Abstract

Introduction: A plyometric training based on HIIT that would improve the strength parameters in lower limbs of teenager soccer players has never been completely studied before. Objective: To analyze the effect of a HIIT based plyometric exercise program on muscle strength in Under-17 male soccer players. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Under-17 male soccer players were divided into two groups (Experimental Group [GE] n=12 and Control Group n=12.) The variables used were: The jump (h) height and the Peak power (Pp) through the Sargent Jump Test. The protocol used was a HIIT based plyometric exercise program. The Student's T Test and the Effect Size were used for statistical analysis and the results were calculated with a Cohen's D. Results: Post intervention, only the GE (p < 0.0001; Effect Size = 0.763). showed a significant increase in the h of the Sargent Jump Test. In terms of the Pp, only the GE presented a significant increase post intervention (p < 0.0001; Effect Size = 0.413). Conclusions: The results revealed that a HIIT based plyometric exercise program is an effective tool to improve the height and the Pp in h of Under-17 male soccer players.