The effect of 4 weeks polarize training on aerobic and anaerobic fitness variables in soccer players

Soccer preparation requires the use of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, which can be achieved by the intensity distribution of training. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of polarizing training on aerobic and anaerobic fitness variables in soccer players. 20 soccer players in Tehran soccer league were divided into polarized (n=10; 52.11 ml/kg/min) and usual soccer training (n=10; 53.31 ml/kg/min) groups based on maximum oxygen consumption. Subjects were evaluated before and after four weeks of polarize (four-session consisting of three sessions of high volume -low-intensity training followed by a high-intensity interval training session) and usual soccer training (Four sessions per week including two sessions of high-intensity interval training, one session of lactate threshold training and one session of low-intensity training) to measure maximal oxygen consumption and soccer-specific, mean and peak power and respiratory exchange ratio. Maximum oxygen consumption, peak power, soccer-specific Maximum oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio were significantly increased after four weeks of polarized and usual soccer training (P<0.05). Also, the polarized training model resulted in a significant increase in maximal oxygen consumption, peak power, and specific soccer maximal oxygen consumption compared to the usual soccer training model (P≤0.01). The results showed that the distribution of training intensity based on the polarized model can be more effective in short term than the usual soccer training in off-season preparations.