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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07331649

Comparative Effects of Modified Tabata Training and Fartlek Training in Amateur Football

Background: Football requires players to excel in both high-intensity, fast-paced actions and slower moments of rest, which demand a range of well-developed motor skills, including power, endurance and strength. Endurance enables players to maintain prolonged physical effort without diminishing performance, a necessity given the sport's demand for players to cover 9-14 km per game, with up to 15% of this distance covered in high-intensity sprints. Strength is also crucial, helping players perform actions such as jumping, pushing during sprints, and maintaining stability, all of which enhance performance and resilience on the field. To adapt to the changing physical demands of football, training methods like treadmill sprint training and fartlek training (FT) are commonly used, each with different impacts on physiological development. Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the effects of treadmill sprint training and fartlek training on leg press strength, power and endurance on amateur football players. Methodology: A sample size of 42 football players will be randomly allocated to either fartlek training group or modified Tabata training group. A typical fartlek session begins with a warm-up, followed by intervals of intense effort (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 3, 2 minute hard and moderate runs) with recovery periods (2 minutes) in between, then concludes with a cool-down. This 2, 3, 4, 3, 2 interval set helps athletes improve endurance, strength and power and adapt to varied game-like conditions. The Modified Tabata training Program that will be carried out for 3 sessions per week over 6 weeks is as follows: there will be 3 training sessions in a week. In first two weeks, the 24-minute session will be divided into 6 sets, each set lasting 4 minutes consist of 8 rounds, with a 2-minute rest period between each set. The 4 minute exercise duration will consist of a work-to-rest ratio of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest. The level of exercise progressively increased throughout the 6-week program, by increasing the set of exercise Outcome measures in the both groups will be assessed by Squats test, Vertical jump test,3-min step up test and Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery test . All these measures will be taken at the baseline and again after 6 weeks of training to assess the effectiveness of the training program and the resulting improvements in strength, power, and endurance.

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Key information

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Al Mussadiq Institute of Higher Education

Kharian, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

Study design: Randomized clinical trial Sample size: calculated by Epitool is 40 (20 in each group) Sampling technique: Non-probability convenient sampling Study setting Al-Musaddiq Institute of Higher Education, Kharian FG Degree College for Boys, Kharian cantt.

Inclusion:

Young Male football player aged 18-25 years Amateur football players (who are in practice from last 8 months) Athletes with BMI 18.5kg/m2 -24.9kg/m2 The participants not taking any supplements or anabolic steroids Engages in other physical activities (e.g., gym, running) at least weekly. Exclusion The participants with history of a severe injury (e.g. ACL tear, fracture ) in the last 6 months History of any lower limb surgery (e.g., ACL reconstruction or any major surgery) Any musculoskeletal disorder. Chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., COPD, severe asthma) affecting exercise capacity. Significant weight fluctuations in the past 3 months. Any diagnosed psychological and cardiovascular conditions that could affect participation. Tools For strength: squats test (ICC=0.99) For power: Vertical jump test (ICC = 0.968) For endurance: 3-min step up test (ICC = 0.913) , Yo Yo intermittent recovery Test (ICC= between 0.87 and 0.95)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Young Male football player aged 18-25 years.
  • Amateur football players (who are in practice from last 8 months)
  • Athletes with BMI 18.5kg/m2 -24.9kg/m2.
  • Engages in other physical activities (e.g., gym, running) at least weekly.
  • The participants not taking any supplements or steroids.

Exclusion criteria

  • The participants with a history of a severe injury (e.g. ACL tear, fracture ) in the last 6 months.
  • History of any lower limb surgery (e.g., ACL reconstruction or any major surgery)
  • Any musculoskeletal disorder.
  • Chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., COPD, severe asthma) affecting exercise capacity.
  • Significant weight fluctuations in the past 3 months.
  • Any diagnosed psychological and cardiovascular conditions that could affect participation.

Treatment and study plan

Modified Tabata Training

Other

The Modified Tabata training Program that will be carried out for 3 sessions per week over 6 weeks is as follows: there will be 3 training sessions in a week. In first two weeks, the 24-minute session will be divided into 6 sets, each set lasting 4 minutes consist of 8 rounds, with a 2-minute rest period between each set. The 4 minute exercise duration will consist of a work-to-rest ratio of 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest

Fartlek Training

Other

fartlek session begins with a warm-up, followed by intervals of intense effort (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 3, 2 minute hard and moderate runs) with recovery periods (2 minutes) in between, then concludes with a cool-down.

Primary outcomes

  1. Squat Test

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    The squats test was used to assess the strength of the lower limbs, clearly indicating the players' ability to generate force through their legs, which is crucial for movements such as sprinting and jumping in football.

  2. Vertical Jump Test

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    The vertical jump test was utilized to measure explosive power, an essential component for effective performance in football, as it directly relates to a players ability to jump for headers or evade opponents.

  3. 3-minute step-up Test

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    To measure cardiovascular endurance, 3-minute step-up test was used, which evaluates the players' ability to sustain activity over time, reflecting their cardiovascular fitness and stamina on the field.

  4. YoYo intermittent recovery Test

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    To Measure speed Endurance, YoYo intermittent recovery test was used, which evaluate the athlete´s speed endurance, aerobic capacity and fitness level. By completing YoYo intermittent recovery test, players demonstrate their ability to sustain intense physical activity, change direction quickly and maintain speed.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Modified Tabata Training and Fartlek Training on Strength, Power and Endurance in Amateur Football Players

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 12, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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