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Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Lactate Threshold in Collegiate Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Saif Rasheed Ghanim1
  1. University of Samarra ROR
Published2026-06-12
SectionArticles
LanguageEnglish
Views117
Downloads25
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.65115/j9tbry85
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Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of an eight-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and lactate threshold (LT) in male collegiate football players. Using a randomized controlled design, forty players (age: 20.3 +/- 1.6 years; VO2max: 48.7 +/- 3.2 mL/kg/min) were assigned equally to a HIIT group (HG) or a moderate-intensity continuous training group (CG). The HG performed three weekly sessions of 4 x 4 minutes at 90-95% HRmax separated by three-minute active recovery periods over eight weeks. VO2max was assessed via a maximal incremental treadmill protocol, and lactate threshold was identified at 4 mmol/L blood lactate. Post-intervention, the HG demonstrated significantly greater improvements in VO2max (D = +5.8 mL/kg/min; p < 0.001; d = 2.21) and lactate threshold velocity (D = +1.4 km/h; p < 0.001; d = 1.93) compared to the CG. Heart rate recovery also improved significantly in the HG (p < 0.001). These findings confirm that short-duration HIIT is a highly effective strategy for enhancing aerobic capacity and metabolic efficiency in collegiate football players, and may be efficiently integrated into existing training schedules without compromising technical practice time..

Keywords High-Intensity Interval Training Lactate Threshold Maximal Oxygen Uptake Aerobic Capacity Football Physiology

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Author Biography

Saif Rasheed Ghanim, University of Samarra

Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Samarra, Iraq; Deputy Dean for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies.

Competing interests

Saif Rasheed Ghanim

The author declares that there are no competing interests related to this research.

How to cite

Ghanim, S.R. (2026). Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Lactate Threshold in Collegiate Football Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Al-Malwiya Journal of Sport and Movement Sciences, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.65115/j9tbry85

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