HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT) AND SPRINT INTERVAL TRAINING (SIT) FOR SOCCER-SPECIFIC SPRINTS IN YOUNG FEMALE PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Introduction: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Sprint interval training (SIT) are effective training methods for soccer players. However, there is no clear indication which method is more effective to improve sprint performance, especially in young female soccer players. We hypothesized that a multi-component training model (HIIT+SIT) would improve soccer-specific sprint performance more effectively in young female soccer players. This study aims to investigate the effects of HIIT and SIT programs on soccer-specific sprint performance in young female soccer players. Methods: 30 trained female soccer players aged 14-16 from Çanakkale Youth and Sports Club’s 3rd League women's soccer team were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the training group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). Anaerobic power was evaluated using the Wingate test. Soccer-specific sprint performance was evaluated with a sprint test and with a ball. The training group was included in HIIT and SIT programs in addition to soccer training. The control group was included in soccer training only. The program was applied for 6 weeks and 3 days a week. Tests and measurements were repeated after 6 weeks. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normal data distribution, and the Levene test was used to assess equality of variances. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the significance level of the difference between the means of the groups. The Wilcoxon test was used to determine the significance of the difference between the means of two groups. Results: Significant differences were found between the training group and the control group in the 30 m sprint (p = .000), 30 m sprint with ball (p = 0.001), and 41 m sprint with change of direction with ball (p = .002) tests. No significant differences were found in mean and peak anaerobic power (p > .05). Conclusion: For young female soccer players, a combination of HIIT and SIT training is recommended to improve soccer-specific sprint performance.