, PT provides better benefits than ST to improve vertical jump, linear sprint and COD performance in female soccer players. However, significant limitations in the current literature prevent assured PT and ST prescription recommendations being made.

24 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The short-term in-season combined strength and power training program induced greater speed and COD performance improvements than soccer training alone in adolescent female soccer players.
Abstract: Purpose: This study examined the effects of an 8-week combined strength and power training (CSPT) intervention on physical performance and inter-limb asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players. Methods: Thirty-seven adolescent female soccer players (age: 16.1±1.1 yrs) were randomly assigned to a control (CG, n = 18) and experimental group (EG, n = 19). EG performed CSPT twice a week, which consisted of strength and power exercises that trained the major muscles of the lower body and trunk musculature. Pre- and post-intervention tests included unilateral and bilateral horizontal and countermovement jump tests, a 40-m sprint test (10 and 30-m split times), a 10-m sprint with a 180o change of direction (COD) test and a multiple COD test (V-cut test). Asymmetries were also analyzed in the unilateral tests. Results: Significant group by time interaction of the improvement between pre and post-tests were observed for speed (Effect size (ES): -1.30 to -1.16) and COD tests (ES: -0.62 to -0.61) but not in jumping (ES: -0.09 to 0.28) and inter-limb asymmetries tests (ES: -0.13 to 0.57). Conclusions: The short-term in-season CSPT program induced greater speed and COD performance improvements compared to soccer training alone in adolescent female soccer players.

24 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe anthropometric, maturation, and somatotype differences of players based on playing positions, and analyze variations of accumulated load training (AcL) and fitness parameters between playing positions; and finally, explain the variation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and peak power (PP) through the AcL, body fat (BF), maturity, maturity, and fitness levels.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was three-fold: (1) to describe anthropometric, maturation, and somatotype differences of players based on playing positions; (2) to analyze variations of accumulated load training (AcL) and fitness parameters between playing positions; and finally (3) to explain the variation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and peak power (PP) through the AcL, body fat (BF), maturity, somatotype and fitness levels. Twenty-seven male youth soccer players under-16 were divided by the following positions participated in this study: six central midfielders, four wingers (WG), five forwards, eight defenders, and four goalkeepers (GK). They were evaluated on two occasions: pre-season and after-season. Height, sitting height, body mass, BF, girths, percentage of BF (BF%), lean body mass, maturity, somatotype, sprint test, change of direction test, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1, Wingate, PP, VO2max and fatigue index were assessed. Then, AcL was monitored during training sessions. The main results revealed significant differences between player positions for maturity offset (p = 0.001), for BF (p = 0.006), BF% (p = 0.015), and lean body mass kg (p = 0.003). Also, there were significant differences for AcL and fatigue index in pre-season between player positions (p < 0.05). In addition, there were some significant differences in pre- and after-season for VO2max and PP between player positions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GK showed higher values in anthropometric, body composition variables and maturity offset compared to the other positions, while WG presented lower levels of BF. In pre-season, there were more differences by player positions for the different variables analyzed than after-season that reinforces the tactical role of the positions, and the emphasis in increased load in the beginning of the season. This study could be used by coaches, staff, and researchers as a reference for athletes of the same sex, age, and competitive level.

16 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured inter-limb asymmetries in three distinct groups in adolescent female soccer players and determined the association between inter- limb asymmetry and physical performance in different age groups.
Abstract: The association between asymmetries in jump and change of direction (COD) with physical performance in several sports show inconclusive results. The purposes of this study were to: (1) measure inter-limb asymmetries in three distinct groups in adolescent female soccer players and, (2) to determine the association between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance in different age groups. Fifty-four players were distributed in three age groups: U-18, U-16 and U-14. All of them performed a series of jumps, sprints and change of direction speed tests. Asymmetries were assessed as the percentage difference between limbs, with the equation: 100/Max value (right and left) * in value (right and left) * -1 + 100. Mean inter-limb asymmetries were 2.91%, 4.82% and 11.6% for 180° COD, single leg hop and single leg countermovement jump tests respectively, but higher percentages of asymmetries were observed in many players individually. U-18 and U-16 showed significant differences on 180° left COD compared to U-14. Effect size (ES): 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; U-18 presented differences on single left leg hop test compared to U-14, ES: -0.72; U-16 also showed differences on 40 m speed compared to U-14, ES 0.87 (All p < 0.05). Jumping and COD physical tests show asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players, but these asymmetries do not interfere with physical performance. The largest asymmetry was observed in the single leg countermovement jump, and no asymmetries between groups were found. Due to the high variability in the direction of asymmetries, it is recommended to consider players' individual asymmetries for designing specific training programs.

15 citations


Cited by
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01 Jan 2007
TL;DR: This study has provided an indication of the different physical demands of different playing positions in FA Premier League match-play through assessment of movements performed by players.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical demands of English Football Association (FA) Premier League soccer of three different positional classifications (defender, midfielder and striker). Computerised time-motion video-analysis using the Bloomfield Movement Classification was undertaken on the purposeful movement (PM) performed by 55 players. Recognition of PM had a good inter-tester reliability strength of agreement (κ = 0.7277). Players spent 40.6 ± 10.0% of the match performing PM. Position had a significant influence on %PM time spent sprinting, running, shuffling, skipping and standing still (p 0.05). Players spent 48.7 ± 9.2% of PM time moving in a directly forward direction, 20.6 ± 6.8% not moving in any direction and the remainder of PM time moving backward, lateral, diagonal and arced directions. The players performed the equivalent of 726 ± 203 turns during the match; 609 ± 193 of these being of 0° to 90° to the left or right. Players were involved in the equivalent of 111 ± 77 on the ball movement activities per match with no significant differences between the positions for total involvement in on the ball activity (p > 0.05). This study has provided an indication of the different physical demands of different playing positions in FA Premier League match-play through assessment of movements performed by players.

637 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of strength training and plyometric training on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players were compared using the inverse-variance random-effects model.
Abstract: The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of strength training (ST) and plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump, linear sprint and change of direction (COD) performance in female soccer players. A systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SportDiscus databases revealed 12 studies satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inverse-variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Effect sizes (ES) were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). The magnitude of the main effect was small to moderate (vertical jump (ES 0.53 (95% CI—0.11, 0.95), Z = 2.47 (p = 0.01); linear sprint (ES −0.66 (95% CI—2.03, −0.21), Z = 2.20 (p = 0.03); COD (ES −0.36 (95% CI—0.68, −0.03), Z = 2.17 (p = 0.03)). Subgroup analyses were performed (i.e., ST and PT duration, frequency, session duration and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.12–0.88). In conclusion, PT provides better benefits than ST to improve vertical jump, linear sprint and COD performance in female soccer players. However, significant limitations in the current literature prevent assured PT and ST prescription recommendations being made.

24 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The short-term in-season combined strength and power training program induced greater speed and COD performance improvements than soccer training alone in adolescent female soccer players.
Abstract: Purpose: This study examined the effects of an 8-week combined strength and power training (CSPT) intervention on physical performance and inter-limb asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players. Methods: Thirty-seven adolescent female soccer players (age: 16.1±1.1 yrs) were randomly assigned to a control (CG, n = 18) and experimental group (EG, n = 19). EG performed CSPT twice a week, which consisted of strength and power exercises that trained the major muscles of the lower body and trunk musculature. Pre- and post-intervention tests included unilateral and bilateral horizontal and countermovement jump tests, a 40-m sprint test (10 and 30-m split times), a 10-m sprint with a 180o change of direction (COD) test and a multiple COD test (V-cut test). Asymmetries were also analyzed in the unilateral tests. Results: Significant group by time interaction of the improvement between pre and post-tests were observed for speed (Effect size (ES): -1.30 to -1.16) and COD tests (ES: -0.62 to -0.61) but not in jumping (ES: -0.09 to 0.28) and inter-limb asymmetries tests (ES: -0.13 to 0.57). Conclusions: The short-term in-season CSPT program induced greater speed and COD performance improvements compared to soccer training alone in adolescent female soccer players.

24 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aim was to identify the different factors that could facilitate or prevent the appearance of a postural difference between the dominant and non-dominant leg by means of a narrative review.

20 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured inter-limb asymmetries in three distinct groups in adolescent female soccer players and determined the association between inter- limb asymmetry and physical performance in different age groups.
Abstract: The association between asymmetries in jump and change of direction (COD) with physical performance in several sports show inconclusive results. The purposes of this study were to: (1) measure inter-limb asymmetries in three distinct groups in adolescent female soccer players and, (2) to determine the association between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance in different age groups. Fifty-four players were distributed in three age groups: U-18, U-16 and U-14. All of them performed a series of jumps, sprints and change of direction speed tests. Asymmetries were assessed as the percentage difference between limbs, with the equation: 100/Max value (right and left) * in value (right and left) * -1 + 100. Mean inter-limb asymmetries were 2.91%, 4.82% and 11.6% for 180° COD, single leg hop and single leg countermovement jump tests respectively, but higher percentages of asymmetries were observed in many players individually. U-18 and U-16 showed significant differences on 180° left COD compared to U-14. Effect size (ES): 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; U-18 presented differences on single left leg hop test compared to U-14, ES: -0.72; U-16 also showed differences on 40 m speed compared to U-14, ES 0.87 (All p < 0.05). Jumping and COD physical tests show asymmetries in adolescent female soccer players, but these asymmetries do not interfere with physical performance. The largest asymmetry was observed in the single leg countermovement jump, and no asymmetries between groups were found. Due to the high variability in the direction of asymmetries, it is recommended to consider players' individual asymmetries for designing specific training programs.

15 citations