EFFECTS OF HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING ON BODYCOMPOSITION, MUSCLE STRENGTH, AND CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE IN JUNIOR SOCCER REFEREES

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the body composition, muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance of youth soccer referees. The research aimed to examine how an 8-week HIIT program impacts these physical attributes in referees aged 18 to 20, registered with the Jieyang City Football Association, China. A true experimental design was used, with participants randomly assigned to an experimental group (HIIT) and a control group. The experimental group underwent three HIIT sessions per week, while the control group maintained their normal daily routines. Results showed that the HIIT group experienced significant improvements in all measured parameters. Following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in body composition, as evidenced by reductions in body fat percentage and body mass index. Significant within-group improvements were also observed in muscle strength, particularly in lower-limb strength assessed by the leg extension and leg curl tests. In addition, cardiovascular endurance showed significant enhancement, as indicated by improved performance in the YOYO test. When compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited significantly greater improvements in body composition, muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance after the intervention. The findings suggest that HIIT is a highly effective training method for improving the physical fitness of young soccer referees, particularly in reducing body fat, enhancing muscle strength, and boosting cardiovascular endurance. These improvements are critical for referees who must maintain peak physical condition during matches. Future research could explore the long-term effects of HIIT on different age groups of referees and combine it with other training methods for further enhancement of refereeing performance.

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