ABSTRACT
The purpose of our study was to compare, in young soccer players, the effect of VIFT-based vs. HR-based High-intensity interval training (HIT) on high-intensity intermittent running performance. Data were collected over two consecutive preseason preparation periods in two Under-16 soccer teams performing in the Premier League of Iran. While this didn't apply in the present study given the sub maximal running intensity, this may have to be considered for shorter and more intense types of intervals. Including the 30-15 IFT at least in preseason tests for a young athlete is therefore not only informative with respect to general fitness assessment, but it is also a very practical test for individualizing and prescribing soccer-specific HIT programs. In conclusion, the present study showed that using VIFT as a reference for programming individualized HIT is a more likely efficient strategy to improve high-intensity running performance in young soccer players than programming intervals based on percentage of HRmax.
