PMID 41006990

Research
All papers

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training with Change of Direction Versus Small-Sided Games on Physical Fitness in School-Aged Children

Bibić E, Stupar D, Mitrović N, Zoretić D, Trajković N

Question

Does change-of-direction HIIT improve school-aged boys' physical fitness differently than small-sided games when both are delivered during PE classes?

Summary

In 12-year-old boys during school physical education, both change-of-direction HIIT and small-sided games improved shuttle-run distance, standing broad jump, agility tests, and handgrip strength over 8 weeks. There were no significant group-by-time differences, meaning neither format clearly outperformed the other. The study was small, boys-only, and short, but it gives practical school-based interval formats.

Methodology

  • Healthy school-aged boys aged 11-13 years.
  • 50 participants.
  • Change-of-direction running.
  • Work intervals: 15 s vigorous run with 3-5 changes of direction.
  • Recovery: 15 s passive recovery standing or walking.
  • Intensity: Above 75% HRmax.
  • 45 min PE class with about 30 min main training.
  • 2 sessions/week.
  • 8 weeks.
  • School-based randomized controlled trial.
  • Cardiorespiratory fitness, Strength and power, and Speed and agility were tracked.

Outcomes

Between-group effects

No significant group-by-time interaction was observed for any outcome.

All interaction p > .05.

No clear change

Shuttle run

Both groups improved shuttle-run distance.

HIITcod 535.3 to 657.3 m, p = .001; SSG 518.7 to 604.0 m, p = .02.

Improved

Power and agility

Both groups improved standing broad jump and agility tests.

Standing broad jump p = .020 HIITcod and p = .041 SSG; Illinois and T-test improved in both groups.

Improved

20-m sprint

Neither group improved 20-m sprint performance significantly.

p > .05.

No clear change

Insights

  • 15/15 change-of-direction intervals are a compact school PE format.
  • Game-based intervals may deliver similar fitness benefits with more playful engagement.
  • No evidence here that HIITcod outperforms SSG.

Limitations

  • Single school.
  • Boys only.
  • Small sample and short duration.
  • No formal a priori power calculation.
  • Fixed test order may introduce fatigue effects.
  • No long-term or enjoyment outcomes.

Safety

  • No adverse-event details were reported.
  • Sessions were supervised by a researcher and PE specialist with HR monitoring.