Effects of Complex and Contrast Training on Strength, Power, and Agility in Professional Futsal Players: A Preliminary Study

Post-activation potentiation has been considered an effective intervention in relation to improving sports performance in several modalities. Specifically, indoor soccer studies have shown significant gains in muscle strength and physical capabilities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two neuromuscular training, pre- and post-8 weeks, with and without induction of post-activation potentiation. All participants were submitted to the counter movement jump protocols, maximum voluntary isometric contraction, three maximum repetitions of knee extensors, 20 m maximum horizontal speed, and Illinois agility test. Significant acute effect was found only at the height of the experimental group, pre- and post-training (0.40 ± 0.04 m and 0.45 ± 0.05 m; P = 0.035). Significant chronic effects were observed only at the height (Control: 0.39 ± 0.05 m and 0.45 ± 0.05 m; P = 0.002) and at maximum strength in three maximum repetitions (Experimental: 112 ± 17 kg and 130 ± 17 kg; P = 0.032), pre- and post-training. Therefore, the 8-week neuromuscular training, with post-activation potentiation induction, results in acute and chronic improvements, and can be adopted as an effective alternative method for the improvement in sports performance.