Secret weapon for soccer stars? isometric calf raises may improve speed and agility
NCT ID NCT07482254
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at whether doing isometric calf raises (holding a contraction without moving) can immediately improve sprinting, jumping, and change-of-direction performance in elite youth soccer players. Twelve male players aged 15-19 will do either the calf exercise or a light walk, then be tested on sprints and jumps. The goal is to see if this simple warm-up activity can give a short-term boost to explosive movements on the field.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- isometric conditioning activity (unilateral standing isometric calf raises)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple warm-up method to improve explosive performance in youth soccer players.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study with only 12 participants, so results may not apply to all players. The effect is measured minutes after exercise, so long-term benefits are unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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13 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Finished
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Mar 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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14 to 19 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Male soccer players aged 14-19 years * Currently participating in organized soccer training within a competitive soccer academy * Minimum of one year of experience in resistance training * Regular participation in both soccer training and resistance training for at least one year prior to the study * Free from neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders that could affect performance Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any current musculoskeletal injury affecting the lower limbs. * History of neuromuscular disorders or medical conditions that could influence physical performance * Any injury or health condition preventing maximal sprinting or jumping efforts during testing.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Academy of Physical Education in Katowice
Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, 40-065, Poland
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