Cardiovascular Fitness
Conditions
Keywords
Cardiovascular Responses
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training and Small-Sided Games (SSGs) on cardiovascular adaptations in youth football players. Thirty-six male youth football players were randomly assigned to an SAQ training group and an SSG group. Participants completed an 8-week intervention program. Cardiovascular outcomes, including resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, were assessed before and after the intervention. The study evaluated the effectiveness of these training approaches for improving cardiovascular health and physiological adaptations in youth football players.
Detailed description
Football training methods may induce different physiological and cardiovascular adaptations in youth athletes. Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training is widely used to enhance neuromuscular performance, while Small-Sided Games (SSGs) provide sport-specific training stimuli that combine technical, tactical, and physical demands. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of SAQ training and SSGs on cardiovascular responses in youth football players. Thirty-six male football players aged 14-16 years were randomly allocated to one of three groups: an SAQ training group, an SSG group, or a control group. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. Cardiovascular measurements included resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention period. The study investigated whether SAQ training and SSGs produce different cardiovascular adaptations and whether either intervention is superior to regular football training for improving cardiovascular health indicators in youth football players. This study was conducted in accordance with institutional ethical approval and informed consent procedures.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALSAQ Training
Participants completed an 8-week Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training program designed to improve movement efficiency, agility, acceleration, and cardiovascular adaptations. Training sessions were integrated into the regular football training schedule and were performed throughout the intervention period
BEHAVIORALSmall-Sided Games Training
Participants completed an 8-week Small-Sided Games (SSG) training program involving soccer-specific game-based exercises performed in reduced playing areas. The intervention was designed to provide technical, tactical, and physiological training stimuli and to promote cardiovascular adaptations.
Sponsors
Benha University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Masking description
No masking was applied. Participants and investigators were aware of group assignment throughout the intervention.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to two parallel groups: SAQ training and small-sided games. The intervention lasted 8 weeks.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
14 Years to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Male football players aged 14 to 16 years. Minimum of 2 years of organized football training experience. Regular participation in football training at least 3 times per week. Ability to participate in all training sessions and assessments. Written informed consent provided by participants and their parents or legal guardians.
Exclusion criteria
Musculoskeletal injury within the previous 3 months. History of cardiovascular disease. Metabolic disorders. Neurological disorders. Use of medications that could affect cardiovascular responses or physical performance. Failure to complete the intervention or assessment procedures.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Resting Heart Rate | Baseline and Week 8 | Resting heart rate measured in beats per minute (bpm) |
| Exercise Heart Rate | Baseline and Week 8 | Heart rate measured immediately after completion of the 20-meter shuttle run test. |
| Resting Diastolic Blood Pressure | Baseline and Week 8 | Resting diastolic blood pressure measured in mmHg. |
| Resting Systolic Blood Pressure | Baseline and Week 8 | Resting systolic blood pressure measured in mmHg. |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed