title: The effect of low-volume sprint interval training on the development and subsequent maintenance of aerobic fitness in soccer players.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effect of low-volume sprint interval training (SIT) on the development (part 1) and subsequent maintenance (part 2) of aerobic fitness in soccer players.
  
  
  METHODS
  In part 1, 23 players from the same semiprofessional team participated in a 2-wk SIT intervention (SIT, n = 14, age 25 ± 4 y, weight 77 ± 8 kg; control, n = 9, age 27 ± 6 y, weight 72 ± 10 kg). The SIT group performed 6 training sessions of 4-6 maximal 30-s sprints, in replacement of regular aerobic training. The control group continued with their regular training. After this 2-wk intervention, the SIT group was allocated to either intervention (n = 7, 1 SIT session/wk as replacement of regular aerobic training) or control (n = 7, regular aerobic training with no SIT sessions) for a 5-wk period (part 2). Pre and post measures were the YoYo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRL1) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In part 1, the 2-week SIT intervention had a small beneficial effect on YYIRL1 (17%; 90% confidence limits ±11%), and VO2max (3.1%; ±5.0%) compared with control. In part 2, 1 SIT session/wk for 5 wk had a small beneficial effect on VO2max (4.2%; ±3.0%), with an unclear effect on YYIRL1 (8%; ±16%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two weeks of SIT elicits small improvements in soccer players' high-intensity intermittent-running performance and VO2max, therefore representing a worthwhile replacement of regular aerobic training. The effectiveness of SIT for maintaining SIT-induced improvements in high-intensity intermittent running requires further research.
authors.affiliation: Sport and Exercise Subject Group, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
authors.forename: Tom W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Macpherson
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weston
mesh_terms: D005080:Exercise Test; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult