Introduction: Various training methods have been suggested to increase aerobic endurance performance in soccer players. But, it's still not clear which training is better. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of plyometric training (PT), high intensity interval aerobic training (HIIT) and concurrent training (CT) on specific aerobic endurance performance in men amateur soccer players.
Methods: Thirty-two third league soccer players (age = 25.4 ± 4.7 year, height = 177.6 ± 7.1 cm, body mass = 74.2 ± 11.1 kg) took part in this study. First, players were matched by positional role and aerobic power then randomly assigned to the HIIT (n = 11), PT (n = 11) and CT (n = 10). The HIIT consisted of interval training, four times 4 minutes at 90 to 95% of maximal heart rate, with a 3‌ minutes jogging in between. The PT included of 9‌ explosive jumping and throwing exercises in 3 ‌‌sets with 10 ‌‌repetitions which subjects have done with low to maximal intensity. The CT involved of both the PT and AT in one session that PT performed first. Training programs were carried out for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. Before and after training, Hoff-Helgerud football endurance test was performed to estimate specific aerobic endurance performance.
Results: Specific aerobic endurance performance increased significantly after training (PT: from 1349 ± 18 to 1387 ± 36 m, HIIT: from 1359 ± 29 to 1412 ± 42, CT: from 1335 ± 23 to 1436 ± 33, P < 0.05). But, the increase was significantly higher with CT than other groups (P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was found between PT and HIIT groups (P = 0.653).
Conclusions: The CT improves specific aerobic endurance performance in men amateur soccer players to a greater extent than any of the PT and HIIT alone.