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Effects of Between-Sprint Running Intensity on Repeated-Sprint Performance in Professional Soccer Players
Gregory Bizas1, Ilias Smilios1, Pierros Thomakos2
1Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 69132 Komotini, Greece.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Running at high intensity between repeated sprints significantly increases fatigue and performance decrements in soccer players compared to moderate intensity or passive recovery. Moderate intensity running shows similar fatigue development to passive recovery.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Performance
Background:
- Repeated sprint ability is crucial for soccer performance.
- Understanding recovery strategies between sprints is vital for optimizing training and match play.
- Previous research has explored passive recovery, but the impact of active recovery intensities requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of passive recovery, moderate-intensity running (MOD), and high-intensity running (HIGH) on performance decrements during repeated sprints.
- To analyze physiological responses, including heart rate and blood lactate, under different recovery conditions.
- To determine how between-sprint recovery intensity influences fatigue development in professional soccer players.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen professional soccer players completed three randomized trials, each involving two sets of six 30m sprints with a 5-minute passive rest between sets.
- Recovery intervals between sprints were either passive standing, moderate-intensity running (95% lactate threshold), or high-intensity running (maximum aerobic speed).
- Performance decrements, acceleration, maximal speed, heart rate, and blood lactate levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Higher performance decrements were observed in the HIGH intensity condition compared to MOD and passive recovery, particularly in the second set of sprints.
- Acceleration (0-15m) was more impaired than maximal speed running (15-30m) across all conditions.
- Both running conditions (MOD and HIGH) resulted in higher heart rates than passive recovery, with no significant difference between MOD and HIGH. Blood lactate levels were highest in the HIGH condition.
Conclusions:
- Between-sprint running intensity significantly impacts fatigue accumulation during repeated-sprint exercise.
- High-intensity recovery exacerbates performance decrements and metabolic strain more than moderate-intensity or passive recovery.
- Passive recovery, despite inducing high physiological responses, resulted in smaller performance decrements within this protocol, highlighting its potential efficacy for mitigating fatigue in specific contexts.
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