Effects of small-sided games and running-based high-intensity interval training on body composition and physical fitness in under-19 female soccer players

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to compare the effects of small-sided games (SSGs) and running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the body composition and physical fitness of youth female soccer players. Methods This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Twenty-four female soccer players (age: 18.63 ± 2.36 years) were randomly allocated to two training groups (SSG, n = 12; and HIIT, n = 12). The training intervention had a duration of eight weeks, consisting of three training sessions per week. Players were assessed twice (pre- and post-intervention) for anthropometrics, vertical (countermovement jumps, CMJ; and drop jumps, DJ) and horizontal jumping (single, triple and crossover hop), sprinting (10- and 30-m), change-of-direction (COD), COD deficit and final velocity at 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT). A covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was used to determine differences between the groups in the effect on post-intervention by controlling for covariates (pre-intervention). The within-group analysis (time) was performed using a paired t-test, while the between-group analysis per assessment moment was performed using an independent t-test. Results The between-group analysis with ANCOVA revealed that there are no significant differences between the SSG and HIIT groups in the post-intervention for any outcome (p > 0.05). The within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in both the SSG and HIIT groups in CMJ (p < 0.05), single, triple and crossover hops (p < 0.05), RSI DJ 30-cm and RSI DJ 40-cm (p < 0.05), VIFT (p < 0.05) and COD (p < 0.05). Conclusions SSG and HIIT are both effective for improving vertical and horizontal jumping ability, change-of-direction, and aerobic capacity status measured at a progressive and intermittent multistage test in youth soccer players.

Comparison of the Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Responses of the High-Intensity Interval (HIIT) and Small-Sided Games (SSG) Training Programs in Young Elite Soccer Players

“…Otherwise, in youth female soccer players, both SSG and HIIT were shown effective for improving vertical and horizontal jumping ability, change-of-direction, and aerobic capacity [ 82 ]. Recently, in a study conducted on female soccer players from a Spanish professional club, SSG achieved improvements mainly in the variables related to repetition of effort and the ability to maintain acceleration and deceleration [ 83 ].…”

Endurance Performance Adaptations between SSG and HIIT in Soccer Players: A Meta-analysis

“…Regarding participants sex, a moderator analyses was precluded because only 1 trial [72] included female participants. However, when the trial was removed from the analysis, the robustness of the summary estimates (e.g., p value) was confirmed: ES = 0.38, 95% CI = -0.05-0.81; p = 0.086; I 2 = 74.6%).…”

“…Unauthorized distribution is strictly prohibited. [69] Boraczynski et al [83] Castillo et al [74] Clemente et al [37] Dellal et al [105] Eniseler et al [90] Faude et al [70] Herazo-Sánchez et al [106] Hill-Haas et al [88] Impellizzeri et al [71] Koral et al [73] Los Arcos et al [89] Mohr et al [76] Nayiroglu et al [72] Ouertatani et al [86] Radmiminski et al [30] Safania et al [75] VO2max…”

The Effects of Small-Sided Games and Behavioral Interventions on the Physical and Motivational Outcomes of Youth Soccer Players

“…Even though behavioral modification techniques have high applicability in the field of sports performance, as proven by the numerous studies carried out on samples from different sports [ 13 ], none of those studies have targeted the intensity of effort during SSGs. Recent studies are based on measuring the effects of small-sided games on different components: technical skills [ 14 , 15 ], VO 2max and skills improvement [ 16 ], heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and running demands in professional soccer players [ 17 ], the physical fitness [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], the development of endurance [ 23 ], hamstring eccentric strength [ 24 ].…”