Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42065176›Full record

SynthesisMedicine2026

Effect of flywheel resistance training on change of direction performance in team sports: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Junxin Zhang, Jing Mi, Ruidong Liu

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

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.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Junxin ZhangSports Coaching College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.ORCID 0009-0001-4918-5830
Jing MiSports Coaching College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
Ruidong LiuSports Coaching College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.ORCID 0000-0001-7949-3079

Funding

Beijing Social Science Foundation 24YTC035
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChange of direction (CoD) ability is a key determinant of performance in team sports. Flywheel resistance training (FRT) has been proposed as an effective modality to improve CoD performance due to its emphasis on eccentric overload. This system review evaluates the effectiveness of FRT in enhancing CoD performance among team sports athletes.

methodsWe followed PRISMA 2020. SPORTDiscus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched through January 1, 2024 (Google Scholar screened for additional records). Eligible studies were randomized controlled or randomized crossover trials in team sport athletes, comparing FRT with non-flywheel comparators, with ≥4 weeks duration and at least 1 CoD outcome. Standardized mean differences (Hedges g) with 95% CIs were pooled using fixed- or random-effects models according to heterogeneity (I2). Egger's test for small-study effects was performed when k ≥ 10. Study quality was appraised with the National Institutes of Health tool.

resultsMeta-analysis revealed a significant enhancement in CoD performance following FRT compared to control interventions (effect size [ES] = -0.62). Notably, FRT exhibited greater efficacy among adult athletes (ES = -1.07; 95% CI = -1.51, -0.64) in contrast to those aged under 16 (ES = 0.16; 95% CI = -0.56, 0.89). Additionally, training frequencies of <2 sessions per week demonstrated a more substantial effect (ES = -1.18; 95% CI = -1.71, -0.64) compared to more frequent sessions (ES = -0.37; 95% CI = -0.93, 0.18). Moreover, extended training durations exceeding 8 weeks yielded superior outcomes (ES = -1.46; 95% CI = -2.04, -0.88) compared to shorter durations (ES = -0.44; 95% CI = -0.93, 0.04). Evaluation tests such as the T-test (ES = -2.10; 95% CI = -3.43, -0.77), Illinois agility test (ES = -1.19; 95% CI = -1.80, -0.57), and V-cut test (ES = -0.65; 95% CI = -0.96, -0.33) exhibited superior sensitivity in detecting CoD improvements over the shuttle run test (ES = -0.27; 95% CI = -0.82, 0.29).

conclusionFRT is an effective strategy for improving CoD performance in team sport athletes, particularly when implemented with lower frequency and longer duration. The observed benefits are likely attributed to enhanced eccentric strength, neuromuscular efficiency, and braking capacity.

Indexed as

Athletic PerformanceResistance TrainingTeam SportsAthletesHumansMuscle Strengthathletic performancebiomechanical phenomenaexercise therapymuscle strengthresistance training

Identifiers

PMID42065176
PMCPMC13138423

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.