A Meta-Comparison of the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training to Those of Small-Sided Games and Other Training Protocols on Parameters Related to the Physiology and Performance of Youth Soccer Players

Abstract

Background High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is frequently employed to improve the endurance of various types of athletes. To determine whether youth soccer players may benefit from the intermittent load and time efficiency of HIIT, we performed a meta-analysis of the relevant scientific literature. Objectives Our primary objective was to compare changes in various physiological parameters related to the performance of youth soccer players in response to running-based HIIT to the effects of other common training protocols (i.e., small-sided games, technical training and soccer-specific training, or high-volume endurance training). A secondary objective was to compare specifically running-based HIIT to a soccer-specific form of HIIT known as small-sided games (SSG) in this same respect, since this latter type of training is being discussed extensively by coaches. Method A systematic search of the PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed in August of 2017 and updated during the review process in December of 2018. The criteria for inclusion of articles for analysis were as follows: (1) comparison of HIIT to SSG or some other training protocol employing a pre-post design, (2) involvement of healthy young athletes (≤ 18 years old), and (3) assessment of variables related to endurance or soccer performance. Hedges’ g effect size ( d ppc2 ) and associated 95% confidence intervals for the comparison of the responses to HIIT and other interventions were calculated. Results Nine studies, involving 232 young soccer players (mean age 16.2 ± 1.6 years), were examined. Endurance training in the form of HIIT or SSG produced similar positive effects on most parameters assessed, including peak oxygen uptake and maximal running performance during incremental running (expressed as V max or maximal aerobic speed (MAS)), shuttle runs (expressed as the distance covered or time to exhaustion), and time-trials, as well as submaximal variables such as running economy and running velocity at the lactate threshold. HIIT induced a moderate improvement in soccer-related tests involving technical exercises with the soccer ball and other game-specific parameters (i.e., total distance covered, number of sprints, and number of involvements with the ball). Neuromuscular parameters were largely unaffected by HIIT or SSG. Conclusion The present meta-analysis indicates that HIIT and SSG have equally beneficial impacts on variables related to the endurance and soccer-specific performance of youth soccer players, but little influence on neuromuscular performance.

Area per player in small-sided games to replicate the external load and estimated physiological match demands in elite soccer players

“…Within weekly training routines, SSGs are largely used to elicit high-intensity running [ 1 ], a high number of technical drills with the ball possession [ 41 ] and to improve tactical behaviours [ 40 ]. Interestingly, SSGs were shown to lead to similar enhancement in aerobic fitness than high-intensity running interval training [ 42 ]. In SSGs, manipulating the number of players, the pitch size and the goalkeeper presence results in different physiological, technical and tactical outcomes [ 1 , 40 ].…”

“…Interestingly, SSGs were shown to lead to similar enhancement in aerobic fitness than highintensity running interval training [42]. In SSGs, manipulating the number of players, the pitch size and the goalkeeper presence results in different physiological, technical and tactical outcomes [1,40].…”

Physical performance changes during circuit training and detraining in U15 soccer players

“…Although high-intensity interval training or small-sided games improve aerobic performance in young soccer players (McMillan, Helgerud, Macdonald, & Hoff, 2005;Sperlich et al, 2011), it seems that they have little or no impact on sprinting, repeated sprinting and jumping in this age (Kunz, Engel, Holmberg, & Sperlich, 2019). Thus, resistance training, plyometric training or a combination between both are suggested as a complement to improve physical condition in young soccer players (M. C. Marques, Pereira, Reis, & van den Tillaar, 2013;Rodriguez-Rosell, Franco-Marquez, Mora-Custodio, & Gonzalez-Badillo, 2016).…”

Effects of Linear Versus Changes of Direction Repeated Sprints on Intermittent High Intensity Running Performance in High-level Junior Football Players over an Entire Season: A Randomized Trial

“…Several exercise modes can be applied to improve intermittent HIR performance, including resistance exercise [26,27], power exercise [27], high intensity aerobic interval exercise [28,29], and small-sided games [28,30,31,32]. However, to improve intermittent HIR in football players, the most frequently applied exercise is linear repeated sprint (RS) exercises [24,26,29,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41], which may be considered to primarily improve RSs ability.…”