Biological and physical fitness adaptations in soccer players after jump training: a systematic scoping review

• DOI: 10.5114/hm/199886
• Publication Date: 2025-04-01T07:42:40Z
• Authors: Rohit Kumar Thapa; Exal Garcia-Carrillo; Andrew Sortwell; Paul J. Byrne; José Afonso; Rodrigo Ramirez-C...

PurposeTo conduct a systematic scoping review assessing the effects of jump training in soccer players physical fitness.MethodsIncluded studies incorporated: (i) soccer players; (ii) jump-training interventions; and (iii) outcomes related to physical fitness (e.g. endurance). Selection was not based on comparator groups and/or study designs. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for documents. One author led the process, and a second author independently verified the process. The type of outcome measure determined studies aggrupation [e.g. vertical jump (e.g. height; contact time)], with a narrative synthesis accompanied by data summaries (e.g. percentage).ResultsIncluded studies involved males (adults<i> k</i> = 25; youths <i>k</i> = 52) and females (adults <i>k</i> = 8; youths <i>k</i> = 3). Nonrandomised interventions (single-arm and multi-arm) comprised ~40% of the studies, with durations between 3–96 weeks, and improvements in 1 outcome, including body composition, stiffness, electromyographic activity, potential injury risk factors, kicking velocity, repeated sprint ability, linear sprinting, endurance, balance, maximal strength, and jump performance. However, only 10-13 participants were involved in jump training groups. Further, false significant results and publication bias in favour of studies with significant findings are potentially common issues in the available literature.ConclusionsJump training may improve physical fitness in soccer players. However, methodological issues (e.g. non-randomisedcontrolled studies) and evidence gaps (e.g. fewer female studies) were noted. More and better-designed jump training studies on soccer participants are advised before robust recommendations regarding optimal jump training regimens can be made.