PMID 34946354

Research
All papers

Effect of Cycle-Based High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Adolescent Soccer Players

Fang B, Kim Y, Choi M

Question

How do cycle-based HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training compare over 4 weeks in adolescent soccer players when both are combined with resistance training?

Summary

Among adolescent male soccer players, 4 weeks of cycle-based HIIT plus resistance training improved aerobic capacity and several anaerobic, heart-rate recovery, and knee-strength outcomes. Moderate continuous cycling plus the same resistance training also improved VO2peak, but the study was not randomized and the sample was limited to trained male athletes.

Methodology

  • High-school male soccer players aged 15-18 years.
  • 56 participants.
  • Wingate cycle sprints.
  • Work intervals: 30 seconds.
  • Recovery: 2 minutes active cycling at 60 rpm and 1 kp.
  • Intensity: All-out; 0.075 kg/kg body mass resistance.
  • About 50 minutes cycling, followed after 30 minutes rest by resistance training.
  • 3 sessions per week.
  • 4 weeks.
  • Non-randomized comparative pre/post intervention.
  • VO2peak, Wingate performance, Isokinetic strength, and Body composition were tracked.

Outcomes

VO2peak

Both HIIT and MICT increased VO2peak.

HIIT p=0.012; MICT p=0.028.

Improved

Recovery

Anaerobic threshold and heart-rate recovery improved only in HIIT.

Anaerobic threshold p=0.025; HR recovery 1 min p=0.029 and 3 min p=0.015.

Improved

Anaerobic power

Repeated Wingate outcomes improved more consistently after HIIT.

Peak power set 1 improved in both groups; sets 2 and 3 improved only in HIIT, p=0.011 and p=0.005.

Improved

Body composition

Body-composition measures did not change significantly.

No significant pre/post changes reported.

No clear change

Insights

  • Cycle HIIT may be useful when the goal is anaerobic power or recovery in trained adolescent athletes.
  • Four weeks may be too short for body-composition change in this population.
  • Concurrent strength training should be treated as part of the intervention package.

Limitations

  • Non-random assignment by player and coach choice.
  • Male soccer players only.
  • Short 4-week intervention.
  • Cycling modality may not transfer directly to soccer running.
  • Both groups received resistance training.

Safety

  • No intervention-related adverse events were reported.
  • Players in rehabilitation for knee, ankle, or back injuries were excluded.
  • Exercise testing included ECG, BP, RPE, cardiologist oversight, and stop criteria.