Acute Effects of Combined High Intensity Interval Training and Step Aerobics Training on Agility in Male Futsal Athletes During the Pre-season

Abstract

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is highly effective and efficient in improving skill-related components in athletes. However, the effects of combined HIIT and step aerobics (SA) exercises have been scarcely studied in futsal players. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-week high-intensity interval training with SA training (HIITSA) program on agility parameters during the pre-season in fifteen professional futsal players from the first division of Thailand, aged 18 to 22 years. Methods: Participants were enrolled and assessed for body height, body weight, fat mass, fat-free mass, leg muscle mass, Body Mass Index (BMI), and futsal-specific change of direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RAG) tests to determine agility. Each HIITSA training session consisted of seven exercises performed with rhythmic music and bench steps at a height of 6 inches. The HIITSA protocol set exercise intensity at 20 seconds at 90% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), interspersed with 10-second recovery periods at 60% HRmax, performed three times per week over a 4-week period. Pre- and post-training assessments of changes in physiological variables were conducted. Results: The agility results showed a significant improvement in the HIITSA group following the training program (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Twelve HIITSA sessions over 4 weeks were effective in improving the fitness levels of futsal players, contributing to improved performance in agility.