Effects of unilateral training on rapid force production in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Unilateral training has been increasingly applied in athletic conditioning; however, its effects on rate of force development (RFD) remain unclear. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of unilateral training on RFD in athletes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across major electronic databases to identify studies examining the effects of unilateral training on RFD. Eligible studies were included based on predefined criteria, and a meta-analysis was performed to quantify the overall effects. Results: The findings indicated that unilateral training produced significant improvements in RFD among athletes, although the magnitude of effects varied depending on training protocols and participant characteristics. Discussion: Unilateral training appears to be an effective strategy for enhancing RFD in athletes. These findings provide practical implications for strength and conditioning programs, while highlighting the need for further research to clarify optimal training parameters. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD420251030088.