Effects of a priming session with heavy sled pushes on neuromuscular performance and perceived recovery in soccer players: a crossover design study during competitive microcycles
2025

Effects of Heavy Sled Pushes on Soccer Players' Performance

Sample size: 16 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pino-Mulero Víctor, Soriano Marcos A, Giuliano Francisco, González-García Jaime

Primary Institution: Camilo José Cela University, Faculty of Health Science, Madrid, Spain

Hypothesis

The priming session could improve 20 m sprint times and vertical jump performance without impacting perceived recovery.

Conclusion

Heavy sled pushes as a priming exercise improve sprint times and vertical jump height in soccer players without affecting their perceived recovery.

Supporting Evidence

  • 62.5% of participants ran faster after the priming session.
  • 81.3% of participants jumped higher after the priming session.
  • The priming session did not alter perceived recovery values at 24 hours.

Takeaway

Doing heavy sled pushes before a game can help soccer players run faster and jump higher, but it doesn't make them feel more tired.

Methodology

A crossover design study comparing performance after a priming session with heavy sled pushes versus a control condition.

Potential Biases

Potential variability in individual responses to the priming session and the subjective nature of perceived recovery assessments.

Limitations

The study lacked a baseline assessment 24 hours before the post-priming evaluation and did not include objective recovery measures.

Participant Demographics

Young semi-professional soccer players, mean age 18 years, with an average body mass of 68.3 kg and height of 1.80 m.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001

Statistical Significance

p < 0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.5114/biolsport.2025.139082

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