Eccentric-biased leg training may improve change-of-direction performance, review finds
A review of 13 trials found low-certainty evidence that eccentric-biased lower-limb training may help change-of-direction performance. Evidence for jumping and most sprint outcomes remained uncertain, and the studies mainly involved male soccer players.
A Frontiers in Physiology review assessed 13 trials of eccentric-biased lower-limb programs in invasion team-sport athletes.1 The review found low-certainty evidence of a possible improvement in change-of-direction tests.1
Evidence for other jump and sprint outcomes was very uncertain or sensitive to study exclusions.1
The findings mainly concerned male soccer players at the first post-training assessment.1 That narrow evidence base limits how confidently coaches can apply the result to other sports or athlete groups.1
