The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of 2 shuttle-run interval training (SRIT) models with 1 and 3 directional changes per running bout on the aerobic and anaerobic performances of elite female futsal players. Sixteen players competing in the Brazilian National Division League took part in the study. The training protocols consisted of shuttle-run intervals organized in 4 sets of 4-minute bouts with 3 minutes of rest intervals between the sets. The SRIT models were composed of 1 (7.5 seconds running and 7.5 seconds pause [SRIT7.5×7.5]; n = 7) or 3 (15 seconds running and 15 seconds pause [SRIT15×15]; n = 9) directional changes. The athletes performed the following tests before and after a 5-week training period: incremental treadmill test (ITT), futsal intermittent endurance test (FIET) (with respective peak speeds [PSs]), and a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test. After the training period, PSFIET and speed at the second lactate turnpoint were very likely and almost certainly increased in both training regimens, respectively. SRIT15×15 induced possibly greater improvements in PSITT (+3.28%, 90% CL -0.16 to 6.82) and RSAmean (+1.17%, 90% CL -0.68 to 3.05) than SRIT7.5×7.5. In addition, SRIT15×15 resulted in a likely greater improvement in running economy (+4.33%, 90% CL -0.35 to 9.23) compared with SRIT7.5×7.5. In elite female futsal players, SRIT15×15 is a promising strategy to enhance performance-related physical fitness attributes in a short-term period (5 weeks) during the preseason, Because of its superior effects on these important aerobic and anaerobic qualities than a protocol with fewer directional changes.
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