The Effect of a High-Frequency Exercise Program During the Transition Period in Young Football Players.

Abstract

The transition period in football can negatively affect players' fitness indicators. However, if appropriate training programs are implemented during this period, these effects can be reversed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a high-frequency exercise program during the transition period on aerobic capacity, isokinetic torque of the lower limbs, jumping ability, and body composition. The transition period was divided into two phases: the first phase lasted two weeks and involved complete rest from exercise, and the second phase lasted four weeks during which the players completed three aerobic-focused training sessions and two maximum strength training sessions per week. A total of 13 young football players (age 17.8 ± 0.7 years, height 1.78 ± 0.07 m, weight 70.3 ± 8.4 kg) participated in the study. A paired samples t-test was applied, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that players improved their maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) after the program (p = 0.037, t = -2.348). The performance in countermovement jump performance and in the isokinetic torque of the right quadriceps showed a decline (p = 0.009, t = 3.112 & p = 0.004, t = 2.299, respectively), while no changes were observed in any other parameter (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that a program with these characteristics can counteract the negative effects typically observed during the transition period. Moreover, with specialized stimuli, improvement may also be observed during the transitional period.