Research article - (2024)23, 707 - 717
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.707
Effects of Short Sprint Interval Training Frequency on Physical and Physiological Performance Adaptations in Male Soccer Players
Qingwen Liu, Wanglong Wang, Chuan Shu
College of Physical Education and Health, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China

Chuan Shu
✉ College of Physical Education and Health, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330038, China
Email: shuchuan1983@163.com
Received: 23-06-2024 -- Accepted: 10-08-2024
Published (online): 01-12-2024

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying frequencies (1 vs. 2 vs. 3) of short sprint interval training (sSIT) on young male soccer players' physical performance and physiological parameters. Forty young male soccer players were randomly assigned to four experimental groups engaging in 36 trials sSIT for a duration of 6 weeks as follows: once weekly (1sSIT = 4 sets of 9 × 5 sec all-out runs), twice weekly (2sSIT = 2 sets of 9 × 5 sec all-out runs), and three times weekly (3sSIT = 2 sets of 6 × 5 sec all-out runs), or an active control group which continued their soccer practice routines. Before and after the 6-week training period, physical performance (countermovement vertical jump, 20-m sprint, Illinois change of direction, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 [Yo-Yo IR 1] and kicking distance) and physiological parameters (cardiorespiratory fitness, peak and average power output) were evaluated. All sSIT groups demonstrated significant (p < 0.01) and small to very large training effects (i.e., effect size) on measured parameters. More importantly, a comparison of inter-individual variability in the adaptive changes revealed that the 3sSIT group results in lower residuals in changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic power, coupled with lower coefficient of variations in the mean group changes and perceived exertion throughout the training period. The findings indicate that incorporating one, two, or three weekly sessions of sSIT into routine soccer training can lead to similar enhancements in soccer players' physiological and performance adaptations. More importantly, higher training frequencies result in more homogenized adaptations among team members by reducing inter-individual variability in the magnitude of the adaptive responses.

Key words: Intermittent exercise, team sport, performance, anaerobic power, maximal oxygen consumption

Key Points
  • Incorporating sSIT not only induces meaningful gains in physical performance but also produces adaptations in physiological parameters of soccer players.
  • Although the changes in the variables from pre- to post-intervention were the same among the groups, the 3 sSIT group indicated lower inter-subject variability than other groups.
  • From a practical perspective, it is advisable to incorporate brief sSIT sessions prior to each soccer training for players who experience lower perceived exertion, as increased homogeneity in adaptations has been observed with a higher frequency of weekly sSIT sessions.








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