Introdução: Esportes recreacionais são uma estratégia interessante de exercício para o controle da pressão arterial (PA), mas as respostas específicas entre os sexos ainda não estão claras. Objetivo: Explorar possíveis diferenças na pressão arterial e na aptidão física entre homens e mulheres com hipertensão tratada após 12 semanas de um programa recreacional de beach tennis. Métodos: Quarenta e dois participantes (21 homens), com idade entre 35 e 65 anos e diagnóstico prévio de hipertensão, foram randomizados (proporção 2:1) para 12 semanas de treinamento de beach tennis (duas sessões semanais de 45–60 min) ou para um grupo controle sem exercícios. A PA de consultório, a aptidão cardiorrespiratória e a força muscular foram avaliadas no início e após o período de intervenção. Modelos de equações de estimativas generalizadas foram utilizados para avaliar os efeitos principais da intervenção entre os sexos. Resultados: No grupo de beach tennis, os homens apresentaram reduções na PA sistólica e diastólica (-10 ± 2 e -7 ± 2 mmHg, respectivamente; p < 0.001), além de melhorias no teste de preensão manual e nos testes de sentar-levantar de 30 segundos e de cinco repetições. As mulheres apresentaram melhora significativa na PA sistólica (-7 ± 4 mmHg, p = 0,031) e no teste de sentar-levantar de 30 segundos. Nenhuma alteração significativa na PA ou na aptidão física foi observada no grupo controle. Na comparação entre grupos, tanto homens quanto mulheres do grupo de beach tennis apresentaram maiores reduções na PA sistólica em comparação as mulheres do grupo controle (Δ -18 ± 6 mmHg; p = 0,014 e -16 ± 5 mmHg; p = 0,017, respectivamente). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres do grupo de beach tennis para nenhuma variável. Conclusão: Doze semanas de beach tennis recreacional promovem melhorias similares na PA e na aptidão física em homens e mulheres com hipertensão.

To investigate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and related co-occurring conditions in Faroese children and examine differences regarding sex and age at diagnosis. It is hypothesised that prevalences are increasing, are higher in boys compared to girls, that girls are diagnosed later than boys, and that stress-related mental health conditions are related to higher age at diagnosis. A retrospective study was conducted with children born from 2004 to 2022, using health register data on patients diagnosed with ASD or ADHD at the National Hospital of the Faroe Islands. A total of 479 children were included in the study. Prevalence rates were calculated alongside age- and sex-standardised measures, including the mean age at diagnosis and the frequency of co-occurring conditions, with all estimates including 95

IntroductionMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key components in the interaction between lifestyle-related risk factors and cancer development. In particular, miR-1303 expression is deregulated in breast cancer tissues, with elevated levels associated with poor prognosis. We have previously shown that regular exercise reduces the expression of this miRNA in skeletal muscle. The present pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of lifelong football training on circulating miR-1303 expression and miR-1303 modulation on proliferation, migration, and invasion pathways in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 17 veteran football players (VPG) and 17 healthy, untrained males (CG) of matching age (74.4 ± 4.3 years). Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, IGF-1, insulin (ELISA), and miR-1303 (RT-qPCR) were measured. MCF-7 cells were treated with serum collected from VPG, CG or transfected with 25 μM miR-1303 mimic or inhibitor or miRNA mimic negative control. Cell proliferation and invasion were assessed using Wound healing assays and Transwell assay, respectively. Western blotting and RTqPCR were performed to evaluate the expression of key migration and invasion markers.ResultsWe demonstrated, for the first time, that miR-1303 expression was lower in VPG serum than in CG and paralleled the lower expression previously found in skeletal muscle. Overexpression of miR-1303 increases the proliferation and motility of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and is correlated with increased expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and MMP2 genes and decreased expression of p21 and p27 proteins, all key markers involved in migration and invasion pathways. These events were reversed by treatment with the miR-1303 inhibitor. Interestingly, treatment of MCF-7 cells with sera from VPG, with low level of c- miR-1303, parallels the effects mediated by miR-1303 inhibition.DiscussionOur findings suggest that lifelong football training may counteract MCF-7 cell proliferation and invasion activities and that miR-1303 is one of the factors mediating the effects of long-term football training on breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND:Sided games are very popular in football (soccer) training, designed to integrate technical, tactical, and physical development through the manipulation of constraints such as player numbers, pitch size, and rules, among other variables. However, inconsistent terminology, methodological heterogeneity, and limited empirical guidance have hindered its methodological advancement across research and practice. OBJECTIVE:This consensus aimed to establish a unified framework and evidence-based recommendations for the design, monitoring, and application of sided games in football, providing conceptual clarity and practical guidance for coaches and sport scientists. METHODS:A multidisciplinary group of 20 international experts in football science and coaching developed the framework through a 3-stage process: (1) theoretical model development, (2) synthesis of priority areas based on an umbrella review of 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and (3) iterative drafting and blinded consensus voting on statements using a 9-point Likert scale. RESULTS:Seven statements achieved consensus (scores 7-9), defining sided games in soccer, delineating important influencing factors (coach philosophy, environmental, task, and individual constraints), defining monitoring principles, and highlighting benefits and limitations. The consensus confirmed sided games as effective for developing aerobic fitness and tactical-technical behaviors but less effective for strength, power, and high-speed performance adaptations. CONCLUSIONS:This consensus provides the first framework for sided game training in football, unifying terminology, and guiding evidence-based design. Its implementation can enhance training coherence, optimize player development, and inform future research addressing existing methodological and population-specific gaps.

Abstract This study examined acute physiological and perceptual responses to the FIT FIRST FOR ALL program, a structured school-based physical activity intervention designed to promote engagement. In a non-randomized cluster study conducted in the Faroe Islands, 179 pupils aged 7–16 participated in three weekly 40-minute sessions for 10 weeks as part of a school-wide program alongside physical education. Acute responses were assessed in a subsample ( n = 53) using heart rate, accelerations, perceived exertion, and enjoyment, with individualized thresholds and stratification based on baseline cardiorespiratory fitness assessed using a shuttle run test. Sessions consistently elicited moderate-to-vigorous intensity, with mean heart rate ranging from 67.2 ± 1.3 to 69.9 ± 1.4% of maximal heart rate. Pupils spent 57.9 ± 3.6 to 64.9 ± 3.3% of session time at moderate-to-vigorous intensity, including up to 31.8 ± 3.0% at vigorous intensity. Despite higher physiological and perceived exertion among pupils in the low fitness group, enjoyment was comparable across fitness groups. Cardiorespiratory fitness improved among the intervention sample ( n = 117), with a tendency for greater gains in the lowest fitness tertile, although differences were not statistically significant ( p = 0.063, ε² = 0.024). These findings suggest that FIT FIRST FOR ALL can elicit health-promoting intensity and high enjoyment across age and fitness groups when delivered school-wide through teacher-led sessions.

The rapid professionalization of women's soccer has increased match demands and interest in performance analytics at major tournaments such as the FIFA Women's World Cup. However, there remains a need for transparent and interpretable analyses linking multidimensional technical indicators with match outcome in elite women's soccer. This study analyzed 126 team–match observations from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup using publicly available aggregated SofaScore team–match statistics. A multidimensional technical-indicator framework covering attacking, possession,build-up, defensive, goalkeeping, and restart actions was established. Match tempo was quantified using Event Pace (technical events per minute of effective playing time), and matches were classified into fast- and slow-tempo groups using a median split. Correlation analysis, independent-samples t-tests, and an interpretable decision-tree model with ROC evaluation were applied. The tournament showed a heterogeneous tempo profile (2.05 ± 0.36 events·min −1 ). Fast-tempo matches involved more long passes, outside-box shots, successful crosses, and ground duels, whereas slow-tempo matches showed more aerial duels won and goalkeeper saves. The decision tree identified shots on target, dribbles won, possession, big chances, aerial duels won, and expected goals as key threshold-based split variables associated with winning versus not winning. The model showed high apparent discrimination (AUC = 0.969), but 10-fold cross-validation indicated more moderate performance (AUC = 0.703). The model should therefore be interpreted as a post-match explanatory classification model rather than a pre-match forecasting tool.

ABSTRACT:Poulios, A, Grammenos, N, Fatouros, IG, Avloniti, A, Tsimeas, P, Papanikolaou, K, Syrou, N, Rosvoglou, A, Tsaousidis, I, Chatzinikolaou, A, Tsiokanos, A, Mohr, M, Jamurtas, AZ, and Draganidis, D. Recovery kinetics after repeated sprint training with directional changes in soccer: It is a matter of angle. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study determined the recovery kinetics of performance, delay onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and neuromuscular fatigue after repeated sprint training using 2 angles of changes of direction (COD) in soccer. Ten male players randomly completed 3 conditions using a randomized cross-over, repeated measures design: control, COD45 (COD of 45°) and COD90 (COD of 90°). Training load was monitored using global positioning system with accelerometers and heart-rate monitors. Blood count, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, countermovement jump (CMJ), DOMS, speed, and agility were measured at baseline and at 24-, 48-, and 72-h postexercise. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction, CMJ, and DOMS were also evaluated at 1-, 2- and 3-h postexercise. Agility, DOMS, and blood count levels remained unaltered in all conditions ( p > 0.05). Blood lactate increased (COD45:91%; COD90:89.5%, p < 0.05) postexercise. COD45 was characterized by a higher average (31%) and maximum speed (25%) and lower decelerations (58-77%) and accelerations (66-77%) than COD90 ( p < 0.05). The 10- and 30-m speed in COD45 decreased ( p < 0.05) by 20 and 9% postexercise and remained lower (4-12%) than that in COD90 for as long as 24 h. Countermovement jump declined ( p < 0.05) for 3 h in COD45 (8%) and 24 h in COD90 (5-7%). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction of knee extensors in COD45 declined (8%) and was lower than COD90 (9%) at 24 h in both limbs. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction of knee flexors decreased (COD45:14%) for 24 h in dominant and 3 h (COD45:2%, COD90:14%) in nondominant limb with COD45 inducing a greater decline than COD90 ( p < 0.05). Although COD protocols do not increase DOMS, it seems that COD training at lower angles may be associated with a slower recovery (24 h) than that at greater angles.

Expanded FIFA Men’s World Cups place increasing demands on national football (soccer) teams, with additional teams, extended knockout stages, compressed schedules, extensive travel, and extreme environmental challenges. The question arises: can peak performance still be sustained under these tournament conditions? These increased demands intensify physiological strain, as well as cognitive and tactical complexity, putting even the most prepared and well-resourced teams under pressure. This expert-informed statement presents a multidimensional roadmap to help navigate these challenges. It integrates scientific research and practical insights from elite football practitioners. We introduce the Integrated World Cup Performance Model, a conceptual framework built around three critical domains: physiological, neurocognitive, and tactical-collective. Applied considerations include the management of sleep, nutrition, hydration, fatigue, travel, substitutions, decision-making, and team cohesion. By raising awareness of what should be monitored and managed, the statement aims to provide actionable guidance for proactive decision-making, risk mitigation, and sustaining player readiness and performance. Embedded within the model, the Ten Performance Pillars are intended to help translate complex scientific evidence into daily practice, enabling teams to anticipate challenges and support recovery processes. In the context of the FIFA Men's World Cup, performance is not determined by isolated physical, tactical, or psychological factors. Success depends on the ability of national teams to integrate load management, physical and neurocognitive readiness, and collective resilience into a coherent, adaptive performance system throughout the tournament. This evidence-informed statement moves beyond isolated best practices by proposing a unified, decision-oriented framework explicitly designed for congested international tournaments. While providing a comprehensive and practically oriented framework, this statement is based on a structured expert-informed synthesis process rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis. Its implementation depends on national-team context, including cultural variability and disparities in financial, logistical, and staffing resources.

BACKGROUND:Persistent low-grade inflammation contributes to coronary artery disease (CAD), but how acute vigorous exercise and structured training affect systemic inflammatory biomarkers in stable CAD remains unclear. We evaluated the acute response to a single vigorous bout and the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training program on systemic inflammation in patients with stable CAD. METHODS:In 168 patients with stable CAD, blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 2 hours after a maximal incremental cycling test. Participants were then randomized to 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training or standard care; 142 completed follow-ups. High-sensitivity CRP (C-reactive protein), leukocytes, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured at baseline, week 6, and week 12. RESULTS:Acute exercise elevated CRP by 7.7% [95% CI, 5.5-10.0] and leukocytes by 50.5% [95% CI, 48.2-52.8]; CRP returned to baseline by 2 hours, whereas leukocytes remained elevated. Interferon-γ increased by 13.1% [95% CI, 9.2-17.3] following exercise but fell below baseline after 2 hours. Tumor necrosis factor-α (12.9% [95% CI, 8.4-17.4]), interleukin-2 (22.8% [95% CI, 17.5-28.5]), and interleukin-6 (42.4% [95% CI, 36.5-48.5]) also increased following acute exercise and stayed elevated after 2 hours, while interleukin-10 decreased by 9.2% [95% CI, -14.1 to -4.0] and returned to baseline after 2 hours. Over 12 weeks, high-intensity interval training did not significantly alter these inflammatory markers compared with standard care. CONCLUSIONS:Acute strenuous exercise induces transient increases in inflammatory markers in stable CAD, which begin to resolve within 2 hours. In this optimally treated cohort, regular high-intensity interval training did not produce a sustained anti-inflammatory effect. REGISTRATION:URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04268992.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 15-week recreational football intervention on insulin resistance and glycaemic control in inactive premenopausal women with mild hypertension. A total of 41 women, aged 35-50 years, were randomised into either a football training group or a control group. The football group participated in structured, small-sided games-based training sessions, three times per week, while the control group remained inactive. Key outcomes measured included insulin resistance, fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, as well as glucose and insulin responses after an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Despite the intervention, no significant differences were found between the football and control groups in fasting glucose, insulin levels, or insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR. Additionally, the OGTT results showed no significant changes in glucose or insulin responses across the intervention period. This study also assessed plasma levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, key markers of vascular function, which showed no significant changes related to the intervention. These findings suggest that 15 weeks of recreational football may not be sufficient to produce significant improvements in glycaemic control in inactive premenopausal women with mild hypertension, although larger confirmatory studies are required to test this hypothesis.

Introduction:Recreational team handball (RTH) improves overall health in inactive men and women, yet certain frail populations may be unable to cope with its demands. For them, walking handball (WH) may be a more appropriate alternative. Thus, this study examined the physical and physiological demands and perceived experience of WH, compared with conventional walking modalities [self-paced brisk walking (SPBW) and brisk walking (BW)] and RTH, in middle-aged-to-older men with previous RTH experience. Methods:A randomized crossover design was applied where twenty-two participants (71 ± 4 years) performed 8 sessions comprising a 10 min warm-up followed by 5 min of rest and 3 × 15 min periods of either SPBW, BW, WH or RTH (2 sessions each), interspersed with 2-3 min breaks. WH and RTH consisted of 5v5 and 6v6 matches on a 40 × 20 m court. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate, activity profile, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and fun scores were assessed. Results:WH mean relative HR (67 ± 7%HRmax) was similar (p > 0.05) to SPBW (65 ± 7% HRmax) and BW (69 ± 7%HRmax), with RTH (78 ± 9%HRmax) showing higher values (p < 0.05) than all walking modalities, as well as more time spent >90% HRmax (RTH: 12 ± 18%; SPBW, BW, WH: 0 ± 0%-2%, p < 0.05). Likewise, RTH blood lactate was higher (3.5 ± 1.6 mmol·L-1, p < 0.05) than all walking modalities, with no differences between them (2.0-2.2 mmol·L-1, p > 0.05). Distance covered was higher (p < 0.05) in SPBW (4,543 ± 429 m) and BW (4,656 ± 383 m) vs. WH (2,561 ± 405 m), although WH elicited a higher number (p < 0.05) of accelerations and decelerations across most thresholds. Conversely, fun scores were higher (p < 0.05) in WH (7.5 ± 2.2 AU) and RTH (8.3 ± 1.6 AU) vs. SPBW (6.1 ± 2.4 AU) and BW (5.8 ± 2.3 AU), while all RPE scores were lower (p < 0.05) in WH vs. SPBW, BW and RTH. Conclusions:WH elicits moderate-intensity internal load, comparable to conventional walking modalities, with lower total distance covered, but higher frequency and magnitude of accelerations and decelerations, while showing lower RPE, and higher fun scores. This supports its potential to enhance cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, while fostering long-term exercise adherence. RTH provides the strongest overall training stimulus for fitness and health improvements, with high fun scores, whereas WH may be an alternative or entry pathway for individuals who cannot cope with RTH demands.Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07011290, identifier NCT07011290.

We examined the long-term effects of recreational football training on bone mineralization, osteogenic activity, and physical function in women during the menopause transition. 25 women (45 ± 4 yrs at recruitment) were randomized into an exercise group (EXE; n = 12) completing 1-h football training sessions on average 1.7/wk for a consecutive 9-yr period or an inactive control group (CON; n = 13). Pre and post, we measured bone mineralization and lean body mass, plasma bone turnover markers, and sprint performance. Significant time × group interactions were for leg BMD, leg BMC, femur shaft BMD, CTX-I, PINP, leg lean mass, and sprint performance (all p < 0.01), favoring the exercise group. Leg bone mineral density (BMD) decreased (P = 0.002) by 0.05 g/cm2 [-0.08;-0.02] in CON, but was maintained in EXE, resulting in a higher leg BMD in EXE than CON (P = 0.02). Leg bone mineral content (BMC) increased in EXE (time × group, P = 0.005) resulting in a 56 g [4;108] higher (P = 0.04) total leg BMC in EXE compared to CON. A between-group effect existed in favor of EXE for femur shaft BMD (time × group, P = 0.005). Plasma CTX-I and PINP increased (both P = 0.001) by 95% [43;147] and 64% [29-100] following EXE only (time × group, P = 0.003 and 0.02). Leg lean mass increased (P < 0.001) by 1.5 kg [1.0;2.1] in EXE (time × group, P = 0.006). Finally, sprint performance was maintained in EXE but declined (P < 0.001) by 10% [5;14] in CON (time × group, P = 0.002). Recreational football training (on average 1.7 sessions per week) over 9 years preserves leg bone health, muscle mass and functional capacity in women during the menopause transition.

PURPOSE:To determine the recovery kinetics of performance, muscle damage, and neuromuscular fatigue following 2 speed-endurance maintenance training (SEMT) protocols in soccer. METHODS:Ten well-trained male soccer athletes randomly completed 3 trials: work-to-rest ratio SEMT/1:3, SEMT/1:1, and a control trial. Training load during SEMT was monitored using a global positioning system and heart-rate monitors. Isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors; repeated-sprint ability (RSA); speed 10-, 30-m, countermovement jump (CMJ); and muscle damage (delayed-onset muscle soreness [DOMS] and creatine kinase) markers were evaluated at baseline and at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours posttraining. Maximal voluntary contraction of knee extensors and flexors was additionally assessed at 1, 2, and 3 hours posttraining. RESULTS:Strength (eccentric torque) and speed performance (RSA, 10-m and 30-m sprint times) were reduced (P < .05) following the SEMT/1:3 for up to 72 and 48 hours, respectively, and following SEMT/1:1 for up to 48 and ≤24 hours, respectively. Eccentric torque and RSA deterioration was greater in SEMT/1:3 compared to SEMT/1:1 at 72 hours and immediately postexercise, respectively (P < .05). Indicators of neuromuscular fatigue (CMJ and maximal voluntary contraction) declined in SEMT/1:3 at 24 and 2 hours postexercise (P < .05) and in SEMT/1:1 immediately and at 2 hours postexercise (P < .05). Muscle damage (DOMS) in the knee flexors was elevated in both SEMT protocols for up to 48 hours (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS:SEMT/1:3 induces short-term neuromuscular fatigue; provokes a decrease of strength (48-72 h), speed and RSA (48 h), and jump height (24 h); and is related with an elevation of knee flexors' DOMS (48 h). Increased work-to-rest ratio causes higher levels of exercise-induced muscle damage.

This investigation determined the energy expenditure (EE), physical activity (PA), and physiological responses of football for health training (FFH). Twenty middle-aged males with metabolic syndrome (MetS) completed a 60-min FFH and a control trial using a randomized crossover design. The FFH load and EE were determined using a mobile gas analyzer, heart rate (HR) monitors, blood lactate measurements, a global positioning system, and accelerometry. Participants in FFH run a total distance of ~3.800 m (1,121 m at > 7 km/h, accelerations of 141 m, decelerations of 162 m) using a mean and maximal speed of 4.1 km/h and 20.6 km/h, respectively. FFH demonstrated a moderate-to-vigorous PA of > 41 min and a step count of ~4900. FFH increased (p < .001) the perceived exertion (55.8%, 13.6 ± 2.6), HRmean (151.1 ± 15.2 beats/min, 83.1 ± 10.9 %HRmax), lactate (80.8%, 5.4 ± 0.9 mmol/L), V ˙ O 2 (88.6%, 1.9 ± 0.3 L/min, 79.9 ± 10.5% V ˙ O 2 max , 6.7 ± 0.8 METs), breathing frequency (32.6 ± 3.0 breaths/min), and respiratory exchange ratio (0.98 ± 0.03) compared to the control trial. Total EE reached 524.2 ± 81.0 kcals (mitochondrial energy production: 476.8 kcals; anaerobic energy production: AS 5.4 ± 1.0 kcals; EPOC: 42.0 ± 11.8 kcals). The present results suggest that FFH meets the international PA and EE standards for adults with MetS, with participants taking part in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) for approximately 68% of each session, rendering it a suitable and efficient strategy to lower cardiometabolic risk.

PURPOSE:The aims of this study were to determine the deceleration abilities of male and female college soccer players and to examine the intrasession reliability and sensitivity and correlation between relevant deceleration-ability tests. METHODS:College soccer players (N = 32) were recruited, including 19 male players (age 20 [1] y, height 179 [5] cm, body mass 71.8 [8.2] kg) and 13 female players (age 22 [2] y, height 164 [4] cm, body mass 53.6 [5.3] kg). Deceleration ability was determined as the deceleration deficit (DD) in a timed 505 change-of-direction test compared with a timed straight-line sprint of the same distance and peak deceleration in a linear maximal-deceleration test measured by radar gun (Dr) and accelerometer (Da). RESULTS:All DD, Dr, and Da displayed good test-retest intrasession reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .832-.902, coefficient of variation < 10%) and sensitivity (standard error of measurement < smallest worthwhile change). However, the DD does not correlate with Da and Dr (r = -.143 to -.276, P > .05). On the other hand, maximal linear speed correlated with Da (r = .616, P < .01) but not with Dr and DD (r = .113-.345, P > .05). Although Dr correlated significantly with Da (r = .813, P < .01), Dr is significantly higher than Da, with a large effect size (P < .01, Cohen d = 1.73). In terms of sex, male players demonstrated better deceleration ability than female players, but this difference only reached statistical significance on Da (P < .05, effect size = 0.91). CONCLUSION:DD, Dr, and Da all exhibit good intrasession reliability and sensitivity in assessing deceleration ability in college soccer players. However, DD does not correlate with peak deceleration ability. Overall, this study provides insights into the selection of metrics for practitioners to use when conducting deceleration-ability tests.

Aim. Explosive strength is an essential component in wrestling, allowing wrestling cadets to execute techniques effectively and gain an advantage over opponents. Plyometric training, characterized by fast and dynamic movements, can contribute to developing this quality. This study investigated the effect of an 8-week plyometric training program on explosive strength in wrestling cadets aged 15 to 17 years. Methods. 20 male wrestling cadets(age: 16.3 ± 0.9 years, height: 170.3 ± 3.9 cm, weight: 68.5 ± 7.5 kg) were randomly assigned into two groups: an experimental group (EXP; n=10) that followed a plyometric training program and a control group (CTL; n=10) that continued their regular training. EXP underwent plyometric training twice weekly in 8 weeks in addition to their regular wrestling practice, while CTL continued with regular training alone. Explosive strength was assessed pre- and post-intervention using vertical jump, standing long jump, and medicine ball throw tests. Results. EXP demonstrated significantly greater improvements in explosive strength compared to CTL. Specifically, the EXP group demonstrated a 12.6% increase in vertical jump (p = 0.003), a 6.3% increase in standing long jump (p = 0.012), and a 13.6% increase in medicine ball throw (p = 0.008). In contrast, the CTL group displayed only minimal, nonsignificant numeric changes ( 2.5%, p > 0.05 in all tests). Independent t-tests confirmed significantly greater improvements in the EXP group vs the CTL group in vertical jump (p 0.0005), standing long jump (p 0.05), and medicine ball throw (p 0.005). Conclusions. Plyometric training is an effective method for enhancing explosive strength in wrestling cadets. Incorporating plyometric exercises into training programs can potentially improve performance in this age group. Keywords: Plyometric training, explosive strength, wrestling, cadets, athletic performance, youth athletes.