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Effects of Small-Sided Games Versus Sprint Interval Running on Aerobic Capacity and Training Load in Elite Football

NCT07132294 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-05-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Purpose of the Study:

This study aimed to compare the physiological and performance-related effects of two different training methods in elite football players: supramaximal interval running (SIR) and small-sided games (SSG).

Who Can Participate:

Forty professional male football players (excluding goalkeepers) from the top two leagues in Turkey participated in this study. Participants were required to have no injuries or health problems that could affect their performance.

How the Study Will Work:

The study was conducted over a six-week preseason preparation period for the 2023-2024 season. Participants were randomly assigned to either the supramaximal interval running (SIR) group or the small-sided games (SSG) group. Both groups trained three times a week. Before and after the intervention, measurements such as maximal aerobic speed (MAS), total running distance, blood lactate levels, body composition (fat mass), and heart rate were taken.

Potential Benefits and Risks:

Both training approaches resulted in significant improvements in body weight, fat mass, running distance, and aerobic capacity. The information gained from this study could help determine the most effective training methods for elite football players. Since the study is similar to a standard training program, no serious risks are expected.

Results:

This study found that both supramaximal interval running (SIR) and small-sided games (SSG) training methods improved the physiological and performance outcomes of elite football players. However, the SIR protocol was found to be associated with more pronounced gains in aerobic capacity, anaerobic markers, and body composition. These findings emphasize the benefit of SIR during a short preseason preparation period. The results of the study can help in developing training programs tailored to individual needs and performance goals.

Conditions

  • Exercise Performance
  • Aerobic Capacity

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise Intervention

Supramaximal Interval Running (SIR) This protocol was individualized based on each player's Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS). Training intensities were prescribed at 100% to 110% of each player's MAS. Each session consisted of eight sets. During the first three weeks, each set involved a 2-minute maximal effort run followed by 2 minutes of passive recovery. In the final three weeks, the duration of each set was extended to a 3-minute maximal run with 3 minutes of passive rest, increasing intensity and volume. SIR sessions were designed to enhance anaerobic capacity and lactate tolerance. Small-Sided Games (SSG) SSG sessions were implemented to develop agility, acceleration, tactical decision-making, and match-relevant conditioning. Training took place on regulation-size grass pitches, adjusted to maintain a consistent length-to-width ratio across all formats. Over the six-week intervention, game formats progressed from 4v4 to 7v7, with gradual increases in duration and pitch dimensions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Ondokuz Mayıs University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
30 Years
Sex
MALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-01-01
Primary Completion
2025-05-01
Completion
2025-06-01

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07132294 on ClinicalTrials.gov