On Your Mark, Get Set, Choose! A Randomized Cross-Over Study Comparing Fixed and Self-Selected Rest Periods in Interval Running Among Professional Female Soccer Players
A summary of the research:
The article "On Your Mark, Get Set, Choose! A Randomized Cross-Over Study Comparing Fixed and Self-Selected Rest Periods in Interval Running Among Professional Female Soccer Players" investigates the effects of self-selected (SS) versus fixed rest periods during high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Twenty-four professional female soccer players completed two treadmill-based HIIT sessions—one with fixed rest (90 seconds per interval) and another with self-selected rest durations, totaling 270 seconds per block in both conditions. The study compared performance, physiological responses (e.g., heart rate), and psychological outcomes (e.g., perceived autonomy and enjoyment). Results revealed similar performance outcomes between conditions, but SS rest periods led to significantly higher autonomy perceptions. Participants generally chose shorter rests initially and longer ones later, suggesting adaptive pacing strategies.
The findings suggest that self-selected rest periods offer comparable training stimuli to fixed rests while providing additional psychological benefits, such as enhanced autonomy. This approach may better accommodate individual recovery needs and improve athlete motivation during training. Coaches can use either method depending on their goals, such as optimizing consistency with fixed rests or fostering decision-making and autonomy with SS rests.
Key Takeaways
Performance and physiological outcomes were comparable between self-selected and fixed rest conditions in HIIT sessions.
Self-selected rest periods significantly increased perceptions of autonomy, enhancing psychological engagement and motivation.
Participants displayed adaptive pacing, taking shorter rests early and longer rests later, aligning with their perceived recovery needs.
Authors: Asaf Ben‑Ari, Yedidya Silverman, Uri Obolski, and Israel Halperin
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