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PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of six weeks of Repeated Sprint Training (RST) and Speed Endurance Training (SET) on physical fitness and match performance in university soccer players during the competitive season.METHODS: Sixteen male university soccer players were randomly assigned to either the RST (n=8) or SET group (n=8) based on their match playing time prior to the intervention. Both groups completed two training sessions per week for six weeks with an identical distance per session (160 m). Physical fitness assessments included the 40-meter sprint test, Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YYIRT-L2), and Wingate anaerobic test. Match performance variables, such as total distance, high-intensity running, sprint distance, and acceleration/deceleration metrics, were evaluated using GPS tracking data over three consecutive official matches before and after the intervention.RESULTS: Both the RST and SET groups showed significant improvements in YYIRT-L2 total distance (p<.001). The SET group demonstrated a significant improvement in anaerobic performance with enhanced peak and average power outputs in the Wingate test and faster 20-meter sprint times. However, match performance analysis revealed that high-intensity running distance (Zone 4) per minute significantly decreased in the SET group (p<.05) but was maintained in the RST group. No significant changes were observed in total distance per minute or maximal sprint speed in either group.CONCLUSIONS: Both RST and SET interventions effectively improved aerobic and anaerobic fitness during the season. Given the small sample size and lack of significant interaction effects, RSA shows potential for preserving high-intensity running performance during matches, although further research is warranted.
Lee et al. (Wed,) studied this question.