A Meta-analysis of the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Small-Sided Games on Sprint Performance in Adolescents

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and small-sided games (SSGs) on sprint performance in adolescent athletes in team sports and to provide reference data for training adolescent team-sport athletes. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and SPORTDiscus. Seven eligible articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. HIIT was significantly better than SSGs in the improvement of linear sprint ability (LSA) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.35; p = 0.007). Within-group comparisons showed that both HIIT (SMD = 0.45; p = 0.0007) and SSGs (SMD = 0.27; p = 0.04) effectively improved LSA. There was no significant difference between HIIT and SSGs in the improvement of repeated sprint ability (RSA) (SMD = −0.05; p = 0.77). Within-group comparisons showed no significant differences but a larger effect size of HIIT (SMD = 0.36) than that of SSGs (SMD = 0.17). HIIT is superior to SSGs in improving LSA. Although HIIT is not the best training method for sprint ability, it improves aerobic capacity and speed performance, helping athletes save time and improve training efficiency. HIIT and SSGs have similar training effects on RSA.