A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Isoinertial Flywheel vs. Traditional Resistance Training on Strength, Power, Speed, and Agility in Team Sports

Isoinertial Flywheel Training (IFWT) has emerged as an innovative approach to improve athletic performance through the exploitation of eccentric overload. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the comparative effects of IFWT versus Conventional Resistance Training (CRT) on strength, power, speed, and agility in team sport athletes. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched on December 12, 2024. Eligible studies examined strength (1RM), power (countermovement jump [CMJ]), speed (10 m and 20 m sprint), and agility (T-test). Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was quantified by the I2 statistic. Thirteen studies involving 324 athletes met the inclusion criteria. No significant differences were observed between IFWT and CRT for strength (SMD = 4.716, 95% CI [−16.233, 25.664], p = .659) or sprint performance (10 m: SMD = –0.021, p = .206; 20 m: SMD = –0.076, p = .132). Conversely, IFWT produced significant improvements in power (SMD = 2.583, 95% CI [0.906, 4.259], p = .003) and agility (SMD = –0.207, 95% CI [−0.373, −0.041], p = .015). Heterogeneity varied across outcomes from low to high, reflecting diverse protocols and athlete profiles. IFWT appears more effective than CRT in enhancing power and agility among team sport athletes, though results for strength and speed are inconclusive. These findings highlight the potential of flywheel-based resistance to optimize neuromuscular adaptations. Further, well-controlled trials with standardized loads, durations, and sport-specific tasks are required to confirm these benefits and elucidate underlying mechanisms of performance enhancement.