Helgerud, J. Rodas, G. Kemi, O. J. Hoff, J.
The main aim of the study was to implement a 2-month concurrent maximal strength training and high aerobic intensity interval endurance training during the pre-season period to study if elite footballers achieved similar beneficial adaptations as previously only reported in groups at a lower performance level. Secondary aims of this study were to report any negative side effects from intensive training periods and present normative physiological data on professional elite football players.
21 first league elite football players (20–31yrs, height 171–194 cm, mass 58.8–88.1 kg) having recently participated in the UEFA Champions’ League, took part in the study. Aerobic interval- training 4x4 min at 90–95% of maximal heart rate and half-squats strength training with maximum loads in 4 repetitions×4 sets were performed concurrently twice a week for 8 weeks.
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) increased 8.6%, from average 60.5 to 65.7 mL/kg· min whereas half-squat one repetition maximum (1RM) increased 51.7% from 116 to 176 kg. The 10-m sprint time improved on average 0.06 s, while counter movement jump improved 5.2% or 3.0 cm, following the training program. As a result of the pre-season training, running economy also improved on average by 3.5%.
After the training intervention, test results were equivalent to the highest values reported in the literature for a football team in terms of VO2max and squat 1RM. Thus, rigorous training interventions for maximal strengthand aerobic endurance may successfully be implemented in the pre-season training schedule for top-level football teams.
Hoff and Helgerud have proposed that short term future development of football will exceed today’s level of fitness and bring average team values up to 70mL/kg · min (VO2max) and 200kg (half- squat 1RM).
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