Effects of a short-term interval training program on physical fitness in prepubertal children

J Strength Cond Res. 2004 Nov;18(4):708-13. doi: 10.1519/13813.1.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 7-week interval-training program on different aspects of physical fitness in children who were 8-11 years old. Forty-six boys and 54 girls (9.7 +/- 0.8 years) were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The 2 groups performed selected tests from the European physical fitness test battery before and after training. Training consisted of 2 specific 30-minute sessions per week of short high-intensity, intermittent-running aerobic exercises at velocities ranging from 100-130% of maximal aerobic speed. After training, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in the standing broad jump (9.6%, p < 0.001, F = 12.9) and 20-meter shuttle run (5.4%, p < 0.001, F = 14.4), whereas for the control group, no significant changes were observed. It was concluded that a high-intensity, intermittent-running program improved children's aerobic performance and explosive strength.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Running / physiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome