Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

The effects of sprint interval training on physical performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hall, Andy J.; Aspe, Rodrigo R.; Craig, Thomas P.; Kavaliauskas, Mykolas; Babraj, John; Swinton, Paul A.

Authors

Rodrigo R. Aspe

Mykolas Kavaliauskas

John Babraj



Abstract

The present study aimed to synthesise findings from published research and through meta-analysis quantify the effect of sprint interval training (SIT) and potential moderators on physical performance outcomes (categorised as aerobic; anaerobic; mixed aerobic/anaerobic; or muscular force) with healthy adults, in addition to assessing the methodological quality of included studies and the existence of small study effects. Fifty-five studies were included (50% moderate methodological quality, 42% low methodological quality), with 58% comprising an intervention duration of ≤4 weeks and an array of different training protocols. Bayesian meta-analysis of standardized mean differences (SMD) identified a medium effect of improved physical performance with SIT (ES0.5 = 0.52 [95%CrI: 0.42 to 0.62]). Moderator analyses identified overlap between outcome types with the largest effects estimated for anaerobic outcomes (ES0.5 = 0.61 [95%CrI: 0.48 to 0.75]). Moderator effects were identified for intervention duration, sprint length, and number of sprints performed per session, with larger effects obtained for greater values of each moderator. A substantive number of very large effect sizes (41 SMDs >2) were identified with additional evidence of extensive small study effects. This meta-analysis demonstrates that short-term SIT interventions are effective for developing moderate improvements in physical performance outcomes. However, extensive small study effects, likely influenced by researchers analysing many outcomes, suggests potential overestimation of reported effects. Future research should analyse fewer a priori selected outcomes and investigate models to progress SIT interventions for longer-term performance improvements.

Citation

HALL, A.J., ASPE, R.R., CRAIG, T.P., KAVALIAUSKA, M., BABRAJ, J. and SWINTON, P.A. 2023. The effects of sprint interval training on physical performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of strength and conditioning research [online], 37(2), pages 457-481. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004257

Journal Article Type Review
Acceptance Date Jan 29, 2022
Online Publication Date Sep 8, 2022
Publication Date Feb 28, 2023
Deposit Date Feb 22, 2022
Publicly Available Date Sep 9, 2023
Journal Journal of strength and conditioning research
Print ISSN 1064-8011
Electronic ISSN 1533-4287
Publisher Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 37
Issue 2
Pages 457-481
DOI https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004257
Keywords Sprint interval training (SIT); High intensity interval training; Methodological quality; Aerobic training; Anaerobic training
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/983607