The effects of repeated sprint training on distances covered in a soccer match

This study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated sprint training (RSA) on in-match running performance and selected physiological parameters in young elite-level male football players. A total of 38 male U19 players from professional football club academies in Turkey voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=19) and a control group (n=14). While the experimental group followed an 8-week RSA-based sprint protocol, the control group continued their regular football training. Before and after the training period, all players underwent anthropometric assessments, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) tests, lactate threshold tests, isokinetic strength assessments, 30-meter sprint and repeated sprint tests, as well as GPS-based match performance analysis. According to the findings, there was no significant change in VO₂max values in the experimental group, while maximal lactate levels and heart rate values showed significant increases (p<0.05). Isokinetic strength assessments revealed notable improvements particularly in knee extensor and flexor muscle groups at higher angular velocities. Although no significant change was observed in the 30-meter sprint time, fatigue resistance improved as the fatigue index remained stable in the repeated sprint test. Match performance analysis based on GPS data showed a significant increase in distance covered in high-intensity speed zones (especially ≥18.1 km/h) in the experimental group, while distance covered in low-to-moderate zones decreased. These findings suggest that RSA training enhances high-intensity running capacity, isokinetic strength, and fatigue tolerance, whereas it has limited effects on maximal sprint speed and VO₂max development. Key words: Repeated Sprint Training, Match Running Performance, Isokinetic Muscle Strength, VO₂max