Key result
HIIT moderately improves VO2max versus active controls in youth male soccer players.
Why the study?
The study aimed to examine the effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness, jump performance, and sprint performance in male under-20 soccer players.
Does high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve cardiorespiratory fitness, jump performance, and sprint performance in male under-20 soccer players?
Systematic Review (n=203)
Does high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve cardiorespiratory fitness, jump performance, and sprint performance in male under-20 soccer players?
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.53 (95% CI 0.16–0.9)
p-value: p=0.0284
HIIT may positively affect cardiorespiratory fitness, particularly VO2max, and longer sprint performance in male under-20 soccer players, though evidence certainty is low.
HIIT improves VO2max in under-20 male soccer players; extends evidence for its integration into youth training programs.
Background and objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness, jump performance and sprint performance in male under-20 soccer players. Materials and methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Medline, SportDiscus, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 2026. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials involving male soccer players younger than 20 years exposed to HIIT interventions. Methodological quality was assessed using the TESTEX scale, risk of bias with RoB 2, and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Results: max compared with active comparator/control conditions (Hedges' g = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.90; p = 0.0284), while no significant effect was observed for Yo-Yo test performance (Hedges' g = 0.26; 95% CI: -0.58 to 1.09; p = 0.4911). Narrative synthesis showed inconsistent findings for jump and sprint performance, although some studies reported improvements in 30-m sprint performance. The certainty of evidence was low due to serious risk of bias. Conclusions: max and longer sprint performance, in male under-20 soccer players. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=1167616, identifier CRD420251167616.
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Hernandez-Martínez et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Male under-20 soccer players (n=203). High-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. Active comparator/control conditions was evaluated on VO2max (Hedges' g 0.53, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.90, p=0.0284). High-intensity interval training significantly improved maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) compared with active control conditions (Hedges' g 0.53) in male under-20 soccer players.
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