Comparative Effects of Sprint Interval Training and Small-Sided Games on Cardiopulmonary Threshold Responses in Football Players (SIT-SSG-CPET)

June 2, 2026 updated by: Istanbul Gelisim University
This study aimed to compare the effects of sprint interval training (SIT) and small-sided games (SSG) on cardiopulmonary threshold responses in football players. Participants were randomly assigned to SIT, SSG, or control groups and completed an 8-week training intervention. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed before and after the intervention to evaluate aerobic and anaerobic threshold-related parameters.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the effects of sprint interval training and small-sided games on cardiopulmonary threshold responses in football players. Participants will undergo pre- and post-intervention cardiopulmonary exercise testing following an 8-week training program. Variables related to aerobic threshold, anaerobic threshold, and exercise performance will be evaluated between groups.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

24

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
    • Istanbul
      • Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
        • Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Sport Sciences

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male football players aged 16-17 years
  • Regular participation in football training
  • Free from injury or illness during the study period
  • Voluntary participation with informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current musculoskeletal injury
  • Cardiovascular or respiratory disease
  • Failure to complete the intervention program
  • Use of medications affecting exercise performance

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Basic Science
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Sprint Interval Training Group
Participants performed sprint interval training sessions in addition to regular football training during the intervention period.
Behavioral: Sprint Interval Training
Participants continued regular football training without additional intervention.
Other Names:
  • SIT
Experimental: Small-Sided Games Group
Participants performed small-sided game training sessions in addition to regular football training during the intervention period.
Behavioral: Small-Sided Games
Small-sided game training sessions performed during the 8-week intervention period.
Other Names:
  • SSG
Experimental: Control Group
Participants continued their regular football training without additional intervention during the study period.
Other: Control
Participants continued regular football training without additional intervention.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Oxygen Uptake at Anaerobic Threshold (VO₂)
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Assessment of oxygen uptake (VO₂, mL·kg-¹·min-¹) measured at the anaerobic threshold during cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Baseline and Week 8
Oxygen Uptake at Respiratory Compensation Point (VO₂)
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Assessment of oxygen uptake (VO₂, mL·kg-¹·min-¹) measured at the respiratory compensation point during cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Baseline and Week 8

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max)
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
Baseline and Week 8

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Istanbul Gelisim University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Onur YİLDİRİM, PhD, Istanbul Gelisim Universty Faculty of Sport Sciences,ty

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

May 1, 2024

Primary Completion (Actual)

August 1, 2024

Study Completion (Actual)

August 15, 2024

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

May 13, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 2, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

June 3, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

June 3, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 2, 2026

Last Verified

June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • ONUR-FOOTBALL-CPET-2026
  • IGU-SIT-2026 (Other Identifier: ISTANBUL GELİSİM UNİVERSİTY)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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