# Effects of a high-intensity intermittent training program on aerobic capacity and lipid profile in trained subjects

PMID: 25378960
Journal: Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine
Published: 2014-10-17
Authors: Ouerghi N, Khammassi M, Boukorraa S, Feki M, Kaabachi N, Bouassida A

## Question

Does adding short-short 15/15 high-intensity intermittent running to regular soccer training improve aerobic capacity and lipid profile in trained male soccer players?

## Summary

In amateur male soccer players, adding twice-weekly 15-s/15-s high-intensity running intervals to regular football training for 12 weeks improved maximal aerobic velocity and VO2max more than regular football training alone. Lipid-profile changes were favorable in direction but not statistically significant.

## Population

- Young male amateur soccer players plus untrained male controls.
- Sample size: 24
- Age: 21-26 years; mean 22.9 +/- 1.73
- Sex: Male
- Fitness level: Trained soccer players in EG1/EG2; untrained controls
- Health status: No physical anomaly on medical exam

## Methodology

- Small controlled training study with randomized allocation between trained soccer groups
- 12 weeks
- Football pitch and laboratory testing during competitive season
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- 15/15 high-intensity intermittent running.
- Modality: Running.
- Work intervals: 15 s.
- Recovery: 15 s passive; 3 min between sets.
- Sets or repetitions: Two 10-min sets with 20 work reps per set.
- Intensity: 105% MAV initially, plus 5% MAV every 3 weeks.
- Session duration: Two 10-min sets plus 3-min inter-set recovery.
- Frequency: 2 sessions/week in addition to soccer training.
- Program length: 12 weeks.
- Progression: +5% MAV every 3 weeks.
- Regular soccer training and inactive control.
- Modality: Football training or no regular activity.
- Sets or repetitions: EG2 performed five soccer sessions/week; CG did not practice regular physical activity.
- Intensity: Regular soccer training varied by day.
- Frequency: EG2 five sessions/week plus matches; CG none.
- Program length: 12 weeks.
- Progression: Regular competitive-season training.

## Outcomes

### VO2max
Status: improved
HIIT group improved VO2max at 6 and 12 weeks and exceeded soccer-only group at 12 weeks.

53.3 +/- 4.0 to 54.8 +/- 3.0 at 6 weeks p<0.05 and 57.0 +/- 3.2 at 12 weeks p<0.001; EG1 > EG2 p<0.05.

### MAV
Status: improved
Maximal aerobic velocity improved earlier and more in the added-HIIT group.

Significant after 6 and 12 weeks in EG1; EG2 only after 12 weeks.

### Lipids
Status: no clear change
Lipid-profile changes were favorable in direction but not statistically significant.

No significant lipid changes at 6 or 12 weeks.

### Weight/BMI
Status: improved
Weight and BMI decreased in both soccer training groups but not controls.

Reported as significant in EG1 and EG2.

## Practical Insights

- 15/15 running intervals are relevant to field-sport conditioning.
- Aerobic capacity claims are stronger than lipid-profile claims.
- This is not general-population weight-loss evidence.

## Limitations

- Small sample
- Male soccer-player sample
- Dietary intake, energy expenditure, and alcohol consumption not controlled
- Dropout/adherence not reported
- Lipid outcomes nonsignificant

## Safety And Adherence

- Participants had a medical exam, but the article did not report adverse-event outcomes.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25378960/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S68701) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207574/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.