Apunts Sports Medicine · Published 2025-12-27 · DOI 10.1016/j.apunsm.2025.100508
Background: As a high-intensity, intermittent sport, field hockey demands optimal muscular power, speed, agility, and hormonal readiness to sustain competitive performance. Objective: This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of Complex-Contrast Training (CCT) and French Contrast Training (FCT) on steroid hormone responses and selected physical performance parameters in tier 3 male field hockey players. Materials & methods: Forty-five players (age: 19.56 ± 1.34 years) were randomly assigned to either a CCT group (n = 15), an FCT group (n = 15), or a regular training group (RTG) (n = 15). Training interventions were conducted thrice weekly for 12 weeks (36 sessions total), each lasting 60 min, following a 2-week familiarization period. Baseline assessment (A1) and 12-week assessment (A2) included serum testosterone (TST) and cortisol (CRSL) concentrations, 50 m sprint time, change of direction speed (CoDs), and countermovement jump (CMJ). Results: Both CCT and FCT groups demonstrated significant improvements in sprint performance (p < 0.001, ⴄ2=0.066), and CoDs (p < 0.001, ⴄ2=0.117), and CMJ (p < 0.001, ⴄ2=0.133), compared to the RTG. TST levels increased significantly in both CCT and FCT (p < 0.001, ⴄ2=0.094), with a greater effect observed in the FCT group. CRSL responses indicated a favorable anabolic-catabolic balance post-training (p < 0.001, ⴄ2=0.056), particularly in the FCT group. Between-group comparisons revealed that FCT produced superior gains in explosive power and hormonal adaptation, while CCT yielded slightly better improvements in sprint performance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that both training methods are effective for enhancing steroid hormone profiles and performance variables in competitive field hockey players, with FCT offering a marginal advantage for power-oriented adaptations. Coaches and practitioners may consider incorporating either approach during pre-competition phases to optimize physiological and performance outcomes.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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