SECTION III - SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY / RESEARCH PAPER
The Impact of a High-Intensity Functional Training Program on Athletic Performance of Male Amateur Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Study
1
Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran.
2
Sports Science, School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil.
3
Department of Biomechanics and Sport Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland.
4
Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil.
5
College of Physical Education and Dance, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, Brazil.
Submission date: 2023-11-30
Final revision date: 2024-02-06
Acceptance date: 2025-02-25
Online publication date: 2025-11-20
Corresponding author
Paulo Gentil
Faculdade de Educação Física e Dança, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, 74.690-900, Goiania, Brazil
Faculdade de Educação Física e Dança, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Esperança s/n, Campus Samambaia, 74.690-900, Goiania, Brazil
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) is a popular training modality that aims to improve multiple physical fitness and performance components. This study aimed to examine the effects of HIFT on athletic performance of male amateur soccer players. This randomized controlled study was conducted over a six-week period. Athletes were randomly enrolled into HIFT (n = 12) and control (CON, n = 12) groups. The HIFT group replaced part of the specific training with three weekly sessions of HIFT, whereas the CON group participated only in regular soccer training. Before and after the intervention, athletes were assessed for the 20-m sprint (s), bench press strength (kg), squat strength (kg), average anaerobic power (w), the fatigue index (w/s), the change-of-direction sprint (s), VO2max (ml/kg/min), soccer specific dribbling track test travel distance (m), and soccer dribble sprint skill (s). The HIFT group showed greater (p ≤ 0.001–0.018, pη2 = 0.229–0.584) improvements when compared to the CON group, for the 20-m sprint, bench press, and squat strength, fatigue index, VO2max, and soccer specific dribbling track test traveled distance. The average anaerobic power approached significance (p = 0.051, pη2 = 0.162), but was not significantly different between the groups. HIFT may replace part of regular soccer training to improve athletic performance in amateur soccer players.
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