Flywheel resistance training improves change of direction in team sport athletes

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effect of flywheel resistance training on change of direction performance in team sport athletes. The population was team sport athletes, though the specific sample size and setting were not reported. The intervention was flywheel resistance training, and the comparator was non-flywheel training methods. The follow-up period was 0.9 months.

The primary outcome was change of direction performance. The meta-analysis found a significant overall enhancement with a pooled effect size of -0.62. For adult athletes, the effect was greater with an effect size of -1.07, and the 95% confidence interval was -1.51 to -0.64. For athletes aged under 16, the result was not significant, with an effect size of 0.16 and a 95% CI of -0.56 to 0.89.

Training frequency influenced outcomes. A frequency of less than 2 sessions per week produced a more substantial effect with an effect size of -1.18 (95% CI -1.71 to -0.64). A frequency of 2 or more sessions per week resulted in a less substantial effect with an effect size of -0.37 (95% CI -0.93 to 0.18). Training duration also mattered. A duration greater than 8 weeks led to superior outcomes with an effect size of -1.46 (95% CI -2.04 to -0.88). A duration of 8 weeks or less resulted in inferior outcomes with an effect size of -0.44 (95% CI -0.93 to 0.04).

Key secondary outcomes included specific agility tests. The T-test showed superior sensitivity with an effect size of -2.10 (95% CI -3.43 to -0.77). The Illinois agility test also showed superior sensitivity with an effect size of -1.19 (95% CI -1.80 to -0.57). The V-cut test demonstrated superior sensitivity with an effect size of -0.65 (95% CI -0.96 to -0.33). The shuttle run test showed inferior sensitivity with an effect size of -0.27 (95% CI -0.82 to 0.29), which was not significant.

Safety and tolerability findings were not reported. The review did not provide data on adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or overall tolerability.

These results can be compared to prior landmark studies in this therapeutic area. The review synthesizes existing evidence but does not report a direct comparison to specific prior trials. The practice relevance note states that flywheel resistance training is an effective strategy for improving change of direction performance in team sport athletes, particularly when implemented with lower frequency and longer duration.

Key methodological limitations were not reported in the input. Potential biases may include the lack of reported sample size, setting, and study quality assessment. The causality note suggests the observed benefits are likely attributed to enhanced eccentric strength, neuromuscular efficiency, and braking capacity, but this is an interpretation.

Clinical implications are that flywheel resistance training may be considered for improving agility in team sport athletes. Practitioners should note the greater efficacy in adults and the importance of training frequency and duration. What questions remain unanswered include the optimal specific protocols, long-term effects, and applicability to other athlete populations.