Effects of 6-week sprint interval training compared to traditional training on the running performance of distance runners: a randomized controlled trail
IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the effects of sprint interval training versus traditional training on running performance in well-trained male distance runners.MethodsTwenty male distance runners (VO2: 67.4 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min, personal best time for the 5000 m: 14′38″47 ± 00′23″46) were recrui...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Physiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1536287/full |
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| Summary: | IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the effects of sprint interval training versus traditional training on running performance in well-trained male distance runners.MethodsTwenty male distance runners (VO2: 67.4 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min, personal best time for the 5000 m: 14′38″47 ± 00′23″46) were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention training (IT) group, which performed sprint interval training, or the control training (CT) group, which engaged in traditional long-distance training. Both groups completed their respective training regimens twice a week for 6 weeks. Measurements for VO2max, O2 cost, time to exhaustion (TTE), and running times for 100, 400, and 3000 m were taken before and after the intervention.ResultsThe results indicated that the IT group showed significant improvements in TTE and running performance across 100, 400, and 3000 m (all P < 0.01), while the CT group only demonstrated improvements in 400 m time (P < 0.01). The IT group exhibited superior 3000 m performance compared to the CT group (P < 0.01). Analysis of effect sizes revealed small to moderate improvements in physiological and performance measures for the IT group, with VO2max showing a small effect size of 0.43, O2 cost a moderate effect size of 0.65, and TTE a moderate effect size of 0.77.ConclusionThese findings suggest that sprint interval training may offer superior benefits for enhancing running performance of well-trained male distance runners, particularly in time to exhaustion and middle-to long-distance events, compared to traditional longdistance training. |
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| ISSN: | 1664-042X |