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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07633210

SAQ Training Versus Small-Sided Games for Cardiovascular Adaptations in Youth Football Players

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training and Small-Sided Games (SSGs) on cardiovascular adaptations in youth football players. Thirty-six male youth football players were randomly assigned to an SAQ training group and an SSG group. Participants completed an 8-week intervention program. Cardiovascular outcomes, including resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, were assessed before and after the intervention. The study evaluated the effectiveness of these training approaches for improving cardiovascular health and physiological adaptations in youth football players.

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Key information

Conditions

Cardiovascular Fitness

Age range

14 year–16 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Benha Sporting Club

Banhā, Qalyubia Governorate, 13111, Egypt

About this study

Football training methods may induce different physiological and cardiovascular adaptations in youth athletes. Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training is widely used to enhance neuromuscular performance, while Small-Sided Games (SSGs) provide sport-specific training stimuli that combine technical, tactical, and physical demands.

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of SAQ training and SSGs on cardiovascular responses in youth football players. Thirty-six male football players aged 14-16 years were randomly allocated to one of three groups: an SAQ training group, an SSG group, or a control group. The intervention lasted 8 weeks.

Cardiovascular measurements included resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention period. The study investigated whether SAQ training and SSGs produce different cardiovascular adaptations and whether either intervention is superior to regular football training for improving cardiovascular health indicators in youth football players.

This study was conducted in accordance with institutional ethical approval and informed consent procedures.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Male football players aged 14 to 16 years. Minimum of 2 years of organized football training experience. Regular participation in football training at least 3 times per week. Ability to participate in all training sessions and assessments. Written informed consent provided by participants and their parents or legal guardians.

Exclusion criteria

Musculoskeletal injury within the previous 3 months. History of cardiovascular disease. Metabolic disorders. Neurological disorders. Use of medications that could affect cardiovascular responses or physical performance.

Failure to complete the intervention or assessment procedures.

Treatment and study plan

SAQ Training

Behavioral

Participants completed an 8-week Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) training program designed to improve movement efficiency, agility, acceleration, and cardiovascular adaptations. Training sessions were integrated into the regular football training schedule and were performed throughout the intervention period

Small-Sided Games Training

Behavioral

Participants completed an 8-week Small-Sided Games (SSG) training program involving soccer-specific game-based exercises performed in reduced playing areas. The intervention was designed to provide technical, tactical, and physiological training stimuli and to promote cardiovascular adaptations.

Primary outcomes

  1. Resting Heart Rate

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    Resting heart rate measured in beats per minute (bpm)

  2. Exercise Heart Rate

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    Heart rate measured immediately after completion of the 20-meter shuttle run test.

  3. Resting Diastolic Blood Pressure

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    Resting diastolic blood pressure measured in mmHg.

  4. Resting Systolic Blood Pressure

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 8

    Resting systolic blood pressure measured in mmHg.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Benha University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Speed, Agility, and Quickness Training and Small-Sided Games on Cardiovascular Response in Youth Football Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: SAQ-SSG

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 8, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 8, 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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