Comparison of concurrent training versus high intensity interval training on speed and performance in collegiate football players

Background: Football is a physically demanding sport with a unique combination of strength, speed, endurance, agility and technical expertise. To meet these demands, training programmes should be carefully designed to optimise players’ performance. This study explored the comparison of concurrent training (CT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on speed and overall performance in collegiate football players. Methods: A comparative experimental study was carried out between 30 September and 23 November 2024, involving forty purposively selected male university-level players. Participants were randomly designated to either a CT or HIIT group using a simple lottery, with 20 players in each group. Both groups completed an eight-week programme comprising three sessions per week. Speed and agility were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Illinois agility test and the repeated sprint ability test. Results: Both training approaches significantly improved agility and sprint performance (P <0.001). The CT group reduced Illinois agility test times from 16.0 to 14.2 seconds and sprint times from 42.4 to 40.8 seconds. The HIIT group demonstrated greater improvements with agility times dropping from 16.4 to 12.4 seconds and sprint times from 42.7 to 38.5 seconds. Conclusion: The study displayed improvement in speed and agility performance after the training interventions. Both methods enhanced speed and agility, however HIIT proved to be more effective than CT in improving performance.