Key result
Short interval running training increases HRV by ~40 points versus small-sided games and generic training.
Why the study?
Soccer players require endurance for low- to moderate-intensity activity and the ability to sustain high-intensity efforts, but the effects of different training methods on HRV and performance are unclear.
Does 6 weeks of short interval running training or small-sided games improve heart rate variability and performance in elite male soccer players?
RCT (n=90)
Computer generated block randomization
Yes
Does 6 weeks of short interval running training or small-sided games improve heart rate variability and performance in elite male soccer players?
Absolute Event Rate: 39.87% vs -44.23%
p-value: p=<0.001
Short interval running training is superior to small-sided games and generic training for improving aerobic and anaerobic performance metrics in elite soccer players.
Short-interval running may optimize autonomic recovery in elite athletes; extends RCT evidence on modality-specific HRV effects.
Background: Soccer is characterized by long periods of low to moderate intensity activity interspersed with periods of high-intensity actions, such as single and repeated sprints. Therefore, a well-prepared soccer player must be able to endure long periods of low- to moderate intensity activity and sustain periods of explosive match effort intensification. Objective: To evaluate the effects of 6-weeks short interval running training and Small Sided Games on Heart Rate Variability measurements, aerobic capacity and performance in well trained Indian elite soccer players. Methods: A pretest – posttest experimental design was used in our study. 90 elite male soccer players was assigned into three groups by computer generated block randomization. Group I- Short Interval running Training (N-30), Group II- Small sided game Training (N-30) and Group III- Generic Training (control group, N-30). Autonomic control by HRV, vertical jump height, agility, 10m-30m sprint performance and VO2max by multistage fitness test was analysed. Result: Pre- intervention and post- intervention results was analysed and compared. The difference in agility, vertical jump height, 10m sprint time and VO2max was more in the SIRT group as compared the SSG and Generic (control) group. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.001).
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Gaurav Kadyan (2022) conducted an RCT in Healthy (elite soccer players) (n=90). Short Interval Running Training (SIRT) vs. Small-sided games (SSG) and Generic Training (Control) was evaluated on Change in Heart Rate Variability (RMSSD) (p=<0.001). Six weeks of short interval running training significantly increased heart rate variability (RMSSD increased by 39.87) compared to small-sided games and generic training in elite male soccer players.
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