Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
ISSN: 1303 - 2968   
Ios-APP Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
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©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2024) 23, 465 - 474   DOI: https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.465

Research article
Effects of Sprint Interval Training Surface on Physical Fitness Attributes of Collegiate Female Soccer Players: Identifying Individual Responses to Training on Grass, Sand, and Land Surfaces
Jun Zhang1, Aodong Wei1, Chao Xie2, 
Author Information
1 Liaoning Normal University, Dalian Liaoning, China
2 Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang Hubei, China

Chao Xie
✉ Hubei University of Arts and Science, 296 Longzhong Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang Hubei, 441053, China
Email: Xiechao4040@hbuas.edu.cn
Publish Date
Received: 21-02-2024
Accepted: 24-05-2024
Published (online): 01-06-2024
 
 
ABSTRACT

This study aimed to identify the optimal surface for sprint interval training to maximize transfer effects on physical performance measures on the grass pitch. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 40 collegiate female soccer players were equally assigned to three experimental groups performing short sprint interval training (SSIT: 4 sets of 10 repetitions with 5 seconds all-out running, with a 50-second recovery period between each effort and a 3-minute rest interval between sets) on SAND, GRASS, LAND, and a control group. Before and after a 7-week training period, participants underwent a series of field-based tests to evaluate countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m linear sprint, Illinois change of direction (CoD) speed, Yo-Yo IR1, 2.4 km time trial, and maximal kicking distance (MKD) performance. A two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was conducted on the data, along with Bonferroni post hoc testing. After the intervention, the control group did not show any changes, while the SAND, GRASS and LAND training groups demonstrated improvements (p = 0.001) in their performance as follows: CMJ (effect size [ES] = 1.21, 0.97, 0.64), 20-m linear sprint (ES = -0.81, -0.55, -0.41), Illinois CoD (ES = -0.72, -0.79, -0.41), Yo-Yo IR1 (ES = 1.86, 1.19, 1.12), 2.4 km time trail (ES = -0.82, -0.62, -0.49), and MKD (ES = 0.60, 0.90, 0.72), respectively. Comparative analysis of SAND, GRASS, and LAND revealed that performing SSIT on SAND results in a significantly greater gain in CMJ than LAND (p = 0.041). Analyzing individual responses to training interventions indicated that the training surface had a favorable influence on CMJ (SAND vs. LAND, p = 0.009), but on other variables no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed. Considering these findings, it is advised that strength and conditioning coaches use the SAND surface as the initial choice for SSIT sessions regarding greater gains (i.e., ES) in performance. This recommendation aims to facilitate more favorable transfer in physical fitness adaptation on a soccer grass pitch. In case of unavailability of SAND surface, GRASS surface would be a suitable alternative to enhance the physical fitness of collegiate female soccer players.

Key words: Interval training, team sport, aerobic capacity, athletic performance


           Key Points
  • All types of surfaces can be utilized to induce sufficient stimulation for enhancing mechanisms responsible for physical fitness adaptations in female soccer players.
  • The SAND group indicated greater training effects than the LAND group in CMJ performance.
  • Although there were no statistically significant changes in other physical fitness variables, the SAND and GRASS groups indicated lower IRs in percent changes and CV than the LAND group which indicates better adaptive responses in players with lower inter-individual variability as well as greater uniformity in adaptions.
 
 
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