Repeated Sprint Ability Research Articles

Repetitive Sprinting and Running Fatigue in Children with Different Levels of Motor Competence

Background: Children with motor delays often experience challenges in health-related fitness, but the impact on running skills remains unclear. Previous research has shown that children with motor coordination problems have lower cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and higher body weight compared to peers. Few studies have examined anaerobic capacity, muscular power, endurance, running performance, and fatigue in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This study aims to compare repetitive running and running-induced fatigue in typically developing children and those with varying degrees of motor coordination problems. Methods: Groups were classified using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition (MABC-2), as probably having DCD (p-DCD, ≤5th percentile, age 9.7 (SD 1.6), n = 141), at risk for DCD (r-DCD, 6th–16th percentile, age 9.9 (SD1.6), n = 160), and typically developing (TD, >16th percentile, age 9.6 (SD 1.6), n = 191). Anaerobic fitness and fatigue were assessed using the Children’s Repetitive and Intermittent Sprinting Performance test (CRISP), while lower and upper body muscular strength, running, and agility were measured with the performance and fitness (PERF-FIT) test battery Power and Agility subscale. Age groups (6–9 and 10–12 years) were analyzed to determine when performance deficits emerged. Results: The p-DCD group was significantly slower, had less power, and fatigued more than the r-DCD and TD children (p < 0.01). This was already clearly the case in the 6–9-year-olds, who slowed down already after the first runs, while the older poorly coordinated children started slower than their peers and showed a more gradual decrease in performance over the runs. Conclusions: Moderate coordination differences between r-DCD and TD children did not significantly impact fatigue, but p-DCD children exhibited greater fatigue due to overestimating their start speed, higher body weight, lower power, and reduced agility, especially in younger age groups. (Too) High starting speed, especially in the younger less coordinated children (p-DCD), is likely to lead to more fatigue.

Effect of repeated sprint training in hypoxia on acute and chronic redox balance modulation

Little is known regarding the effects high-intensity training performed in hypoxia on the oxidative stress and antioxidant systems. The aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of 4 weeks of repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) on the redox balance. Forty male well-trained cyclists were matched into two different interventions (RSH, n = 20) or in normoxia, RSN, n = 20) and tested twice (before (Pre-) and after (Post-) a 4-week of training) for performance (repeated sprint ability (RSA) test), oxidative stress, and antioxidant status. Antioxidant enzyme activity (Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase, and catalase), NO metabolites (NOx: nitrites and nitrates), ferric reducing antioxidant power, Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine, and carbonyls were measured in plasma. At Post-, MDA, and carbonyls increased (p < 0.05) in the RSN group both at rest (+90.6%) and also acutely in response to RSA (+22.9%); but not in RSH. At Post-, in the RSH group, catalase increased (p < 0.05) both at rest (+44.7%) and in response to the RSA test (+66.3%). At Post-, SOD, and nitrotyrosine decreased after RSA and at rest, regardless of the group (p = 0.0012 and p = 0.0413, respectively). At Post-, NOx decreased after the RSA test, regardless of the group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, several weeks of RSH training limits the increase in oxidative stress markers both at rest and in response to RSA test. Moreover, such training downregulated SOD activity, possibly due to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species. These findings could constitute a paradigm shift with a better enzymatic adaptation after RSH concomitant with a distinct reactive oxygen species (ROS) production between RSH and RSN.

Correlation among repeated sprint ability, vertical force-velocity profile, and 30-15 IFT performance in elite youth basketball players

Correlation among repeated sprint ability, vertical force-velocity profile, and 30-15 IFT performance in elite youth basketball players

Effect of fatigability on sprint time performance and force-velocity profile according to maturity status in young rugby players.

Little is known about the influence of fatigue in repeated overground sprinting on force-velocity properties in children and adolescents, while this ability to repeat sprints is important for future progress in rugby union. Sprint time decline is commonly used to assess fatigability. However, it does not provide data on biomechanical aspects of sprint performance such as maximal power, force, and velocity production. As sprint time performance and force-velocity properties do not linearly change during adolescence, considering maturity status is important. This study aimed to assess the effect of fatigue on sprint time performance fatigability, force-velocity parameters, and mechanical effectiveness according to maturity status. A group of fifteen boys (12.5 ± 0.5 years) children and a group of seventeen boys (15.1 ± 0.6 years) adolescent rugby players completed seven blocks, consisting of a 30-meter sprint followed by five minutes of high-intensity exercise with one minute of passive recovery. The force-velocity parameters were calculated at each sprint, and performance decrement was assessed using a fatigue index. A main effect of block repetition was found for maximal power output, maximal force, maximal velocity, 30-meter sprint time, fatigue index and mechanical effectiveness parameters with large effect sizes (p <0.001; [Formula: see text] = 0.19 to 0.47) and without a main effect of maturity status (p = 0.37 to 0.99; [Formula: see text] = 0.00 to 0.05). This could be explained by the modalities (duration, intensity, recovery) of the protocol and the training level of the adolescent group. For both groups, the decrease in maximal power output was due more to a reduction in maximal velocity than force, and mechanical effectiveness was negatively impacted. Coaches could prioritize the training of horizontal force at high velocity under fatigue conditions, as this ability tends to be the most affected. They could also incorporate training on mechanical effectiveness as this is a determinant in team sports.

Meta-analyses of the effects of high-intensity interval training in elite athletes-part I: mean effects on various performance measures.

Meta-analysts have found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves physical performance, but limited evidence exists regarding its effects on highly trained athletes, measures beyond maximum oxygen uptake ( O2max), and the moderating effects of different types of HIIT. In this study, we present meta-analyses of the effects of HIIT focusing on these deficits. The effects of 6 types of HIIT and other moderators were derived from 34 studies involving highly trained endurance and elite athletes in percent units via log-transformation from separate meta-regression mixed models for sprint, time-trial, aerobic/anaerobic threshold, peak speed/power, repeated-sprint ability, O2max, and exercise economy. The level of evidence for effect magnitudes was evaluated based on the effect uncertainty and the smallest important change of 1%. Compared with control training, HIIT showed good to excellent evidence for the substantial enhancement of most measures for some athlete subgroups in practically important study settings defined by effect moderators (maximum of 12.6%, for endurance female athletes after 6 weeks of aerobic traditional long intervals). The assessment of the moderators indicated good evidence of greater effects as follows: with more aerobic types of HIIT for O2max (+2.6%); with HIIT added to conventional training for most measures (+1.1-2.3%); during the competition phase for O2max (+4.3%); and with tests of longer duration for sprint (+5.5%) and time trial (+4.9%). The effects of sex and type of athlete were unclear moderators. The heterogeneity of HIIT effects within a given type of setting varied from small to moderate (standard deviations of 1.1%-2.3%) and reduced the evidence of benefit in some settings. Although athletes in some settings can be confident of the beneficial effects of HIIT on some measures related to competition performance, further research is needed. There is uncertainty regarding the mean effects on exercise economy and the modifying effects of sex, duration of intervention, phase of training, and type of HIIT for most measures. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=236384.

Effects of 2 Combined Training Protocols on the Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness, Technical Skills, and Psychophysiological Responses in Young Soccer Players.

Kilit, B, Chmura, P, Arslan, E, Soylu, Y, and Radziminski, Ł. Effects of 2 combined training protocols on the aerobic and anaerobic fitness, technical skills, and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): 86-93, 2025-The study compared the effects of combining small-sided soccer games (SSGs) with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and repeated sprint training (RST) on aerobic and anaerobic fitness, technical skills, and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. Thirty-two male, adolescent, soccer players (aged 13.5 ± 0.3 years) were randomly divided into either the SSGs + HIIT group ( n = 16) or the SSGs + RST group ( n = 16) for combined training 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The players in the SSGs + HIIT group performed 12-18 minutes of runs at intensities (90-95%), whereas the players in the SSGs + RST group consisted of 3-4 sets of 5-7 times 15-m shuttle sprints (all-out efforts). Both training groups played 4 bouts of 2-a-side or 4-a-side SSGs with various game formats at 2-day intervals. Psychophysiological responses were determined during and after all training sessions. Before and after training interventions, the following physical performance tests were used: 5- to 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump, triple-hop distance, zigzag agility with the ball and without the ball, repeated sprint ability (RSA), 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, 3 corner run test, speed dribbling ability (SDA), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, and Y-balance test. Our main findings were that the SSGs + RST group demonstrated greater improvement in 5-m sprint time, SDA time, and RSA in the meantime compared with the SSGs + HIIT ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 1.50 to 2.25). Moreover, the SSGs + RST group showed greater improvement in agility test responses ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 2.13 to 2.34) than the SSGs + HIIT group. However, the SSGs + HIIT induced higher perceived exertion, mental effort, and lower greater physical enjoyment meaningfully compared with the SSGs + RST ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 6.04 to 6.67). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the SSGs + RST is an effective training program to improve young soccer players' speed and agility-based performance responses.

Prediction of Endurance Performance and Repeated Sprint Ability Based on Critical Velocity in Soccer Players Depending on their Playing Position

Tests and regular monitoring of the athlete’s’ performance is an important aspect of a successful training program. However, the methods of conducting tests are challenging, particularly in team sports. The present study is an attempt to predict endurance performance and repeated sprint ability based on critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic distance capacity (ADC) in soccer players according to their playing position. The current research used a causal ex post facto design. 60 players from the same team (Ilam, Iran) participating in 3-5 regular practice sessions a week, with an age range of 16-20 years participated in this study as volunteers. They are divided in 6 playing positions (Fullback, Center Back, Defending/Holding Midfielder (CDM), Midfielder Offensive, Winger and Striker) presenting homogeneous level, experience, volume and intensity of training. Body composition, 400m and 1600m running tests and Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) were measured. CV and ADC were measured using 400m and 1600m running time data. Linear regression test was used to predict the relationship between the variables and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences between the players in different positions. Results of the linear regression model showed that CV and ADC ha significantly impact maximum, minimum, average power, aerobic and anaerobic performance in irrespective of the playing position. Regardless of the game positional role. CV of Fullback had an effect on the minimum, average power and decremental index, and the ADC variable in the Center Back position had an effect on the minimum power. However, CV and ADC variables had a significant effect on the prediction of aerobic and anaerobic performance in all six game positions. The results of the one-way ANOVA statistical test showed that there was a significant difference between the different positions only in the deceleration index factor (p=0.015), and the results of the Bonferroni test showed that this difference was between the Midfielder Offensive and winger groups (p=0.012). This study has shown relevant information for coaching about the use of C.V and ADC in order to propose new keys and ways of planning training sessions.

The Influence of Caffeine on Tolerance to Sport-Specific High-Intensity Exercise in Young Elite Soccer Players.

Modern elite football places extremely high demands on the athlete's body, so it is of practical interest to study the effect of various dietary supplements on load tolerance and postexercise recovery. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the effects of caffeine on key measures of load tolerance in football such as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) at different time points after the exercise. 54 young players aged 15-17 years from a leading Russian football academy took part in a randomised trial using the balanced placebo design. They were divided into 4 groups: 1 - told caffeine/given caffeine, 2 - told caffeine/given placebo, 3 - told placebo/given placebo and 4 - told placebo/given caffeine. All participants consumed two capsules 60 min before testing, each containing 200 mg of caffeine or placebo. Sprinting, counter-movement jump, change of direction run, dribbling, T-test and the repeated sprint ability test were used to create conditions for high-intensity sports-specific load. A visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of muscle soreness. RPE was assessed using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale. HR immediately postexercise (HRpe), HR after 2 min of passive rest (HRrest) and recovery HR (HRrec = HRpe - HRrest) were obtained. The data demonstrated that a single caffeine intake of 400 mg had no statistically significant effect on RPE (p = 0.948), HRpe (p = 0.698) or HRrec (p = 0.920) across the groups. Additionally, the severity of DOMS 24 h postexercise did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.077). Acute caffeine ingestion does not affect the subjective and objective indicators of training load in young football players aged 15-17 years with low levels of anxiety and low levels of daily caffeine intake.

Potential Importance of Maximal Upper Body Strength-Generating Qualities and Upper Body Strength Training for Performance of High-Intensity Running and Jumping Actions: A Scoping Review.

To investigate the influence of upper body (UB) strength qualities and UB strength training on the performance of high-intensity running and jumping actions and to identify gaps and recommendations for future research. A systematic search using the PRISMA Scoping Review protocol was conducted in February 2024 using PubMed, Scopus, and ICTRP. Studies eligible for inclusion were those that reported associations between UB or trunk maximal strength qualities (e.g., absolute strength, forces, power) and high-intensity running or jumping actions or investigated the influence of an isolated UB strength training intervention on high-intensity running or jumping performances. Of the 4730 articles, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting correlations for 16 high-intensity running or jumping tests. No intervention studies were identified. Preliminary findings of the limited number of studies highlight that greater UB maximal strength-generating capacity may positively influence repeated sprint ability. While a significant moderate correlation between greater absolute UB strength and faster "flying" sprint was also reported, mixed results were found for sprint acceleration. There is also evidence that change-of-direction performance may greatly benefit from high maximal isometric strength of all trunk muscles and that strong trunk extensors may enhance drop jumps. This review identifies the potential of UB strength to contribute to high-intensity running and jumping actions. Future research is warranted to investigate this link via various UB strength tests and UB strength training protocols aimed at maximising neuromuscular adaptations.

Active motor-cognitive recovery supports reactive agility performance in trained athletes.

Active breaks are suggested to support recovery and performance in sports. Previous research in ball and team sports focused on motor performance such as repetitive sprinting or change of direction. This does not account for the interaction between motor and cognitive task demands in sports. Therefore, this study is the first to investigate the effectiveness of an active motor-cognitive break to support reactive agility performance. Twenty (7 female and 13 male) healthy trained young adults (mean age: 26years) performed an active or passive 5 min break following a fatiguing protocol of six 100m reactive agility runs with an intermittent break of 40s. Prior to the experiment (pre), after fatigue (post), and following the rest condition (retention), a reactive agility test was performed using the SKILLCOURT technology. In addition, lactate, heartrate, and physical exertion were recorded. Active rest contained two motor-cognitive training tasks on the SKILLCOURT combining low to moderate physical intensity with conflict inhibition and decision-making. During passive rest, participants remained seated. When comparing post and retention agility tests, results indicate significantly stronger performance gains following the active when compared to the passive break condition (p=0.02 and ηp 2=0.24). This was not associated with any differences in physiological parameters such as lactate, heart rate, or RPE (p≥0.25). The results suggest that active motor-cognitive breaks support recovery and improve sport-related reactive agility performance. Performance gains in the active break are likely attributable to cognitive performance effects rather than physiological recovery, which may benefit athletes especially in ball and team sports.

Effects of concurrent in-season training on physiological functions required for top handball performance athletes

This study examined the physiological effects of combining contrast complex training (CCT) with either repeated short sprints (RSE) or high-intensity intervals (HIIT) on elite male handball players during the competitive season. The goal was to identify which training method more effectively enhances strength, endurance, and sprint performance. Fifteen elite handball players were divided into two groups during a 12-week training program, conducted alongside their regular handball practice. The RSE group (n = 8) performed 10 shuttle sprints (2x15m) with passive rest, while the HIIT group (n = 7) completed 5 repetitions of 30-second all-out sprints with directional changes. Both groups participated in CCT exercises, including squats at 90% of 1RM, jump squats at 50% of body weight, and drop jumps from 30 cm. Performance was assessed before and after the intervention using tests for jump squat rate of force development (RFD), 5-jump distance, 30m sprint, repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), maximal squat strength, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (YYIRT 1), and VO2max. Both groups significantly increased maximal squat strength, with the RSE group improving by 8.8% and the HIIT group by 7.4% (p &lt; .01). The HIIT group showed a greater improvement in RFD (63.3% vs. 56.3%, p &lt; .05). VO2max increased by about 2% in both groups. YYIRT 1 improved by 9.4% in the RSE group and 5.8% in the HIIT group. However, acceleration (5m sprint) declined in both groups, more notably in the RSE group (-5.7%). RSSA performance deteriorated in the RSE group, while the HIIT group significantly enhanced their fatigue resistance, with a 39.1% improvement in Sdec at RSA (p &lt; .09). CCT increased strength and RFD but did not improve acceleration. HIIT was superior to RSE in maintaining or improving repeated sprint ability, making it the preferred method for elite handball players during the competitive season.

Effects of Different Intensities of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Protocols on Repeated Sprint Ability in Male Soccer Players: A Randomized Crossover Trial

(1) Background: Enhancing repeated sprint ability (RSA) is critical to soccer performance. Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols, particularly those utilizing heavy resistance preloading, have shown promise in improving RSA. Yet, the optimal preloading intensity for amateur players is still unknown. This study investigated the effects of two PAPE protocols using different preloading intensities (85% and 90% of 1 RM back squat) on RSA. (2) Methods: A double-blind, randomized, two-period crossover design was used, and 18 amateur male players were included in this study. RSA was assessed using a 6 × 35 m sprint protocol with 10 s rest intervals (RAST). (3) Results: While the main effect of time significantly (p = 0.01, η2 = 0.71) influenced performance decline across all groups, there was no significant (p = 0.65, η2 = 0.01) interaction between time and condition. Individual responses to PAPE varied, highlighting the importance of individual differences. Interestingly, the BS85% group exhibited a less pronounced decline in performance compared to the control group, while the BS90% group only showed significant differences in three sprint levels. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a lower preload of 85% of 1 RM may be as adequate as a higher preload of 90% of 1 RM in enhancing RSA in amateur soccer players. These results may indicate a potential fatigue-delaying effect of PAPE protocols and emphasize the importance of individualized approaches for optimizing PAPE strategies.

The Effect of Combined Strength, Plyometric, and Sprint Training on Repeated Sprint Ability in Team-Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Repeated sprint ability (RSA) is crucial for success in team sports, and involves both neuromuscular and metabolic factors. While single-mode training (SGL; e.g., sprint training) and combined training (CT; e.g., sprint + plyometric) can improve RSA, whether CT offers additional benefits compared to SGL or active controls maintaining routine training (CON) remains uncertain in team-sport athletes. This study evaluates the effect of CT versus SGL and CON on the RSA of team-sport athletes. A comprehensive search was conducted in five electronic databases. Thirteen studies involving 394 males and 28 females, aged 14 to 26 years, were included. The random effects model for meta-analyses revealed greater improvement in RSA mean after CT compared to SGL (Hedge's g effect size [g] = -0.46; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -0.82, -0.10; p < 0.01) and CON (g = -1.39; 95% CI: -2.09, -0.70; p < 0.01). CT also improved RSA best compared to CON (g = -1.17; 95% CI: -1.58, -0.76; p < 0.01). The GRADE analyses revealed low- to very-low certainty of evidence in all meta-analyses. Subgroup analysis revealed that plyometric + sprint training yielded greater RSA mean (g = -1.46) and RSA best (g = -1.35) improvement than plyometric + resistance + sprint training and resistance + sprint training. The effects of CT on RSA did not differ according to age (≥ 18 vs. < 18), sports (e.g., soccer vs. basketball vs. handball), or RSA test type (linear sprint vs. sprint with change-of-direction). Studies showed an overall high risk of bias (ROB 2). In conclusion, CT may be improving team-sport athletes' RSA more effectively than SGL (small effect size) and CON (large effect size), particularly when CT involves plyometric + sprint training.

Effects of 5-Wk Repeated Sprint Training in Hypoxia on Global Inspiratory and Core Muscle Functions.

Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) has been shown to boost team-sport players' repeated-sprint ability (RSA). Whether players' global inspiratory muscle (IM) and core muscle (CM) functions would be altered concomitantly with RSH was not reported. This study was designed to compare the concomitant alternations in players' RSA and their IM and CM functions during a team-sport-specific intermittent exercise protocol (IEP) before and after the intervention. Twenty players were assigned into either RSH or control (CON) groups (n = 10 for each). RSH players participated in 5-wk RSH (15 sessions, 3 sets 5x5-s all-out treadmill sprints interspersed with 25-s passive recovery under the hypoxia of 13.5%) while CON players had no corresponding training. The changes in RSA between pre- and post-intervention, and the alterations in IM and CM functions that were revealed by maximum inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax) and sport-specific endurance plank test (SEPT) performance, respectively, between pre- and post-IEP and across pre- and post-intervention in the RSH group were compared with that of CON. Following the 5-wk RSH, players' RSA improved significantly (>6%, p < 0.05) while PImax and SEPT performance did not alter (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, PImax which declined markedly in pre-intervention IEP (pre-IEP 155.4 ± 22.7 vs post-IEP 140.6 ± 22.8 cmH2O, p < 0.05) was alleviated significantly in post-intervention IEP (152.2 ± 27.4 vs 152.6 ± 31.8, p > 0.05), while the concomitant declined SEPT performance in the pre-intervention IEP (155 ± 24.6 vs 98.1 ± 21.7 s, p < 0.05) was retained post intervention (170.7 ± 38.1 vs 100.5 ± 33.4, p < 0.05). For the CON, all variables were unchanged (p > 0.05). Such findings suggest that 5-wk RSH could enhance players' RSA but not global IM and CM functions. Nonetheless, the decline in PImax in pre-intervention IEP alleviated significantly post intervention led to a postulation that players' IM endurance, rather than strength, might improve with the 5-wk RSH regimen, while the possible improved IM endurance did not advance the fatigue resistance of CM.

The Effect of Speed Endurance Versus Core Training on The Repeated Sprint Ability of Youth Male Soccer Players - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The effects of specific training protocols to improve repeated sprint ability are well known; however, the utility of non-specific training for this purpose is doubtful. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of a specific (sport-related) vs. non-specific (general physical development) eight-week training protocol on developing or maintaining repeated sprint ability in soccer players. Thirty-eight male soccer players (aged 17.1 ± 0.3 years) were randomly divided into a speed endurance group (n = 18) and a core training group (n = 20). The speed endurance group performed 4 sprints lasting 15 seconds with a recovery of 75 seconds, while the core training group performed 2 sets of 4 exercises for 30 seconds with 15 seconds of recovery. Both protocols were performed twice a week. All players performed the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (6 consecutive 35-meter sprints with 10-seconds recovery intervals). A mixed two-way ANOVA was performed with no significant effects in the interaction term. On average, the speed endurance and the core training groups improved their repeated sprint ability by 7.9% and 8.0%, respectively, from pre- to post-assessment (p < 0.001, η2 p = 0.459). No significant between-group differences were detected for the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test total time or maximum power. In principle, specific and non-specific low-volume training protocols may improve repeated sprint ability over eight weeks in soccer players. However, the improvements may have been derived from the continued soccer-specific training, which is the reason why future studies should include a passive control group and test whether high session volumes produce different results.

The Combination of Motor Imagery and Post-Activation Performance Enhancement is Efficient to Emphasize the Effects of Warm-Up on Sport-Specific Performance.

Motor imagery (MI) or post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) have shown acute benefits for sports performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cumulative effects of MI and PAPE when combined within a warm-up routine. Ten men boxers participated in this study. They underwent four experimental sessions composed of a standardized warm-up followed by 1) maximal leg press extensions (CONTROL-PAPE), 2) mental imagery of force and sprint tasks (CONTROL-MI), 3) maximal leg press extensions followed by mental imagery of force and sprint tasks (PAPE-MI) and 4) mental imagery of force and sprint tasks followed by then maximal leg press extensions (MI-PAPE). Post-tests consisted of boxing reaction time, average and maximal boxing force, maximal handgrip strength, repeated sprint ability and the NASA-TLX fatigue questionnaire. No difference was obtained between PAPE-MI and MI-PAPE for the different measurements. Compared to CONTROL-PAPE and CONTROL-MI, both the PAPE-MI and MI-PAPE significantly enhanced boxing average force (P < 0.05) and repeated sprint ability (P < 0.01). Compared to CONTROL-PAPE, both the PAPE-MI and MI-PAPE increased boxing reaction time (P < 0.05), PAPE-MI increased the handgrip strength (P < 0.05) and MI-PAPE increased boxing maximal force (P < 0.01). Compared to CONTROL-MI, both the PAPE-MI and MI-PAPE increased boxing maximal force (P < 0.001), handgrip strength (0 < 0.01) and MI-PAPE increased boxing reaction time (P < 0.05). The NASA-TLX questionnaire was not affected by the warm-up modalities (P = 0.442). Combining PAPE-MI and MI-PAPE protocols within the warm-up produced cumulative positive effects on acute muscular performance without increasing subjective fatigue. PAPE-MI and MI-PAPE are both interesting modalities for optimizing warm-up routines.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on selected indicators of physical fitness among male team-sport athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Superior physical fitness and performance are essential in male team sports. Among a myriad of training methodologies, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained popularity owing to its unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness. Previous studies have established that HIIT is a proven and effective approach for enhancing various physiological performance outcomes, particularly oxygen consumption capacity, in individual sports. Despite potential differences in training practices between male and female athletes, HIIT is recognized as an anaerobic training approach for team-sport athletes. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively and innovatively analyze the existing literature to examine the effectiveness of HIIT on oxygen consumption performance among male team-sport athletes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines across the PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases until December 31, 2023. The inclusion criteria for this review encompassed research articles published in peer-reviewed journals that specifically focused on the impact of HIIT on the oxygen consumption performance of male players engaged in team sports. The study population exclusively consisted of male participants. The collected data included study characteristics, participant demographics, intervention details, and outcomes. Methodological quality assessment was performed using standardized criteria. The effect sizes (ESs) were calculated, and a meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. The literature search yielded 13 eligible studies encompassing 286 athletes aged 14-26 years. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant enhancements in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in six studies (ES, 0.19-0.74; p < 0.005), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT) performance in six studies (ES, 0.20-2.07; p = 0.009), repeated-sprint ability total time (RSAtotal) in five studies (ES, 0.18-1.33; p < 0.001), and the best and average times for repeated-sprint ability (RSAbest and RSAmean, respectively) in four studies (ES, 0.47-1.50; p < 0.001). However, two studies did not report any significant differences in the outcomes of the Velocity in 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT) between the experimental and control groups (ES, -0.08 and -0.27; p = 0.87 and 0.443, respectively). Moreover, one study did not report any significant differences in the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) (ES, 0.41, p = 0.403). HIIT significantly improved VO2max, YYIRT, and RSA; however, it did not appear to enhance VIFT and MAS performance, irrespective of age or competition level. These findings indicate that HIIT could serve as a valuable method for improving oxygen consumption performance (VO2max, YYIRT, and RSA) in male team-sport athletes, offering a time-efficient alternative to the traditional training methods. Further research is warranted to investigate its impact on performance outcomes in competitive settings and identify optimal HIIT protocols tailored to specific team sports.

Evaluating bioenergetic pathway contributions from single to multiple sprints

This study aims to investigate the changes in bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprint exercises with an increasing number of repetitions. Twelve male amateur soccer players executed a single 20 m sprint and three repeated-sprint protocols (5 × 20 m, 10 × 20 m, 15 × 20 m with 15-second rest intervals), analyzing oxidative, glycolytic, and ATP-PCr energy pathways using the PCr-LA-O2 method. Findings revealed a significant decline in energy expenditure and performance outputs as the number of sprint repetitions increased. While the oxidative and ATP-PCr pathways’ energy contributions significantly rose with more sprints, the glycolytic pathway’s contribution notably increased only up to the 10 × 20 m protocol, then stabilized. Although the ATP-PCr pathway’s energy contribution decreased slightly from sprints 1–5 to 11–15, it remained significantly higher than the oxidative and glycolytic pathways throughout. Initially, glycolytic contribution surpassed oxidative in sprints 1–5, equaled it in sprints 6–10, and fell below in sprints 11–15. Glycolytic activity, a major energy source initially (about 36%), diminished substantially with more sprints (below 7% in the 15th sprint). This indicates that the decrease in non-mitochondrial pathway energy, particularly glycolytic, outstrips the aerobic system’s increased tolerance. These findings offer physiological insights into the relationship between performance decrement and bioenergetic metabolism in repeated sprints.

Aerobic and anaerobic performance, ability to repeat sprints, and fatigue development during a basketball game-based drill: correlational study

ABSTRACT Fatigue development during basketball matches affects player performance. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship among fatigue development during game-based drills, aerobic and anaerobic performance, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) basketball players. The study included 49 male elite basketball players (23.4 ± 3.8 years, body mass 83.0 ± 8.5 kg, height 189.7 ± 8.9 cm). They performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Test (YIRT2), RSA test, anaerobic performance assessment (300y; “300-yard shuffle running test”), and a game-based drill. The regression equation for total distance decline during last 3 min of each quarter was TD3 min = −38.11 + 0.253·YIRT2 + 0.276·300y + 0.670·RSA with standard erorr =±4.66 for TD3 min during basketball game-based drill. We found out that RSA performance was the most valuable predictor of TD3 min, explaining 44.89% of variance, 300y explained 10.24%, and YIRT2 7.84%. Notably, 37.03% was unexplained by observed variables. Collectively, RSA is considered an important component of basketball in predicting the delay of neuromuscular fatigue during match but not VO2peak.

Associations between skeletal muscle phenotype, positional role, and on-ice performance in elite male ice hockey players.

We evaluated associations between muscle phenotype, positional role, and on-ice performance in male U20 Danish national team ice hockey players. Sixteen players (10 forwards, six defensemen) participated in a game with activity tracking. Resting thigh muscle biopsies were analyzed for metabolic enzyme activity and protein expression linked to performance. On-ice intermittent exercise capacity, repeated sprint ability, and maximal isometric knee-extensor torque were also assessed. No significant position-specific muscle phenotype characteristics were found, but forwards generally exhibited higher levels of several membrane proteins (p = 0.100-0.991). NAKα2, NAK∑, KATP, ClC-1, and NHE1 showed significant correlations with total distance (r = 0.52-0.59, p = 0.016-0.046), however, within positions these only persisted for KATP (r = 0.70, p = 0.024) and NAKα2 (r = 0.57, p = 0.085) in forwards, where CS enzyme activity also displayed a strong association with distance covered (r = 0.75, p = 0.019). For high-intensity skating, NAKα2 (r = 0.56, p = 0.025) and KATP (r = 0.50, p = 0.048) similarly exhibited the strongest associations, persisting within forwards (r = 0.63, p = 0.052 and r = 0.72; p = 0.018, respectively). In conclusion, although several muscle proteins involved in ion and metabolic regulation were associated with performance, only NAKα2 and KATP displayed consistent relationships within positions. Moreover, CS enzyme activity was strongly related to total distance within forwards, coherent with the proposed importance of oxidative capacity in intense intermittent exercise.