Bidirectional sprint interval training: A better alternative to plyometric training for football players? A randomized clinical trial

Background: The aerobic adaptations of sprint interval training (SIT) and anaerobic adaptations of plyometric training (PT) are well documented in the literature. Bidirectional SIT (including forward and backward "all-out" runs with change of direction) is a new approach to target aerobic and anaerobic traits in football players.Objective: This study intended to evaluate and compare the efficacy of bidirectional SIT versus PT on aerobic parameters, anaerobic parameters and sport-specific skill in university-level football players. Methods: In this two-arm randomized clinical trial, 26 university-level male football players (age 20.88 ± 1.69 years, height 173.70 ± 6.17 cm, mass 66.41 ± 7.60 kg, body mass index 22.04 ± 2.62 kg/m2) were divided into two groups, bidirectional SIT (n = 13) and PT (n = 13, dropout of 1 subject during intervention) groups, respectively. Lower limb power (vertical jump height), sport-specific skill (wall volley), speed, agility, maximum oxygen consumption and running economy at 8, 10, and 12 km/h were analysed before and after four weeks of training. Results: The result revealed that the time effect was significant for all the parameters, while time group interaction was significant for all variables except running economy, speed and wall volley. However, there is no significant group effect for all variables. Conclusions: Findings suggest that four weeks of bidirectional SIT results in significant improvement in aerobic as well as anaerobic parameters in football players. Therefore, bidirectional SIT can be used as a substitute for PT for anaerobic adaptations with added aerobic benefits in football players.