The effect of in-season, high-intensity interval training in soccer players

J Strength Cond Res. 2004 Aug;18(3):584-9. doi: 10.1519/1533-4287(2004)18<584:TEOIHI>2.0.CO;2.

Abstract

The effects of in-season, high-intensity interval training on professional male soccer players' running performances were investigated. Twenty-two subjects participated in 2 consecutive training periods of 10 weeks. The first period was considered a control period and was compared with a period where 2 high-intensity interval training exercises were included in the usual training program. Intermittent runs consisted of 12-15 runs lasting 15 seconds at 120% of maximal aerobic speed alternated with 15 seconds of rest. Sprint repetitions consisted of 12-15 all-out 40-m runs alternated with 30 seconds of rest. Results from the high-intensity interval training have shown that maximal aerobic speed was improved (+8.1 +/- 3.1%; p < 0.001) and that the time of the 40-m sprint was decreased (-3.5 +/- 1.5%; p < 0.001), whereas no change in either parameters were observed during the control period. This study shows that improvements in physical qualities can be made during the in-season period.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology*
  • Adult
  • Body Size
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Male
  • Maximal Voluntary Ventilation / physiology
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Soccer / physiology*
  • Task Performance and Analysis

Substances

  • Lactic Acid