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Effects of Hamstring-Specific Training on Athletic Performance in Amateur and Professional Soccer Players
Sponsor: Istanbul Gelisim University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week hamstring-specific exercise protocol (HSEP) on athletic performance in professional and amateur male soccer players. A total of 144 soccer players participated in the study, including 72 professional and 72 amateur players. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: professional training (n = 36), professional control (n = 36), amateur training (n = 36), and amateur control (n = 36). The intervention groups performed a structured hamstring-specific exercise protocol consisting of three bodyweight exercises: the Diver, Glider, and Single-Leg Hip Bridge. The program was implemented twice weekly for 12 weeks alongside regular soccer training. Training volume was progressively increased throughout the intervention period. The control groups continued their usual soccer training without performing the additional hamstring-specific exercise protocol. Athletic performance was assessed before and after the intervention using vertical jump and countermovement jump tests, the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, one-repetition maximum squat and deadlift tests, eccentric hamstring strength measurements, and maximal sprint velocity assessments. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether adding a structured hamstring strengthening program to regular soccer training improves physical performance and whether professional and amateur soccer players respond differently to the intervention. The findings may help physiotherapists, sports scientists, and strength and conditioning coaches better understand the role of hamstring-specific training in soccer performance.
Official title: The Chronic Effect of a Hamstring-Specific Exercise Protocol on Athletic Performance Indicators in Amateur and Professional Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
18 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
144
Start Date
2025-05-14
Completion Date
2025-08-06
Last Updated
2026-10-08
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Hamstring-Specific Exercise Protocol (HSEP)
The hamstring-specific exercise protocol (HSEP) consisted of three bodyweight exercises: Diver, Glider, and Single-Leg Hip Bridge. The intervention was performed twice weekly for 12 consecutive weeks during the competitive season, in addition to regular soccer training. Each session began with a 10-minute general and dynamic warm-up. Training volume was progressively increased, with 3 sets of 12 repetitions during weeks 1-4, 3 sets of 16 repetitions during weeks 5-8, and 3 sets of 20 repetitions during weeks 9-12. All exercises were supervised by athletic performance coaches, with a supervision ratio of one coach per four players. The control groups continued their regular soccer training without receiving the additional HSEP intervention.
Locations (1)
Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)