PMID 39416496

Research
All papers

Effects of linear and change of direction high-intensity interval training on physical performance of elite female soccer players

Stanković M, Trajković N, Mačak D, Đorđević D, Lazić A, Milanović Z

Question

Do linear and change-of-direction HIIT produce different physical-performance adaptations in elite female soccer players?

Summary

In elite female soccer players, 6 weeks of linear or change-of-direction running HIIT improved sprinting, agility, jumping, repeated-sprint, and 30-15 IFT outcomes. The change-of-direction version was not clearly superior overall.

Methodology

  • Elite female soccer players training at the highest level.
  • 30 participants.
  • running.
  • Work intervals: 15, 20, or 25 s.
  • Recovery: equal passive recovery at 0% VIFT.
  • Intensity: 100% VIFT, distance reduced 7% for COD cost.
  • about 18, 22, or 26 min for weeks 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6 after 17 min warm-up.
  • 2 sessions/week.
  • 6 weeks.
  • randomized two-group training intervention
  • Sprint speed, Agility, Jump performance, and Aerobic field fitness were tracked.

Outcomes

Performance tests

Both linear and COD groups improved most measured performance outcomes.

Both groups improved all physical performance measurements except RSAbest in HIITLIN (reported nonsignificant p around 0.4-0.45)

Improved

VO2max

Both groups improved 30-15 IFT-derived VO2max and VIFT.

VO2max +3.9% HIITLIN and +7.4% HIITCOD; VIFT +4.0% HIITLIN and +7.8% HIITCOD

Improved

Group difference

The COD version was not superior to linear HIIT across outcomes.

Authors report no group x time superiority for HIITCOD

No clear change

Insights

  • Work duration progression from 15 to 25 s can raise dose while preserving 1:1 work/rest.
  • COD intervals increase sport specificity but should reduce distance for turning cost.
  • Elite athlete findings should not be used as a direct beginner prescription.

Limitations

  • No non-HIIT control group.
  • Small elite female sample.
  • Wide age range from 16 to 26 years.
  • Adverse events and dropout were not explicitly reported in the NXML.

Safety

  • The article reported injury/disease exclusions and supervision but did not explicitly report adverse events or dropout in the extracted NXML.