Mobile technologies in the conditioning training methodology for 16–17-year-old football players using athletics means

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of the study is to empirically verify the effectiveness of the conditioning training method for 16–17-year-old football players using athletics exercises. Methods. The study was conducted over 16 weeks with the participation of 24 football players aged 16–17, randomized into a control (CG, n = 12) and an experimental group (EG, n = 12), the equivalence of which according to baseline indicators was confirmed for five of the six parameters (p = 0.718–0.976). Pedagogical testing was carried out using standardized field tests: Yo-Yo IR1, 10 m and 30 m sprint, CMJ, shuttle run, COD test. Load control was provided through GPS-tracking of external load, heart rate monitoring with TRIMP and session-RPE calculation, and video analysis of technical parameters in the Kinovea environment. Data processing was carried out using nonparametric methods (Mann–Whitney test, Wilcoxon test) with calculation of the effect size (d). The originality of the proposed method lies in the development of digital monitoring of training load based on publicly available mobile technologies. Results. The implementation of the 16-week program resulted in statistically significant changes in all studied indicators in the EG (p = 0.001), while in the CG a significant increase was recorded in only two of the six parameters. The most pronounced adaptive changes were recorded in the indicators of aerobic-anaerobic endurance (Yo-Yo IR1: +15.65%; d = 12.86), explosive strength of the lower extremities (CMJ: +11.10%; d = 9.98), agility in shuttle running (–4.86%; d = 19.87), ability to change direction (COD: –4.49%; d = 6.38), starting acceleration (10 m sprint: –3.93%; d = 12.46) and distance speed (30 m sprint: –5.31%; d = 5.41). Intergroup differences after the intervention are statistically significant for all parameters (p = 0.001–0.029). Conclusions. Mobile monitoring technologies combined with the systematic use of athletics equipment in the block structure of training provide a significantly higher level of development of the leading components of physical fitness of players compared to the traditional training approach. It has been proven that the available digital tools (GPS trackers, mobile applications for HRV monitoring, free video analytics software) are methodologically sufficient for the implementation of objectified workload management in domestic football academies.