Soccer PerformanceNCT05534191
Off-season Training Effects on U19 Soccer Players
A study of Soccer Performance, run by Aalborg University at 1 site in Norway.
Trial summary
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether functional strength and power training or traditional strength and power training during the off-season can improve soccer-specific performance in trained male U19 Norwegian soccer players. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 16 to 20 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Soccer Performance
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 53 participants
- Where
- 1 siteNorway
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2023to 14 Jan 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 16 to 20 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male soccer players aged 16-20 years.
- Active competitors in the Norwegian G19 0. Division or the Norwegian Tipping League (Senior 3. Division).
- Minimum of eight years of organized soccer experience.
- At least two years of structured resistance training experience.
- No concurrent involvement in other structured physical activity programs.
Who cannot join
- History of lower-limb injury within the past three months.
- Inability to meet the required training attendance (≥14 out of 16 sessions).
- Participation in additional structured training programs outside the intervention.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Functional and Traditional Strength and Power Training on U19 Soccer Players During Off-season in Norway: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether functional strength and power training or traditional strength and power training during the off-season can improve soccer-specific performance in trained male U19 Norwegian soccer players.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
Does functional training lead to greater improvements in technical soccer skills (passing, shooting, dribbling) compared to traditional training?
Do both training modalities improve mobility, dynamic balance, sprint speed, change of direction, and jumping performance?
Researchers will compare the functional training group, the traditional training group, and a control group to see if either training approach provides superior performance benefits.
Participants will:
Take part in an 8-week intervention.
Complete two weekly strength sessions (functional or traditional depending on allocation).
Attend two weekly soccer sessions during the first 4 weeks (all groups).
Undergo a standardized test battery measuring mobility, balance, technical skills, sprinting, change of direction, and vertical jump before and after the intervention.
- Conditions
- Soccer Performance
- Being tested
- Experimental, comparator and control
- Keywords
- Technical skills, Power, Coordination, Speed
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Experimental, comparator and controlOther
To quantify the effect of a strength intervention for footballers on improved range of motion, balance, speed, jump height, and technical football skills compared to a training group performing basic power exercises and machine-based strength training and a control group.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention | Experimental | This group will use a functional training system developed specifically for football players to improve their physical strength and movement abilities on the field. Receives: Other: Experimental, comparator and control |
| Positive control | Active comparator | This group will use general strength exercises with the purpose of improving physical strength. Receives: Other: Experimental, comparator and control |
| Negative control | No intervention | Control group A group that is not treated |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Loughborough soccer passing test
Measure precision in passing (Seconds)
Measured: Day 1
Loughborough soccer passing test
Measure precision in passing (Seconds)
Measured: 2 months
Loughborough soccer shooting test
Measure precision in shooting and reaction (Points and secounds )
Measured: Day 1
Loughborough soccer shooting test
Measure precision in shooting and reaction (Points and secounds )
Measured: 2 months
Agility with ball
Measure technical abilities with the ball (Seconds)
Measured: Day 1
Agility with ball
Measure technical abilities with the ball (Seconds)
Measured: 2 months
Secondary outcomes (16)
Active knee extension test
Measure range of motion (Degrees)
Measured: Day 1
Active knee extension test
Measure range of motion (Degrees)
Measured: 2 months
Hip External rotation
Measure range of motion (Degrees)
Measured: Day 1
Hip External rotation
Measure range of motion (Degrees)
Measured: 2 months
Hip Internal rotation
Measure range of motion (Degrees)
Measured: Day 1
Hip Internal rotation
Measure range of motion (Degrees)
Measured: 2 months
Active dorsi flexion test
Measure range of motion (Degrees)
Measured: Day 1
Active dorsi flexion test
Measure range of motion (Degrees)
Measured: 2 months
Dynamic leap balance test
Measure improved dynamic balance (Secounds)
Measured: Day 1
Dynamic leap balance test
Measure improved dynamic balance (Secounds)
Measured: 2 months
S180 sprinting test
Measure change of direction abilities (Secounds)
Measured: Day 1
S180 sprinting test
Measure change of direction abilities (Secounds)
Measured: 2 months
Vertical jumping test
Measure jumping abilities (Cm)
Measured: Day 1
Vertical jumping test
Measure jumping abilities (Cm)
Measured: 2 months
10 m and 20 m linear sprint
Measure the ability to accelerate and maximum speed (Seconds; Km/h)
Measured: Day 1
10 m and 20 m linear sprint
Measure the ability to accelerate and maximum speed (Seconds; Km/h)
Measured: 2 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Sep 2022
- Study start1 Sep 2023
- Primary completion14 Jan 2024
- Study completion14 Jan 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Soccer PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 53 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Aalborg University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Research Council of Norway
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Lasse Engberg Treu Lassen, Aalborg University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05534191
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 438956
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 26 Aug 2022
- Last updated
- 4 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Engberg Treu Lassen L, Kersting UG, Pessoto Hirata R. Comparison of Functional and Traditional Strength and Power Training on U19 Soccer Players During Offseason in Norway: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Strength Cond Res. 2026 Oct 20. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005676. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 42899830
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Functional and Traditional Strength and Power Training on U19 Soccer Players During Off-season in Norway: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05534191
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 438956
- Conditions
- Soccer Performance
- Keywords
- Technical skills, Power, Coordination, Speed
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 53 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Aalborg UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Research Council of Norway
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 14 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 14 Jan 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 9 Sep 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether functional strength and power training or traditional strength and power training during the off-season can improve soccer-specific performance in trained male U19 Norwegian soccer players.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does functional training lead to greater improvements in technical soccer skills (passing, shooting, dribbling) compared to traditional training?
Do both training modalities improve mobility, dynamic balance, sprint speed, change of direction, and jumping performance?
Researchers will compare the functional training group, the traditional training group, and a control group to see if either training approach provides superior performance benefits.
Participants will:
Take part in an 8-week intervention.
Complete two weekly strength sessions (functional or traditional depending on allocation).
Attend two weekly soccer sessions during the first 4 weeks (all groups).
Undergo a standardized test battery measuring mobility, balance, technical skills, sprinting, change of direction, and vertical jump before and after the intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention | Experimental | Other: Experimental, comparator and controlThis group will use a functional training system developed specifically for football players to improve their physical strength and movement abilities on the field. |
| Positive control | Active comparator | Other: Experimental, comparator and controlThis group will use general strength exercises with the purpose of improving physical strength. |
| Negative control | No intervention | –Control group A group that is not treated |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 16 to 20 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male soccer players aged 16-20 years.
- Active competitors in the Norwegian G19 0. Division or the Norwegian Tipping League (Senior 3. Division).
- Minimum of eight years of organized soccer experience.
- At least two years of structured resistance training experience.
- No concurrent involvement in other structured physical activity programs.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- History of lower-limb injury within the past three months.
- Inability to meet the required training attendance (≥14 out of 16 sessions).
- Participation in additional structured training programs outside the intervention.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental, comparator and controlTo quantify the effect of a strength intervention for footballers on improved range of motion, balance, speed, jump height, and technical football skills compared to a training group performing basic power exercises and machine-based strength training and a control group. | Other | Intervention, Positive control |
Primary outcome
Loughborough soccer passing test
Time frame: Day 1
Measure precision in passing (Seconds)
Loughborough soccer passing test
Time frame: 2 months
Measure precision in passing (Seconds)
Loughborough soccer shooting test
Time frame: Day 1
Measure precision in shooting and reaction (Points and secounds )
Loughborough soccer shooting test
Time frame: 2 months
Measure precision in shooting and reaction (Points and secounds )
Agility with ball
Time frame: Day 1
Measure technical abilities with the ball (Seconds)
Agility with ball
Time frame: 2 months
Measure technical abilities with the ball (Seconds)
16 secondary outcomes
Active knee extension test
Time frame: Day 1
Active knee extension test
Time frame: 2 months
Hip External rotation
Time frame: Day 1
Hip External rotation
Time frame: 2 months
Hip Internal rotation
Time frame: Day 1
Hip Internal rotation
Time frame: 2 months
Active dorsi flexion test
Time frame: Day 1
Active dorsi flexion test
Time frame: 2 months
Dynamic leap balance test
Time frame: Day 1
Dynamic leap balance test
Time frame: 2 months
S180 sprinting test
Time frame: Day 1
S180 sprinting test
Time frame: 2 months
Vertical jumping test
Time frame: Day 1
Vertical jumping test
Time frame: 2 months
10 m and 20 m linear sprint
Time frame: Day 1
10 m and 20 m linear sprint
Time frame: 2 months
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Sep 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42899830Engberg Treu Lassen L, Kersting UG, Pessoto Hirata R. Comparison of Functional and Traditional Strength and Power Training on U19 Soccer Players During Offseason in Norway: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Strength Cond Res. 2026 Oct 20. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005676. Online ahead of print.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study of Soccer Performance, run by Aalborg University at 1 site in Norway.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Norway. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Loughborough soccer passing test (time frame: Day 1). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05534191, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Sep 2025.