Background It is well-established that strength training (ST) improves physical fitness in young athletes. However, its specific effects on hormonal changes in female soccer players are unresolved. Objectives We examined the influence of a twelve-week ST program conducted twice per week on soccer-related measures of physical fitness and hormonal profiles in adolescent elite female soccer players. Methods Twenty-four elite young female soccer players aged 15.3 ± 0.9 years (body-mass-index [BMI]: 20.8 ± 1.9 kg/m²) and Tier 4 training and performance caliber participated in this study. Players were randomly assigned to either an ST group (STG, n = 12) or an active control group (CG, n = 12). Several parameters were determined pre- and post-training including absolute and relative to kg body mass 1-RM in bench/leg press, countermovement jump (CMJ), linear sprint speed (5-m, 10-m, 30-m sprints), speed of changing directions (T-test with and without ball), sport-specific efficiency (Yo-Yo Intermittent Level1 [YYIRTL1]) and repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA). Cortisol (C), testosterone (T), growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were assessed using blood samples collected after 12 h of fasting, before and after the ST program. Results No significant baseline between-group differences were observed. Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found for muscle strength measures (e.g., relative 1-RM leg press, p = 0.046, d = 0.59), vertical jump performance (e.g., CMJ, p = 0.007, d = 1.28), and soccer-specific performance (e.g., RSSAMean, p < 0.001, d = 2.67). Post-hoc tests demonstrated significant increases for 1-RM leg press (p = 0.046, d = 0.59), CMJ (p = 0.007, d = 1.28), and RSSAMean (p < 0.001, d = 2.67) in STG. Furthermore, no significant group-by-time interactions were observed for hormonal markers (T, C, GH, and IGF-1; p > 0.05). Conclusion While the ST program significantly improved physical fitness in adolescent female Tier 4 soccer players, no substantial changes were observed in hormonal markers. These findings suggest that ST-related physical adaptations observed in this population may not be directly linked to the hormonal markers measured in this study. Trial registration Clinical trial number PACTR202504552619186 <a href="https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Search.aspx">https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Search.aspx</a> Date of registration: 14/04/2025. “Retrospectively registered” Our study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.

Physical fitness and hormonal responses to strength training in adolescent elite female soccer players

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2026年7月6日

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Manel Darragi,
Amira B. M. Zouita,
Mariem Bousselmi,
Asma Kerir,
Houssem M. Karamti,
Ayoub Saeidi,
Anthony C. Hackney,
Urs Granacher,
Hassane Zouhal

摘要

Background

It is well-established that strength training (ST) improves physical fitness in young athletes. However, its specific effects on hormonal changes in female soccer players are unresolved.

Objectives

We examined the influence of a twelve-week ST program conducted twice per week on soccer-related measures of physical fitness and hormonal profiles in adolescent elite female soccer players.

Methods

Twenty-four elite young female soccer players aged 15.3 ± 0.9 years (body-mass-index [BMI]: 20.8 ± 1.9 kg/m²) and Tier 4 training and performance caliber participated in this study. Players were randomly assigned to either an ST group (STG, n = 12) or an active control group (CG, n = 12). Several parameters were determined pre- and post-training including absolute and relative to kg body mass 1-RM in bench/leg press, countermovement jump (CMJ), linear sprint speed (5-m, 10-m, 30-m sprints), speed of changing directions (T-test with and without ball), sport-specific efficiency (Yo-Yo Intermittent Level1 [YYIRTL1]) and repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA). Cortisol (C), testosterone (T), growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were assessed using blood samples collected after 12 h of fasting, before and after the ST program.

Results

No significant baseline between-group differences were observed. Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found for muscle strength measures (e.g., relative 1-RM leg press, p = 0.046, d = 0.59), vertical jump performance (e.g., CMJ, p = 0.007, d = 1.28), and soccer-specific performance (e.g., RSSA_Mean, p < 0.001, d = 2.67). Post-hoc tests demonstrated significant increases for 1-RM leg press (p = 0.046, d = 0.59), CMJ (p = 0.007, d = 1.28), and RSSA_Mean (p < 0.001, d = 2.67) in STG. Furthermore, no significant group-by-time interactions were observed for hormonal markers (T, C, GH, and IGF-1; p > 0.05).

Conclusion

While the ST program significantly improved physical fitness in adolescent female Tier 4 soccer players, no substantial changes were observed in hormonal markers. These findings suggest that ST-related physical adaptations observed in this population may not be directly linked to the hormonal markers measured in this study.

Trial registration

Clinical trial number PACTR202504552619186

https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Search.aspx

Date of registration: 14/04/2025.

“Retrospectively registered”

Our study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.