Effect of running on different terrains in combination with sports-specific conditioning on selected motor fitness and respiratory parameters among soccer players

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of running on different terrains combined with sports-specific conditioning on selected motor fitness and respiratory parameters among intercollegiate soccer players. Sixty male soccer players aged 18–22 years were randomly assigned into four groups: firm surface running with sports-specific conditioning, sand surface running with sports-specific conditioning, artificial grass running with sports-specific conditioning, and a control group. The experimental training was conducted for eight weeks, three days per week. Leg strength (squat 1 RM), speed (50-m dash), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), and vital capacity were assessed before and after the training period. Paired t-test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and Scheffé’s post-hoc test were used for statistical analysis at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed significant improvements in all selected variables for the experimental groups, while the control group showed no significant changes. Among the experimental groups, the sand surface training group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in leg strength, speed, VO₂ max, and vital capacity compared to the firm surface and artificial grass groups. The findings indicate that running on sand combined with sports-specific conditioning elicits superior neuromuscular and respiratory adaptations due to increased mechanical and physiological demands. It is concluded that sand-based training is a more effective conditioning strategy for enhancing motor fitness and respiratory efficiency in soccer players.