Bidirectional sprint interval training: A better alternative to plyometric training for football players? A randomized clinical trial

Objective: This study intended to evaluate and compare the efficacy of bidirectional SIT versus PT on aerobic parameters, anaerobic parameters and sport-specific skill in university-level football players.

Methods: In this two-arm randomized clinical trial, 26 university-level male football players (age 20.88 ± 1.69 years, height 173.70 ± 6.17 cm, mass 66.41 ± 7.60 kg, body mass index 22.04 ± 2.62 kg/m2) were divided into two groups, bidirectional SIT (n = 13) and PT (n = 13, dropout of 1 subject during intervention) groups, respectively. Lower limb power (vertical jump height), sport-specific skill (wall volley), speed, agility, maximum oxygen consumption and running economy at 8, 10, and 12 km/h were analysed before and after four weeks of training.

Results: The result revealed that the time effect was significant for all the parameters, while time × group interaction was significant for all variables except running economy, speed and wall volley. However, there is no significant group effect for all variables.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that four weeks of bidirectional SIT results in significant improvement in aerobic as well as anaerobic parameters in football players. Therefore, bidirectional SIT can be used as a substitute for PT for anaerobic adaptations with added aerobic benefits in football players.