Effects of hypertrophy and a maximal strength training programme on speed, force and power of soccer players

Muscle hypertrophy and neural adaptations are the mechanisms explaining increased muscle strength (Osteras et al., 2002, Gabriel et al., 2006). According to Osteras et al. (2002) a high-resistance training programme (>85% of one repetition maximum; RM) resulted not only in an increase in power output, but also in a shift of the force-power and force-velocity relationships. Similar training programmes have also resulted in increased maximal strength (Hoff et al., 1999). The improvement of maximal strength in this type of training is explained by neural adaptations (Behm and Sale, 1993), while maximum benefit is gained when maximal mobilization during the concentric phase is emphasized (Almasbakk and Hoff, 1996).