CHRONIC ADAPTATIONS TO COMPLEX AND CONTRAST STRENGTH TRAINING: IMPACTS ON AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC ENDURANCE IN YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS

A well-established positive relationship exists between strength training and soccer performance, as well-designed resistance-based programs can enhance both aerobic and anaerobic capacities, which are essential for the sport. The present study aimed to examine the long-term effects of complex and contrast strength training on aerobic and anaerobic endurance performance in soccer players. The study sample consisted of 30 male athletes (mean height: 180.53 ± 6.339 cm; mean weight: 72.97 ± 7.421 kg; mean age: 18.10 ± 0.712 years) from the Gaziantep F.K. soccer team, competing in the TFF Development League during the 2024–2025 season. Utilizing an experimental design with pre-test and post-test control groups, the research employed quantitative methods to assess changes over time. Baseline aerobic and anaerobic endurance tests were conducted over the first two days, after which participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: complex training, contrast training, or a control group. In addition to regular team practices, the complex and contrast training groups completed 24 training sessions over eight weeks (three sessions per week), while the control group continued with standard weekly training only. Following the intervention period, post-tests for aerobic and anaerobic endurance were administered. Data analysis involved paired sample t-tests for within-group comparisons, one-way ANOVA for between-group differences, and LSD tests for multiple comparisons, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The results indicated that both complex and contrast training significantly improved aerobic and anaerobic endurance compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with notable gains observed in the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (IFT) and Vertical Jump Test. However, no significant differences were found between the complex and contrast training groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the eight-week intervention yielded significant improvements in both aerobic and anaerobic performance among soccer players, suggesting that incorporating complex and contrast strength training into conditioning programs can effectively enhance soccer-specific endurance capacities.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0034/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>