Acute effects of plyometric-dynamic stretching sequencing on athletic and neuromuscular performance in soccer players: A randomized crossover trial

Comparing two sequences of dynamic stretching and plyometric drop jumps on athletic and neuromuscular performance in amateur soccer players.

Randomized, double-blind, three-arm crossover trial, phase not applicable, on 20 soccer players. Randomization using randomizer.org with allocation concealment by sealed opaque envelopes.

This randomized three-arm crossover trial on 20 amateur soccer players in Türkiye compared DS+DJ, DJ+DS, and control conditions across separate sessions. Outcome assessors and data analysts were blinded.

Inclusion: Male soccer players, 18-25 years, amateur competitive level, ≥3 training sessions/week + 1 match/week, forward/midfielder/full-back, ≥6 months training, no lower limb injury in last 3 months. Exclusion: Goalkeepers, central defenders, active musculoskeletal injuries, performance-enhancing supplements, unable to complete sessions, contraindicated medical conditions.

DS+DJ group: After a 5-minute standard warm-up, participants performed dynamic stretching (2 leg swing exercises, 15 repetitions each) followed by 3 plyometric drop jumps from an individualized box height (30-50 cm). DJ+DS group: After a 5-minute standard warm-up, participants performed 3 plyometric drop jumps from an individualized box height (30-50 cm) followed by dynamic stretching (2 leg swing exercises, 15 repetitions each). Control group (CC): After a 5-minute standard warm-up, participants rested passively in a seated position for 5 minutes with no additional exercises.

L-drill maneuverability time; RSA total time; RSA fatigue index; 10m linear sprint time; CMJ height; standing broad jump distance

In this randomized crossover trial with three experimental conditions (DS+DJ, DJ+DS, and CC), the randomization sequence was generated by an independent researcher using randomizer.org software employing a balanced Latin square design to ensure that each condition appeared equally often in the first, second, and third positions across participants. The unit of randomization was individual, and no stratification was used. For allocation concealment, the generated sequences were placed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes, which were opened by the intervention deliverer only after completion of the standard warm-up and immediately before delivery of the experimental intervention. It should be noted that no quasi-randomization methods (such as allocation based on birth date or odd/even numbers) were used in this study.

Due to the nature of the exercise interventions, participants and the intervention deliverer could not be blinded to condition allocation. However, outcome assessors responsible for administering performance tests and recording measurements were blinded to condition allocation, and data analysts were also blinded until the completion of the primary statistical analysis. Therefore, this study is considered double-blind.

All data will be shared after anonymizing individuals, ensuring their non-identifiability.

The data access period will start immeduately after the results are printed.

The data will be made available to researchers, organizations, and institutions related to the field of football and also for publication in accessible journals.

In order to assist scientific research and promote the implementation of executive goals with a focus on reducing musculoskeletal injuries and enhancing the performance of football players in the field.

Mohammad Alimoradi/malimoradisport@gmail.com

Requests for access to data will be answered within a week