Background Repetition tempo may alter mechanical loading and neuromuscular responses, influencing post-activation performance enhancement and chronic adaptations. Evidence for tempo-specific effects within complex training is limited. We compared the effects of three squat tempos on strength, power, and neuromuscular activity in male collegiate soccer players. Methods Thirty players were randomized to slow eccentric–fast concentric (SE; 5-0-X-0), isometric–fast concentric (IC; 1-5-X-0), or accelerated eccentric–fast concentric (AE; 2-0-X-0) complex training for 6 weeks (2 sessions/week), with identical load and volume. Outcomes were 1RM squat, CMJ, SJ, CMJ peak power, RSImod, and V-Drill reactive agility. EMG (vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius) was analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and SPM1D. Results Significant improvements over time were observed for 1RM (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.954), CMJ height (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.880), RSImod (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.960), CMJ peak power (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.916), and V-Drill performance (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.859) across all groups. Significant time × group interactions were found for 1RM (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.850), RSImod (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.717), CMJ peak power (P = 0.015; η²p = 0.269), and SJ height (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.577). Specifically, the SE demonstrated the largest 1RM increase (+ 17.6%), whereas SJ height increased in the IC (+ 7.3%) but decreased in the SE (− 6.1%). SPM1D analysis revealed tempo-specific neuromuscular adaptations: SE extensively enhanced biceps femoris recruitment during the concentric propulsion phase; AE primarily augmented vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius activation during the terminal concentric phase; and IC elicited widespread increases in medial gastrocnemius activity during the eccentric phase. Conclusions Complex training effectively enhances lower-limb strength and explosive performance, but distinct squat tempos elicit different neuromuscular adaptations. Tempo manipulation may be periodized to training objectives (e.g., SE/IC for strength-oriented phases; AE for power maintenance). Trial registration chictr.org.cn. NO: ChiCTR2500110149; Date: October 9, 2025.

Tempo-specific complex training improves lower-limb strength and neuromuscular function in male collegiate soccer players: an experimental study

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2026年3月6日

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Mingqi Gao,
Enjing Li

摘要

Background

Repetition tempo may alter mechanical loading and neuromuscular responses, influencing post-activation performance enhancement and chronic adaptations. Evidence for tempo-specific effects within complex training is limited. We compared the effects of three squat tempos on strength, power, and neuromuscular activity in male collegiate soccer players.

Methods

Thirty players were randomized to slow eccentric–fast concentric (SE; 5-0-X-0), isometric–fast concentric (IC; 1-5-X-0), or accelerated eccentric–fast concentric (AE; 2-0-X-0) complex training for 6 weeks (2 sessions/week), with identical load and volume. Outcomes were 1RM squat, CMJ, SJ, CMJ peak power, RSImod, and V-Drill reactive agility. EMG (vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius) was analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and SPM1D.

Results

Significant improvements over time were observed for 1RM (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.954), CMJ height (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.880), RSImod (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.960), CMJ peak power (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.916), and V-Drill performance (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.859) across all groups. Significant time × group interactions were found for 1RM (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.850), RSImod (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.717), CMJ peak power (P = 0.015; η²p = 0.269), and SJ height (P < 0.001; η²p = 0.577). Specifically, the SE demonstrated the largest 1RM increase (+ 17.6%), whereas SJ height increased in the IC (+ 7.3%) but decreased in the SE (− 6.1%). SPM1D analysis revealed tempo-specific neuromuscular adaptations: SE extensively enhanced biceps femoris recruitment during the concentric propulsion phase; AE primarily augmented vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius activation during the terminal concentric phase; and IC elicited widespread increases in medial gastrocnemius activity during the eccentric phase.

Conclusions

Complex training effectively enhances lower-limb strength and explosive performance, but distinct squat tempos elicit different neuromuscular adaptations. Tempo manipulation may be periodized to training objectives (e.g., SE/IC for strength-oriented phases; AE for power maintenance).

Trial registration

chictr.org.cn. NO: ChiCTR2500110149; Date: October 9, 2025.