Four weeks of game-based and running-based high-intensity interval training protocols significantly improved maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in amateur male soccer players.
RCT (n=40)
Computer-generated randomization method
No
Do different game-based and running-based High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) protocols improve aerobic capacity, agility, and heart rate variability in amateur soccer players?
A 4-week HIIT program, whether game-based or running-based, significantly improves aerobic endurance and alters heart rate variability in amateur soccer players.
p-value: p=<0.001
Purpose High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a well-established exercise method, known for its effectiveness in improving various aspects of fitness. This study aimed to assess the effect of five distinct HIIT protocols, including Small Sided Games Long Interval (SSG(LI)), Long Interval (LI), Small Sided Games Short Interval (SSG(SI)), Short Interval (SI), and Sprint Interval Training (SIT), on aerobic, agility, vertical jump performance, sprinting abilities, and heart rate variability (HRV) in amateur soccer players. Methods Forty participants were randomly assigned to one of five training groups, and a four-week training intervention was conducted. The pre- and post-training assessments included measurements of maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ), anaerobic power, reactive agility, vertical jump height, sprint times, and HRV parameters. Results Results showed that all training groups demonstrated significant improvements in VO 2max . Reactive agility performance significantly improved in the SSG(LI), SSG(SI), SI, and SIT groups, whereas no significant changes were observed in sprint times or anaerobic power. Leg-specific vertical jump performance showed significant improvements in the right and left legs. HRV parameters showed variable responses to the training protocols. Significant main effects of Time were observed for LF ( F = 3.592, p = 0.016, ηp 2 = 0.310) and low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio ( F = 5.699, p = 0.023, ηp 2 = 0.151), indicating overall changes across participants from pre- to post-training. Conclusions These findings underscore the adaptability of HIIT and its association with improvements in aerobic endurance, agility, and leg-specific vertical jumping capabilities across different training forms, while acknowledging that causation cannot be definitively established due to the quasi-experimental design.
Karabıyık et al. (Fri,) conducted a rct in Healthy amateur soccer players (n=40). High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) protocols (SSG(LI), LI, SSG(SI), SI, SIT) vs. Active comparators (different HIIT protocols compared against each other) was evaluated on Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (p=<0.001). Four weeks of game-based and running-based high-intensity interval training protocols significantly improved maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in amateur male soccer players.