Effectiveness of sprint interval training in enhancing adolescent physical fitness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Adolescents possess distinct physiological characteristics, including immature skeletal and neuromuscular development, which necessitate training modalities different from those designed for adults. Conventional training methods often present limitations in both efficiency and safety for this population.
Objectives: This study aimed to quantify the effects of sprint interval training (SIT) on the physical fitness of adolescents, thereby providing evidence to support the optimization of training regimens for this demographic.
Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically for eligible studies up to 2 June 2025. Study selection was performed according to the PICOS principle. Following data extraction, the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool and the GRADE approach were employed to assess the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence, respectively. Data analysis was performed using Stata 18 software. Standardized mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated as pooled effect estimates for all outcomes.
Results: A total of 18 randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 565 participants, were included in the final analysis. The overall effects demonstrated that SIT significantly improves adolescents' aerobic capacity (VO2max, MD = 3.66, p = 0.000), anaerobic capacity (peak power, MD = 48.39, p = 0.001; average power, MD = 36.64, p = 0.001), jumping ability (squat jump, MD = 1.23,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 565 participants or records.
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