Self-confidence and affect responses to short-term sprint interval training

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Youth Soccer Performance

Background:

• Elite youth soccer players require high anaerobic performance.
• Psychological factors like anxiety and self-confidence influence performance.
• The impact of repeated sprint training on these factors is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of repeated sprint (RS) training on somatic anxiety (SA), cognitive anxiety (CA), self-confidence (SC), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in elite young soccer players.

Main Methods:

• Thirty elite soccer players were randomly assigned to a repeated sprint training group (RST-G) or a control group (CON-G).
• The RST-G underwent 6 weeks of intensive RS training (3 times/week).
• RSA, CSAI-2 (anxiety and self-confidence), and RPE were measured before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• RST-G demonstrated a significant increase in RSA performance compared to controls.
• RST-G experienced a significant decrease in RPE despite increased sprint pace.
• Significant improvements in self-confidence and reductions in both cognitive and somatic anxiety were observed in the RST-G.

Conclusions:

• Regular repeated sprint training enhances anaerobic performance in elite youth soccer players.
• RS training positively impacts psychological state by reducing anxiety and boosting self-confidence.
• These combined physiological and psychological improvements may lead to enhanced competitive performance.