The Effect of Eight Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Maximum Oxygen Consumption, Post-Exercise Lactate Response and Lipid Profile in Soccer Players
S Amirkhani, M Ghaffari, A Azamian Jazi · فصلنامه طب کار · 2026
Inroduction: Football requires a high level of aerobic fitness and rapid recovery. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is known as an efficient way to improve physiological and metabolic function. The
Aim: of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of HIIT training on estimated aerobic capacity (VO2max), post-exercise blood lactate concentration and lipid profile of young soccer players.
Materials and methods: In this study, 30 soccer players (19-25 years old) were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups of 15 players. The experimental group performed the HIIT program for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week) in addition to the usual exercises, and the control group only performed their routine tactical and technical team exercises. VO2max levels, post-exercise lactate concentration, and fasting lipid profile parameters, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), were evaluated before and after the intervention and analyzed by dependent and independent t-test at the level of 0.05.
Results: In the experimental group, aerobic capacity increased (P<0.001) and blood lactate concentration decreased significantly (P<0.001). In lipid indices, a decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C was observed, as well as an increase in HDL-C (P≤0.01). In contrast, there was no significant change in the control group (P≥0.05).
Conclusion: Eight weeks of HIIT training improves aerobic power, improves buffer capacity (lactate excretion) and modifies blood lipid pattern in soccer players. It is recommended that HIIT exercises be performed alongside specialized exercises to improve endurance performance and metabolic status of these athletes