Purpose:
To compare the effects of flywheel resistance training (FRT) vs traditional resistance training (TRT) on neuromuscular performance among elite ice hockey players.
Methods:
18 Finnish elite hockey players were assigned into a FRT group (n = 9) and into a TRT group (n = 9). The training intervention lasted 8 weeks, training frequency was 1 – 2 times per week, and volume was linearly increase throughout the trial. Both groups performed 4 exercises during their training session, however the FRT total training volume was far lower in comparison to the TRT group (>20% difference in total volume). A host of jumping and running assessments were performed before and after the training intervention.
Results:
There were no group effects suggesting both groups improved performance to a similar degree despite the FRT group having lower overall volume. Performance improvements were approximately 5 – 8% for the CMJ tests and 1 – 4% for the sprint tests in both groups. Specifically, there were significant improvements in the CMJ (5.7% vs 4.8%), the split time of the first 20 m sprint (3.2% vs 2.6%), and 200 m sprint time (1.8% vs 1.5%), (FRT vs TRT, respectively).
Key Takeaways: