High-intensity Running Training Research Articles

Effects of brief periods of combined plyometric exercise and high intensity running training on the fitness performance of male U17 handball players

This study examined the effects of 8-week combined plyometric exercise and high intensity running training (combined training) on the performance fitness in male U17 handball players. Participants were randomly divided between experimental (E; n = 15; age: 16.5 ± 0.4 years) and control (C; n = 13; age: 16.7 ± 0.3 years) groups. The E group performed combined training (4 workshops) twice a week over 8 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 35 min. The C maintained regular in-season training. Before and after the combined training, both groups underwent repeated sprint ability (RSA), sprint performance (5m, 10m, 20m and 30m), change of direction test (Modified change-of-direction T-test (T-half)), vertical jump (squat jump (SJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ), counter-movement jump with aimed arms (CMJA)), horizontal jump (five-jump test (5JT)), strength (1-RM half squat), and 20-meter shuttle run. Group x time interaction showed significant increases on sprint performance ( p < 0.01, 8.6%; p < 0.001, 7.3%; p < 0.05, 6.9%; and p < 0.01, 8.9% over distances of 5m, 10m, 20m and 30m respectively) in E relative to C. The T-half also showed significant gains for E ( p < 0.05, 6.8%), as did vertical jumping ( p < 0.01, 32.7%; p < 0.001, 32.6% and p < 0.001, 23% for SJ, CMJ and CMJA respectively) and horizontal jumping ( p < 0.05, 13.3%) compared to C. Moreover, there were significant improvements of RSA and 20 m shuttle run in E compared to C. However, there were no significant differences in 1-RM half squat between groups. We conclude that the allocation of short periods of a combined training is effective in enhancing performance fitness and thus can be commended to male U17 Handball participants as a potentially useful component of their training.

English

Introduction: The adherence on endurance running events is increasing exponentially around the World in both previously untrained men and women, thus the incorporation of more appropriate and individualized training approaches are required. It is not known if male and female untrained runners differ in the responses to endurance running training on performancerelated variables. Objective: We aimed to compare performance-related responses to an endurance running training program between untrained men and women. Material and method: Sixteen participants (8 men and 8 women) were paired in the baseline by age, body mass index, and percentage in which time to complete 5 km (t5km) represented from the average of best 50 runners t5km in the greatest regional race for each gender. They completed an 11-week training protocol alternating high-intensity interval training and moderateintensity continuous running, three times per week, in a running track. In the week 1 and 11 of the protocol (baseline and post-training weeks), peak running velocity at treadmill (Vpeak), time limit (tlim) at 100% Vpeak, t5km, and the index rMSSD of heart rate variability (HRV) were measured for cardiac autonomic function. Baseline gender-differences were accounted in the analysis. Results: Male and female significantly improved Vpeak (9.4 ± 1.7% and 7.2 ± 1.7%, respectively) and t5km (-13.0 ± 1.8% for both), and no gender-related differences for the adaptations in these two variables were observed. The tlim at 100% Vpeak and rMSSD did not change across the training period in both groups. Percentage of change for men was “moderately” higher than for women for rMSSD (33.4 ± 40.7% vs. 13.9 ± 21.4%), although statistically non-significant. Conclusion: Men and women responses to training were similar with regards to their running performance and cardiac autonomic function. With regards to practical application, Vpeak and its tlim can be applied in exercise settings for the prescription of moderate- to high-intensity running training with similar benefits regardless of the biological gender

Implementing High-speed Running and Sprinting Training in Professional Soccer.

High-speed running and sprinting training play an important role in the development of physical capabilities, sport-specific performance and injury prevention among soccer players. This commentary aims to summarize the current evidence regarding high-speed running and sprinting training in professional soccer and to inform its implementation in research and applied settings. It is structured into four sections: 1) Evidence-based high-speed running and sprinting conditioning methodologies; 2) Monitoring of high-speed running and sprinting performance in soccer 3) Recommendations for effective implementation of high-speed running and sprinting training in applied soccer settings; 4) Limitations and future directions. The contemporary literature provides preliminary methodological guidelines for coaches and practitioners. The recommended methods to ensure high-speed running and sprinting exposure for both conditioning purposes and injury prevention strategies among soccer players are: high-intensity running training, field-based drills and ball-drills in the form of medium- and large-sided games. Global navigation satellite systems are valid and reliable technologies for high-speed running and sprinting monitoring practice. Future research is required to refine, and advance training practices aimed at optimizing individual high-speed running and sprinting training responses and associated long-term effects.

Effect of Short-term Altitude Training on Sprint Running Performance

It is suggested that intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) improved repeated sprint ability and maximal 30-s cycling sprint (Faiss et al, 2013; Hamlin et al., 2010; Kasai et al., 2015). Therefore, IHT may suitable for enhancing sprint performance. However, IHT and/or altitude training have not yet been conducted in track events sprinters. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of short-term altitude high intensity training on sea level sprint running performance in well-trained 400-m runners. METHODS: Eighteen college male 400-m runners were assigned to either a Hypoxic group (n = 9) or a Normoxic group (n = 9) and performed high intensity running training twice a day for 5 days. Both groups trained same high intensity training program in all weather running track. Hypoxic group trained and rested in Hida-Ontake Kogen Highland Training Area (1,700-1,800m). Before and after the training, subjects were completed 60-m and 400-m maximal running test, and vertical jump test. The post-training test periods were conducted 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 days after the final training session. RESULTS: After the 5 days of high intensity training, no significant changes in 400-m running time in both groups. However, percentage changes of 400-m running time were significantly higher in Hypoxic group (2.1 ± 1.0 %) than in Normoxic group (1.0 ± 0.9 %). 30-m time during the latter half of 60-m running was significantly increased in 7-days after training (Hypoxic: 3.15 ± 0.04 vs 3.23 ± 0.03 sec, Normoxic: 3.16 ± 0.03 vs 3.22 ± 0.03 sec) and significantly decreased in 21-days after training (Hypoxic: 3.08 ± 0.03 sec, Normoxic: 3.11 ± 0.03 sec) compared to before training. There were no significant changes in vertical jump in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that altitude high intensity training is effective for 400-m runners.

Effects of high-intensity running training on soccer-specific fitness in professional male players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not physiological and performance gains could be achieved with the addition of high-intensity running to an existing training programme in a group of well trained professional male soccer players. Sixteen professional male players (21.3 ± 2.1 years, stature 177.4 ± 4.2 cm, body mass 73.1 ± 8.1 kg) were randomised in training (TRA, n = 8) and control (CON, n = 8) groups. All players performed physiological assessments before and after a 6-week intervention. Outcome measures were: (i) V̇O2peak, (ii) V̇O2 kinetics during very heavy-intensity exercise, (iii) a maximal anaerobic running test, and (iv) Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 2 (YIRT2). The only aerobic parameter to change after the intervention was the phase III time constant at exercise onset for CON, which lengthened (p = 0.012) to a value similar to that of the TRA group. However, TRA showed gains in anaerobic performance (p = 0.021), time to exhaustion (p = 0.019), and maximal running speed (p = 0.023). In the YIRT2, distance run increased for TRA over time (p = 0.015), and the TRA group were also capable of running further in the YIRT2 after the intervention compared with CON (p = 0.011). This study shows it is possible to improve the soccer-specific high-intensity running capacity of professional players when high-intensity intermittent training is added to the normal training load and that this effect is only detectable in anaerobic capabilities. The observed effects are meaningful to the training practices of elite athletes seeking a competitive edge in team sports when otherwise well matched.

High-Intensity Training in Football

This article reviews the major physiological and performance effects of aerobic high-intensity and speed-endurance training in football, and provides insight on implementation of individual game-related physical training. Analysis and physiological measurements have revealed that modern football is highly energetically demanding, and the ability to perform repeated high-intensity work is of importance for the players. Furthermore, the most successful teams perform more high-intensity activities during a game when in possession of the ball. Hence, footballers need a high fitness level to cope with the physical demands of the game. Studies on football players have shown that 8 to 12 wk of aerobic high-intensity running training (> 85% HR(max)) leads to VO2(max) enhancement (5% to 11%), increased running economy (3% to 7%), and lower blood lactate accumulation during submaximal exercise, as well as improvements in the yo-yo intermittent recovery (YYIR) test performance (13%). Similar adaptations are observed when performing aerobic high-intensity training with small-sided games. Speed-endurance training has a positive effect on football-specific endurance, as shown by the marked improvements in the YYIR test (22% to 28%) and the ability to perform repeated sprints (approximately 2%). In conclusion, both aerobic and speed-endurance training can be used during the season to improve high-intensity intermittent exercise performance. The type and amount of training should be game related and specific to the technical, tactical, and physical demands imposed on each player.