# Relationships between training load and body composition and physical fitness changes in sedentary individuals: A 4-month small-sided soccer games intervention

## TL;DR

A 4-month soccer training program improved physical fitness and body composition in sedentary adults, with training intensity linked to better results.

## Contribution

This study shows how training load intensity during small-sided soccer games affects physical fitness and body composition changes.

## Key findings

- Physical fitness and body composition improved significantly over 4 months of small-sided soccer games.
- Higher training intensity, especially time spent at VO2max, correlated with better aerobic and strength outcomes.
- Gender and group differences influenced the extent of physical fitness improvements.

## Abstract

This study aimed to: (i) analyze the changes in physical fitness and body composition following a 4-month intervention of small-sided games (SSG) training; and (ii) analyze the association between internal and external training loads and the observed changes in physical fitness and body composition among sedentary young adults.

Sixty sedentary individuals (males: 30; females: 30) participated in this randomized controlled trial study. Physical fitness and body composition parameters were assessed at the 1st, 8th weeks, and 16th weeks after a SSG intervention.

Significant main effects of time and gender on overall physical fitness parameters, with a notable time-group interaction were observed. For body composition measures, we found significant main effects of time, group, and gender. Furthermore, we identified significant correlations between shuttle run, handgrip, and vertical jump performance, and the time spent at VO2max (TVO2max) during SSG (r = −0.779, p = 0.001; r = −0.788, p = 0.001; r = 0.692, p = 0.004, respectively). Handgrip strength exhibited significant correlations with heat exhaustion (HE) and total distance (TD) during SSG (r = −0.616, p = 0.014; r = −0.629, p = 0.012). Similarly, we observed significant correlations between hip perimeter (HP), skinfolds (SF), waist-to-hip ratio (W:H), and TVO2max (r = 0.624, p = 0.013; r = 0.663, p = 0.007; r = 0.535, p = 0.040, respectively).

This study indicates that the intensity achieved during SSG plays a crucial role in fostering positive adaptations in aerobic capacity, maximal strength, and jumping performance in recreational soccer. Therefore, practitioners should ensure that SSG formats generate the required stimulus to sustain prolonged periods within VO2max zones.