Effects of 5 weeks of high-intensity interval training vs. volume training in 14-year-old soccer players

J Strength Cond Res. 2011 May;25(5):1271-8. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d67c38.

Abstract

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) in junior and adult soccer has been shown to improve oxygen uptake (VO₂) and enhance soccer performance. The main purpose of this study was to examine the short term effects of a 5-week HIIT vs. high-volume training (HVT) program in 14-year-old soccer players regarding the effects on VO₂max and 1,000-m time (T₁₀₀₀) and on sprinting and jumping performance. In a 5-week period, 19 male soccer players with a mean (SD) age of 13.5 ± 0.4 years performed HIIT at close to ~90% of maximal heart rate. The HVT intensity was set at 60-75% of maximal heart rate. VO₂max increased significantly (7.0%) from pre to post in HIIT but not after HVT. T₁₀₀₀ decreased significantly after HIIT (~-10 vs. ~-5 seconds in HVT). Sprint performance increased significantly in both groups from pre to posttesting without any changes in jumping performance.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology*
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Soccer / physiology*
  • Time Factors