‍Purpose: 

To compare the effects of flywheel resistance training (FRT) vs traditional resistance training (TRT) on neuromuscular performance among elite ice hockey players.   

Methods: 

18 Finnish elite hockey players were assigned into a FRT group (n = 9) and into a TRT group (n = 9).  The training intervention lasted 8 weeks, training frequency was 1 – 2 times per week, and volume was linearly increase throughout the trial.  Both groups performed 4 exercises during their training session, however the FRT total training volume was far lower in comparison to the TRT group (>20% difference in total volume).  A host of jumping and running assessments were performed before and after the training intervention.   

Results: 

There were no group effects suggesting both groups improved performance to a similar degree despite the FRT group having lower overall volume.  Performance improvements were approximately 5 – 8% for the CMJ tests and 1 – 4% for the sprint tests in both groups.  Specifically, there were significant improvements in the CMJ (5.7% vs 4.8%), the split time of the first 20 m sprint (3.2% vs 2.6%), and 200 m sprint time (1.8% vs 1.5%), (FRT vs TRT, respectively).   

Key Takeaways: 

• Both groups showed similar performance increases despite FRT having lower total volume than the TRT group.  This suggests that FRT can yield similar and potentially superior results with overall less volume/time in comparison to TRT.