Effect of 8-week resistance-plyometric exercises on changes in bone mineral density and content in soccer players

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 8 weeks of resistance - plyometric training on bone density and Bone mineral content changes of soccer players.

The present study was a quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test design that Twenty elite soccer players (age: 20/35 ± 2/25 years, height: 178/05 ± 5/68 cm, weight: 68/4 ± 7/59 kg) who had no injury and bone fractures in recent years with at least 6 years’ experience in soccer were participated in this study. Players were randomly divided into experimental and control groups equally. Both groups had special soccer training, the experimental group in addition to professional soccer training participated in three sessions a week for eight weeks with an average intensity of 65%, they performed the maximum of resistance - plyometric training. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using independent t-test. Levels of bone density before and after eight weeks were evaluated with DEXA.

The results showed that bone mineral density in lumbar and femur (P=0.001) and bone mineral content in lumbar and femur (P=0.015) were significantly increased in experimental group after 8 weeks but in control group. While there was no difference in the control group.

It can be concluded that resistance - plyometric training can increase bone mineral density levels in soccer players, so to prevent injuries and bone fractures in soccer players these exercise are recommended.