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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Jun 1;23(2):475-486.
doi: 10.52082/jssm.2024.475. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Optimizing Short Sprint Interval Training for Young Soccer Players: Unveiling Optimal Rest Distributions to Maximize Physiological Adaptations

Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Optimizing Short Sprint Interval Training for Young Soccer Players: Unveiling Optimal Rest Distributions to Maximize Physiological Adaptations

Xiaojian Li et al. J Sports Sci Med. .

Abstract

Present study aimed to compare the effects of SSIT intervention with varying rest distributions on hormonal, physiological, and performance adaptations in soccer players. Thirty-six players were randomly divided into three SSIT groups, each performing 4 sets of 6-10 repetitions of 6-second all-out running with rest intervals at ratios of 1:3, 1:6, and 1:9. Prior to and following the 7-week training period, aerobic fitness indices and anaerobic power were evaluated using a graded exercise test with a gas collection system and a lower-body Wingate test, respectively. Also, sport-specific bio-motor abilities were determined by measuring vertical jump, 20-m sprint, and T-test change of direction speed, Yo-Yo IR1 and maximal kicking distance. Hormonal status was also monitored by evaluating testosterone and cortisol levels. Following the 7-week training period, all SSIT interventions resulted in significant enhancements (p < 0.05) in soccer-related performance, physiological parameters, and hormonal adaptations, exhibiting effect sizes that ranged from small to large. Comparative analysis indicated that the 1:9 SSIT results in greater adaptive responses (p < 0.05) in the vertical jump, peak power, testosterone, and cortisol compared to the 1:3 SSIT group. By contrast, the 1:3 SSIT group induced more adaptive responses (p < 0.05) in the mean power output, maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max), and Yo-Yo IR1 compared to the 1:9 SSIT group. Hence, for enhancing physical performance, especially vertical jump height, anaerobic peak power, and hormonal adaptations, the 1:9 SSIT ratio is preferable. Conversely, shorter rest intervals (specifically, the 1:3 SSIT ratio) are better suited for eliciting heightened adaptive responses in mean power output, V̇O2max, and Yo-Yo IR1 over the 7-week training period among young male soccer players.

Keywords: Sprint interval training; aerobic capacity; metabolic conditioning; power.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Study design.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Changes in vertical jump, 20-m linear sprint and T-CODS following the 7-week SSIT (Mean ± SD). * indicates significant differences versus pre-value and CON (p < 0.05). **indicates significant differences compared with 1:3 SSIT (p < 0.05).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Changes in aerobic capacity following the 7-week SSIT (Mean ± SD). * indicates significant differences versus pre-value and CON (p < 0.05). **indicates significant differences compared with 1:9 SSIT (p < 0.05).
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Changes in anaerobic peak and mean power output following the 7-week SSIT (Mean ± SD). * indicates significant differences versus pre-value and CON (p < 0.05). **indicates significant differences compared with 1:3 SSIT in peak power and with 1:9 SSIT in mean power (p < 0.05).
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Changes in MKDT following the 7-week training (Mean±SD). * indicates significant differences versus pre-value and CON (p < 0.05).
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Changes in testosterone and cortisol following the 7-week SSIT (Mean ± SD). * indicates significant differences versus pre-value and CON (p < 0.05). **indicates significant differences compared with 1:3 SSIT (p < 0.05).

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