Sequencing Effects of Sprint Interval Training Applied Before or After Regular Basketball Training on Sex-Specific...

This study investigated the impact of a 6-week sprint interval training (SIT) program conducted either before or after basketball training with a focus on identifying sex differences in the physical performance adaptations of young basketball players. Methods: Twenty-four female and 24 male basketball players volunteered to participate and were randomized to 2 training groups and 1 active control group. The training groups performed SIT before or after basketball practice, which was categorized as follows: females before, females after, female control, males before, males after, and male control, with each group comprising 8 participants. The SIT regimen consisted of 3 sets of 12 repetitions of 5-second all-out sprints, conducted 3 times a week. Results: The females-before, females-after, males-before, and males-after groups showed significant (P = .001) adaptations in the countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ), 20-m sprint, Illinois Change-of-Direction-Speed test, and peak power output (PPO) and mean power output during the Wingate test, as well as in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Results revealed no order effects for the female groups (P > .05), whereas among male players, performing SIT before basketball training led to significantly greater improvements in CMVJ, 20-m sprint, and PPO than performing SIT after training (P < .05). In addition, male athletes who performed SIT after basketball training (males after) showed significantly (P < .05) lower improvements in CMVJ, 20-m sprint, and PPO compared with female groups who performed SIT either before (females before) or after (females after) training.

In summary, conducting SIT before basketball training leads to greater improvements in CMVJ, 20-m sprint, and PPO in male athletes. For females, SIT before or after basketball training produces similar performance benefits. Therefore, coaches and practitioners should consider both training order and athlete sex when prescribing SIT, whereby scheduling SIT prior to basketball sessions is recommended to maximize short-duration performance gains in male players, while either timing can be effectively used for female athletes.