The Effect of Two Methods of Training (Small Sided Game (SSG) and Resistance-Plyometric Training) on Rest Levels of Growth Hormone, IL-6 and TNF-α in Adolescent Football Players

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of resistance-plyometric training and small sided game (SSG) on IL-6, TNF-α and growth hormone in adolescent male soccer players. For this purpose, 30 male soccer players with age range of 14-17 (mean age 14+1 yr, height 1.71+0.06 m, weight 62.3+15.1 kg) were divided randomly into three groups: SSG (n=8), resistance-plyometric (n=11) and control (n=11). Before and after eight weeks of training in the resting state, GH, TNF-α and IL-6 were measured. Then, subjects performed their training protocols for 8 weeks. The SGG training protocol included eight weeks of small sided game which was divided into two 4-week phases to set the intensity. The resistance-plyometric training protocol included eight weeks of resistance-plyometric training and the subjects performed the training twice a week along with regular football training. In order to compare data within groups, dependent t test was used and to compare between groups, ANOVA and Scheffe tests were used. The findings showed that after 8 weeks of SSG training, IL-6 and TNF-α increased significantly and GH decreased significantly (p=0.001 for all three groups) while no significant change was observed in the resistanceplyometric group (p=0.052) (R2) (p=0.126, p=0.602). It can be concluded that in SSG training protocol, due to high intensity and high levels of stress hormones, muscle glycogen storage depletion and tissue damage which occurs because of the rapid movements and repeated trauma in football, inflammatory cytokines significantly increase. Finally, high levels of cytokines reduce growth factors.