| The current thesis examined the effects of a unilateral strength and plyometric program on power (bilateral and unilateral vertical jumps), speed (20 meter sprint), and agility (Agility T-Test) in collegiate soccer players compared to a traditional bilateral-based training program. Due to the fact that a majority of the research on performance variables in athletes is done using bilat- eral lifting and plyometric programs, yet most movements in field sports such as sprinting and changing direction are unilateral-based, this specific topic could have value for enhanced performance for athletic populations. The participants included 34 male and female Division-I soccer players who were paired up and then randomly assigned to a six week unilateral-based or bilateral-based training program. Pre and post tests were conducted prior to and after the six week training, respectively. In relation to pretest results, athletes' bilateral vertical jump, unilateral ver- tical jump, 20 meter sprint, and T-Agility Test increased after six week training. The test scores were significantly correlated. Multivariate analysis of covariance results showed that pretest co-variates were significant predictors for the corresponding posttest outcome, yet there was not a significant difference between the unilateral and bilateral training group's improvements (Wilks' lambda = .88, F3,13 = .37, p = .86). Athletes in the unilateral training group scored slightly better than those in the bilateral training group, yet not significantly. This study demonstrated the value of a unilateral program on power, speed, and agility, but more research has to be conducted to deter- mine if it could actually be a more optimal program than a traditional bilateral-based program. |
