The aim of this study was to compare the effects
of high-intensity aerobic interval and repeatedsprint
ability (RSA) training on aerobic and anaerobic
physiological variables in male football
players. Forty-two participants were randomly
assigned to either the interval training group
(ITG, 4 × 4 min running at 90–95% of HRmax;
n = 21) or repeated-sprint training group (RSG,
3 × 6 maximal shuttle sprints of 40 m; n = 21).
The following outcomes were measured at baseline
and after 7weeks of training: maximum oxygen
uptake, respiratory compensation point,
football-specific endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent
Recovery Test, YYIRT), 10-m sprint time, jump
height and power, and RSA. Significant group ×
time interaction was found for YYIRT (p = 0.003)
with RSG showing greater improvement (from
1917 ± 439 to 2455 ± 488 m) than ITG (from
1846 ± 329 to 2077 ± 300m). Similarly, a significant
interaction was found in RSA mean time
(p = 0.006) with only the RSG group showing an
improvement after training (from 7.53 ± 0.21 to
7.37 ± 0.17 s). No other group × time interactions
were found. Significant pre-post changes were
found for absolute and relativemaximum oxygen
uptake and respiratory compensation point
(p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the RSA
training protocol used in this study can be an effective
training strategy for inducing aerobic and
football-specific training adaptations.