The influence of weight vest training on the aerobic performance of soccer players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v75.117850Keywords:
Aerobic capacity, weight vest, VO2Max, maximal aerobic speed, footballAbstract
Introduction: In modern football, aerobic capacity is crucial in sustaining high-intensity intermittent activity and maintaining performance stability throughout the match. Training strategies integrating external loads, such as weight vests, enhance physiological adaptations without altering players' fundamental movement patterns.
Objective: This study analysed the effects of training with a weight vest on football players' aerobic capacity.
Methodology: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group involving 20 male soccer players (mean age: 20.1 ± 0.73 years). Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10, weight vest: 4.98 ± 0.43 kg) and a control group (n = 10, weight vest: 0.00 ± 0.00 kg). Both groups completed 12 structured aerobic training sessions, including high-intensity interval running and technical drills. Aerobic capacity was measured using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, and data were analysed with the Shapiro–Wilk, Levene’s test, Independent Sample t-test, and Cohen’s d for effect size.
Results: The results showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups for VO₂max (Δ4.37 vs. Δ2.65 ml/kg/min; p = 0.024, d = 0.88) and MAS (Δ0.40 vs. Δ0.25 m/s; p = 0.022, d = 0.82).
Discussion: These findings indicate that training with a weight vest provides substantial physiological benefits and accelerates aerobic adaptation in soccer players.
Conclusions: A weight vest can be recommended as an efficient and practical training strategy for optimising aerobic performance and supporting endurance in modern football.
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