SynthesisFrontiers in physiology2025
The effects of French contrast training on lower limb athletic performance in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in physiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed.
- Effects of Velocity-Based French Contrast Training on Lower-Limb Power and Delivery Kinetics in Medium-Fast Cricket Bowlers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Sports (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- A practical complex training model for non-athletic populations: a randomized controlled trial on lower-limb power and sprint performance.BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation · 2026Article
- The effects of French contrast method on explosive power and speed-related skills in female soccer players: a randomized controlled trial.BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation · 2026Article
- Effects of 10-week French contrast training on lower-limb power, short-distance acceleration, and change-of-direction performance in female collegiate basketball players.Frontiers in physiology · 2026Article
- Effects of an eight-week French contrast training program on lower-limb explosive power, acceleration, and muscle strength in male college badminton players.Frontiers in physiology · 2026Article
- The effects of an 8-week French Contrast Training program on lower limb strength and power in elite martial arts athletes.Frontiers in sports and active living · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: French Contrast Training (FCT) is a unique complex training (CT) method that has gained attention in sports science. Participant characteristics, training protocols, and control group types may influence the effects of FCT on lower limb athletic performance. Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of FCT on jump, sprint, and maximal strength in healthy adults and to identify potential moderators of training effects. Methods: We searched five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and CNKI). Seven randomized controlled trials with 195 participants were included. We used a random-effects model for the outcomes (jump, sprint, and maximal strength) to calculate the pooled effect sizes (standardized mean differences, SMD). Subgroup analyses and GRADE assessments were conducted to explore heterogeneity and assess the quality of evidence. Results: FCT significantly improved sprint (large effect: SMD = -0.92; 95% CI: 1.30 to -0.55; p < 0.001) and jump performance (moderate effect: SMD = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.91; p < 0.001). However, FCT failed to significantly improve maximal strength (small effect: SMD = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.89; p = 0.07). Subgroup analyses revealed that control group type, training frequency, training load, and participant characteristics were moderating variables influencing training effects. Conclusion: French contrast training is more effective than traditional resistance training for enhancing lower limbs explosive performance in healthy adults. However, there is not enough evidence to show it is superior to traditional complex training or that it improves maximal strength. Future research should aim to optimize FCT protocols and explore long-term adaptability across different populations. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php, identifier CRD420251000409.
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