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IRCT20260624069940N8 IRCT 2026-09-09 Tarbiat Modares University Comparison of three training methods on soccer performance and skills in adolescent players Comparison of the effects of eight weeks of neuromuscular, plyometric, and combined training on soccer performance and skills in adolescent male players with different levels of biological maturation and motor competence 2026-09-16 anticipated 60 Pending https://irct.ir/trial/92579 interventional Randomization: Randomized, Blinding: Single blinded, Placebo: Not used, Assignment: Parallel, Purpose: Supportive, Other design features: Randomized controlled trial, single-blind (outcome assessors), with four parallel groups and pre-test/post-test design, Randomization description: After initial screening and confirmation of eligibility, the names of all eligible participants are recorded alphabetically in a preliminary list. Using the free online software Randomization.com (available at: www.randomization.com), a simple randomization sequence is generated with individual as the unit of randomization. The total number of participants (60) is entered into the software and the "Simple Randomization" option is selected. The software assigns each participant equally and randomly to one of four study groups (Neuromuscular, Plyometric, Combined, and Control) using a random number-based algorithm. Since no stratification is used, all participants have an equal chance of being assigned to any of the four groups. The randomization sequence is printed as a table and placed into sealed, opaque, and numbered envelopes to ensure full allocation concealment. Each envelope is numbered externally and is opened only after completion of pre-test assessments by an independent person (not involved in the research process), in the order of the envelope numbers, and the participant is allocated to the corresponding group. This process is repeated for all 60 participants, with no possibility of interference or prediction in group allocation, Blinding description: In this study, due to the nature of the exercise intervention, complete blinding is not possible. However, outcome assessors who are responsible for administering the performance and skill tests will be blinded to participants' group allocation. Participants, the principal investigator, and trainers are aware of the intervention type. Outcome assessors are blinded through participant coding and lack of access to group allocation information. N/A Soccer. Intervention 1: Intervention group 1 (Neuromuscular): Neuromuscular training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Each session includes 10 minutes of warm-up with light running and dynamic stretching, 30 to 40 minutes of specialized exercises including core stability, motor control, proprioception, balance, correction of basic movement patterns (squats, lunges, change of direction), and low to moderate intensity strength exercises (2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions), and 5 to 10 minutes of cool-down with static stretching. Exercise intensity and difficulty will gradually increase over the 8 weeks. Intervention 2: Intervention group 2 (Plyometric): Plyometric training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Each session includes 10 minutes of warm-up with light running and dynamic stretching, 30 to 40 minutes of specialized exercises including vertical jumps, horizontal jumps, single-leg hops, continuous bounding, reactive plyometrics, and explosive change of direction (2 to 3 sets of 6 to 10 repetitions) with gradual progressive overload, and 5 to 10 minutes of cool-down with static stretching. Special emphasis is placed on landing quality and motor control in all exercises. Intervention 3: Intervention group 3 (Combined): Combined training (neuromuscular and plyometric) for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Each session includes 10 minutes of warm-up with light running and dynamic stretching, 30 to 40 minutes of combined training including 20 to 25 minutes of neuromuscular exercises (core stability, motor control, balance, and movement pattern correction) and 15 to 20 minutes of plyometric exercises (vertical jumps, horizontal jumps, and explosive change of direction) with gradual progressive overload, and 5 to 10 minutes of cool-down with static stretching. The goal is to create integrated effects on neuromuscular control and explosive power. Intervention 4: Control group: Participants in this group receive no structured training intervention outside their regular team training and are asked to continue their normal daily activities and football training throughout the 8‑week study period. After the study completion, if the interventions prove effective, the beneficial training program will be offered to this group as well. Yes - There is a plan to make this available What will be shared: De-identified individual participant data, study protocol, statistical analysis plan, informed consent form, clinical study report, and data dictionary: All collected data related to outcome variables (physical performance indicators and football technical skills) will be shared completely without identifying information. Documentation regarding methodology, forms used, and analysis plan will also be provided. When: Six months after publication of study results To whom: Researchers affiliated with reputable academic and scientific institutions who have an approved research proposal by their institutional ethics committee. Conditions: Data may be used solely for research purposes and secondary analyses related to exercise physiology and sports performance. Commercial use of the data is not permitted. All users must adhere to ethical requirements and maintain data confidentiality, and must report any findings from their analyses to the primary authors. Requests must include a detailed description of the project and its objectives. Where to obtain: To request data, please contact the corresponding author, Mr. Alaa Al-shamilavi, via email at Al-shamilavi@modares.ac.ir. Requests may also be submitted through the Department of Exercise Sciences at Tarbiat Modares University. How to obtain: Upon submission of a request via email, the corresponding author will review the application. After approval by the university ethics committee, the request will be forwarded to the research team. If finally approved, de-identified data will be provided within two to four weeks via email or a secure data-sharing platform. Comments: Data will be provided solely for non-commercial purposes, with full adherence to ethical principles and confidentiality of participant information.
public Alaa Al-shamilavi
Tarbiat Modares University, Shahid Chamran Blvd., Tehran, Iran
Tehran Iran (Islamic Republic of) ۱۴۱۱۵۱۱۱۱ +98 21 8288 5063 Al-shamilavi@modares.ac.ir Tarbiat Modares University scientific Dr. Shahnaz Shahrbanian
Tarbiat Modares University, Shahid Chamran Blvd., Tehran, Iran
Tehran Iran (Islamic Republic of) ۱۴۱۱۵۱۱۱۱ +98 21 8288 5063 sh.shahrbanian@modares.ac.ir Tarbiat Modares University Iran (Islamic Republic of) Male adolescents aged 13 to 16 years At least 2 years of regular football training in an academy or club Medical clearance from a sports physician No acute or chronic injury in the last 3 months Biological maturation within -2 to +2 years from Peak Height Velocity Motor competence at least at the 10th percentile of normal Written informed consent from both adolescent and parents No use of performance- or growth-affecting medications 13 years 16 years Male History of grade 2 or higher acute lower limb injury in the last 6 months Uncontrolled chronic diseases Use of steroidal medications or growth hormones Concurrent participation in another training program outside the study Y93.66 Activity, soccer (فعالیت، فوتبال) Behavior Behavior Behavior Other Intervention group 1 (Neuromuscular): Neuromuscular training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Each session includes 10 minutes of warm-up with light running and dynamic stretching, 30 to 40 minutes of specialized exercises including core stability, motor control, proprioception, balance, correction of basic movement patterns (squats, lunges, change of direction), and low to moderate intensity strength exercises (2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions), and 5 to 10 minutes of cool-down with static stretching. Exercise intensity and difficulty will gradually increase over the 8 weeks. Intervention group 2 (Plyometric): Plyometric training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Each session includes 10 minutes of warm-up with light running and dynamic stretching, 30 to 40 minutes of specialized exercises including vertical jumps, horizontal jumps, single-leg hops, continuous bounding, reactive plyometrics, and explosive change of direction (2 to 3 sets of 6 to 10 repetitions) with gradual progressive overload, and 5 to 10 minutes of cool-down with static stretching. Special emphasis is placed on landing quality and motor control in all exercises. Intervention group 3 (Combined): Combined training (neuromuscular and plyometric) for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Each session includes 10 minutes of warm-up with light running and dynamic stretching, 30 to 40 minutes of combined training including 20 to 25 minutes of neuromuscular exercises (core stability, motor control, balance, and movement pattern correction) and 15 to 20 minutes of plyometric exercises (vertical jumps, horizontal jumps, and explosive change of direction) with gradual progressive overload, and 5 to 10 minutes of cool-down with static stretching. The goal is to create integrated effects on neuromuscular control and explosive power. Control group: Participants in this group receive no structured training intervention outside their regular team training and are asked to continue their normal daily activities and football training throughout the 8‑week study period. After the study completion, if the interventions prove effective, the beneficial training program will be offered to this group as well. Lower Body Strength. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: Vertical Jump Test using Vertec device or jump mat; measuring jump height in centimeters; each test repeated three times and the best result is recorded. Sprint Speed. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: 20-Meter Sprint Test using digital stopwatch or photocells; recording time in seconds; each test repeated twice and the best time is recorded. Agility. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: T-Agility Test; recording completion time using digital stopwatch in seconds; each test repeated twice and the best time is recorded. Upper Body Strength. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: Bench Press Test with light to moderate barbell; recording maximum repeatable weight (one repetition maximum) in kilograms. Aerobic Endurance. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; recording distance covered until exhaustion in meters. Anaerobic Power. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (six 35-meter maximal sprints with 10 seconds rest); calculating peak power, mean power, and fatigue index. Passing Accuracy. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: Passing to designated targets from a standard distance; recording the number of accurate passes to the target out of total attempts (as a percentage). Shooting Accuracy. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: Shooting to designated targets in four corners of the goal from a standard distance; recording the number of accurate shots to the target out of total attempts (as a percentage). Ball Control and Dribbling. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: Dribbling Test in a zigzag course with designated obstacles; recording completion time using stopwatch in seconds. Decision-Making in Game. Timepoint: Before the intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Method of measurement: Small-Sided Game Test; recording decision-making quality (correct pass, positioning, appropriate dribbling) by coaches using a standard performance analysis checklist. Tarbiat Modares University Approved 2026-07-18 Research Ethics Committee of Tarbiat Modares University Tarbiat Modares University, Shahid Chamran Blvd., Tehran, Iran Tehran Tehran Iran (Islamic Republic of)