title: Sprint vs. interval training in football.
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity aerobic interval and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) training on aerobic and anaerobic physiological variables in male football players. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to either the interval training group (ITG, 4 x 4 min running at 90 - 95 % of HRmax; n = 21) or repeated-sprint training group (RSG, 3 x 6 maximal shuttle sprints of 40 m; n = 21). The following outcomes were measured at baseline and after 7 weeks of training: maximum oxygen uptake, respiratory compensation point, football-specific endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, YYIRT), 10-m sprint time, jump height and power, and RSA. Significant group x time interaction was found for YYIRT (p = 0.003) with RSG showing greater improvement (from 1917 +/- 439 to 2455 +/- 488 m) than ITG (from 1846 +/- 329 to 2077 +/- 300 m). Similarly, a significant interaction was found in RSA mean time (p = 0.006) with only the RSG group showing an improvement after training (from 7.53 +/- 0.21 to 7.37 +/- 0.17 s). No other group x time interactions were found. Significant pre-post changes were found for absolute and relative maximum oxygen uptake and respiratory compensation point (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the RSA training protocol used in this study can be an effective training strategy for inducing aerobic and football-specific training adaptations.
authors: Human Performance Laboratory, MAPEI Sport Research Center, Castellanza, Italy.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Ferrari Bravo
authors: F M
authors: FM
authors: Impellizzeri
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Rampinini
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Castagna
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Bishop
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Wisloff
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*