Objectives: Elastic band training is a popular alternative to traditional resistance methods, but its effects on sport-specific performance in team athletes remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the efficacy of elastic band training on muscular strength, linear sprint, change of direction (COD), and jump height in team sport athletes. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. The quantitative synthesis included studies comparing elastic band training interventions with control groups receiving routine training, habitual physical activity, or no additional resistance training intervention. Data were extracted using a standardized form, and a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the pooled effect of the intervention on key performance indicators. A total of 729 athletes were included. Results: The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant positive effect of elastic band training on lower limb explosive power (SMD = 1.43, p = 0.01), change of direction performance (SMD = −2.54, p = 0.01), and sprint performance (SMD = −1.64, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Elastic band training is a highly effective and practical method for significantly improving key physical performance indicators, including explosive power, COD, and sprint ability, in team sport athletes. Its portability and adaptability make it a valuable alternative or complement to conventional resistance training.

INPLASY202590067 Effects of Elastic Band Training on Physical Performance in Team Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Keywords: Resistance Training; Resistance Band; Strength. Read and do…

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the structure of anthropometric characteristics, motor skills and specific motor skills in young football players. Methods: Study participants (427 male football players) were divided into pre-pioneers (11–13 y), n = 133; pioneers (13–15 y), n = 160; and cadets (15–17 y), n = 134. The entire sample of subjects was evaluated using 13 anthropometric and seven motor variables. The factor structure for each chronological age group was determined using Hotelling’s method. Results: Anthropometric characteristics showed three extracted factors in the pre-pioneers group, four factors in the pioneer group and two factors in the cadet group. Motor skills displayed three factors for the youngest group, two factors for the pioneers and three factors for the cadet group. Four factors were determined for specific motor skills in pre-pioneers, four in pioneers and three in cadet age. Conclusions: This study revealed structural variability and non-uniformity in the latent dimensions across age groups, with the total number of factors fluctuating between two and four. This study revealed two consistent latent dimensions in anthropometric data across all age groups: general morphological parameters and subcutaneous fat tissue. In motor skills, an initial universal factor is separated into central and energetic regulation of movements. Finally, specific motor skills demonstrated a transition from a highly differentiated four-factor structure in younger players toward a more integrated functional system in the oldest cohort, comprising intermuscular coordination, running speed with and without a ball; segmental speed of the lower extremities with a ball; and explosive force in hitting a ball with the foot and head.

Football is a dynamic and physically demanding sport that requires specific biomechanical characteristics and abilities from players. The aim of this research was to analyze the differences in body composition and motor skills of football players depending on their position. The study involved 25 football players aged 12-15 years, competing at the highest level for their age group. The participants were divided based on their positions: defense (n=11; age - 15.13±0.39 years; height - 171.17±5.24 cm; body weight - 59.25±5.99 kg; BMI - 20.16±1.54), midfield (n=12; age - 15.14±0.40 years; height - 165.32±11.4 cm; body weight - 52.84±9.64 kg; BMI - 19.17±1.39), and attack (n=10; age - 15.11±0.37 years; height - 169.32±10.3 cm; body weight - 52.58±10.28 kg; BMI - 17.82±1.73). The results showed that there were no significant differences in muscle mass or subcutaneous fat between different positions (p > .05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in sprint times for 5m, 10m, 30m, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJarm), slalom test, slalom test with the ball, Zig-Zag test, or Zig-Zag test with the ball (p > .05). Further research with a larger sample size could provide additional insights and explanations for the lack of differences. In conclusion, although positional differences were expected, the results indicate that at the age tested, there are still no significant changes when it comes to different positions on the team.