Flywheel vs Traditional Resistance Training for Change of Direction in Elite Soccer Players

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of unilateral flywheel resistance training and unilateral traditional resistance training on change-of-direction performance in elite male soccer players. A total of 22 elite soccer players will be randomly assigned to either a flywheel resistance training group or a traditional resistance training group. Both groups will perform supervised training twice per week for 8 weeks in addition to their regular soccer training. Performance outcomes will include linear sprint tests (10 m and 30 m), pre-planned change-of-direction tests (Pro-agility, T-test, Arrowhead test), and agility tests under no-ball and with-ball conditions (AFL agility test). The primary outcome is change-of-direction performance assessed by the T-test. Secondary outcomes include direction-specific change-of-direction ability and agility performance. It is hypothesized that unilateral flywheel resistance training will produce greater improvements in change-of-direction performance compared with traditional resistance training, particularly in tasks involving braking and re-acceleration.

NCT Number	NCT07567677
Lead Sponsor	Beijing Sport University
Conditions	Change of Direction Performance, Athletic Performance
Enrollment	22 participants
Start Date	2026-02-20
Primary Completion	2026-04-20 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-04-21 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-08