This Randomized Controlled Trial Investigated the Effects of Two Preseason Training Protocols-Small-sided Games (SSG) and Supramaximal Interval Running (SIR)-on Aerobic Capacity and Training Load in Elite Turkish Football Players. Forty Participants Were Randomly Assigned to Either Group, and Traini

NCT07132294 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: HKucuk-FootballTrial2376fb8a54f90e4d6c
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS)

  Description: Measured using a 1,200-meter time trial on a natural grass pitch. Unit of Measure: meters/second (m/s)

  Baseline and after 6 weeks

• Total Running Distance

  Measured using 50 Hz GPS devices.

  Throughout the 6-week intervention

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Blood Lactate Concentration (LA)

  Immediately post-training sessions during the intervention

• Fat Mass

  Time Frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks

• Heart Rate (HR)

  During training sessions across the 6-week period

• Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

  Immediately post-training sessions during the intervention

Study Arms (2)

Supramaximal Interval Running (SIR

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group performed supramaximal running intervals at 100-110% of their Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS), three times per week for six weeks. The protocol consisted of 8 sets of maximal effort runs with passive recovery between bouts. Training progressed from 2-minute to 3-minute intervals during the study.

Behavioral: Exercise Intervention

Supramaximal Interval Running

EXPERIMENTAL

A high-intensity interval running protocol designed to improve aerobic and anaerobic capacity in professional football players. Training intensities were based on each participant's MAS and progressed in duration and intensity throughout the 6-week preseason phase.

Behavioral: Exercise Intervention

Interventions

Exercise Intervention BEHAVIORAL

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.

Also known as: Structured Exercise Training

Supramaximal Interval Running; Supramaximal Interval Running (SIR

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Professional male football players who are actively playing in the Super League and the 1st League of Turkey.
• Between the ages of 18 and 30. Agree to participate in at least 85% of the scheduled training sessions.

You may not qualify if:

• Goalkeepers (to ensure positional uniformity). Presence of musculoskeletal injuries or medical conditions that could affect performance.
• Use of any medication or supplements that could influence physiological responses.
• Suffering an injury or illness during the study and failing to attend at least 85% of the training sessions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ondokuz Mayıs University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ondokuz Mayis University

Atakent, Samsun, 55200, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Tucker WJ, Angadi SS, Gaesser GA. Excess Postexercise Oxygen Consumption After High-Intensity and Sprint Interval Exercise, and Continuous Steady-State Exercise. J Strength Cond Res. 2016 Nov;30(11):3090-3097. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001399.

  PMID: 26950358 BACKGROUND

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 4, 2025
• First Posted: August 20, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2025
• Study Completion: June 1, 2025
• Last Updated: August 20, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, ANALYTIC CODE
• Time Frame: August 2025- August 2026
• Access Criteria: Data requests should be sent via email to the principal investigator of the study. The email must include the planned research proposal and the institutional ethical approval document as attachments. Following a review of the request, a data sharing agreement will be signed with the researcher. This agreement will guarantee that the data will be used solely for the specified analyses and that confidentiality will be maintained. Upon the execution of the agreement, the de-identified data set and supporting documents (protocol, data collection forms, etc.) will be securely transferred to the researcher.

Locations

TU (1)