Soccer PerformanceGBS-LSTNCT07799324
Game-Based Versus Linear Sprint Training in Male Soccer Players
A study testing Linear Sprint Training and Game-Based Sprint Training in people with Soccer Performance and Sprint Performance, run by Istanbul Gelisim University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of two different sprint training approaches on physical performance in male amateur soccer players during the competitive season. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Soccer Performance, Sprint Performance, Hamstring Strength
- What is being tested?
- Linear Sprint Training and Game-Based Sprint Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2025to 24 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male amateur-licensed soccer players.
- A minimum of 5 years of regular soccer training experience.
- Participation in organized soccer training at least 5 days per week.
Who cannot join
- A serious musculoskeletal injury within the previous 6 months that could interfere with participation in the training intervention or performance assessments.
- Musculoskeletal surgery within the previous 6 months that could interfere with the study outcomes.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34310
About this study
Official title: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Time-Course Effects of Once-Weekly Game-Based Versus Linear Sprint Training on Soccer Performance and Hamstring Strength in Amateur Players During the Competitive Season
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of two different sprint training approaches on physical performance in male amateur soccer players during the competitive season. The study aimed to determine whether once-weekly game-based sprint training or linear sprint training could improve sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, hamstring strength, and maximum running velocity achieved during official matches.
Thirty-six male amateur soccer players were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: the Game-Based Sprint Group, the Linear Sprint Group, or the Control Group. Participants in both sprint training groups completed one additional sprint training session per week for 12 weeks while continuing their regular soccer training and competition schedule. The Linear Sprint Group performed maximal 40-meter linear sprints, whereas the Game-Based Sprint Group performed soccer-specific sprint activities that included running, ball involvement, and technical actions. The Control Group continued regular soccer training without an additional sprint-specific intervention.
Sprint performance, change-of-direction performance, and right and left hamstring strength were assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Maximum running velocity was also monitored during official matches throughout the 12-week study period. The study was designed to compare how the two sprint training approaches affected performance over time and whether changes observed during standardized testing were also reflected in maximum running velocity during competitive matches.
- Being tested
- Linear Sprint Training, Game-Based Sprint Training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Linear Sprint TrainingBehavioural
Participants performed maximal 40-m linear sprints once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions with the same recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The intervention was performed in addition to regular soccer training.
Game-Based Sprint TrainingBehavioural
Participants performed soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of 8-10-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions using the same sprint duration and recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions of 10-12-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The drills incorporated ball involvement, perceptual demands, and soccer-specific technical actions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Linear Sprint Group (LSG) | Experimental | Participants performed maximal 40-m linear sprint training once weekly on M-3 (Wednesday), approximately 72 hours before the official match, in addition to their regular soccer training. The 12-week intervention was progressively structured across three four-week phases. Receives: Behavioral: Linear Sprint Training |
| Game-Based Sprint Group (GBSG) | Experimental | Participants performed game-based sprint training once weekly on M-3 (Wednesday), approximately 72 hours before the official match, in addition to their regular soccer training. Training consisted of soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill incorporating ball involvement, perceptual demands, and technical actions. The 12-week intervention was progressively structured across three four-week phases. Receives: Behavioral: Game-Based Sprint Training |
| Control Group (CG) | No intervention | Participants continued their regular competitive-season soccer training and match schedule throughout the 12-week study period without receiving any additional sprint-specific intervention. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
40-m Sprint Performance
The time required to complete a 40-m maximal linear sprint was measured using the SmartSpeed electronic timing system (VALD Performance, Australia). Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest time was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better sprint performance.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
Secondary outcomes (3)
T-Drill Change-of-Direction Performance
Change-of-direction performance was assessed using the T-drill test. Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest completion time was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better performance.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
Hamstring Strength
Bilateral hamstring strength was assessed using the NordBord system (VALD Performance). Right and left limbs were assessed separately, with force recorded in Newtons (N). Participants completed two maximal-effort trials for each limb, and the highest value was retained for analysis.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
Match Maximum Running Velocity
Maximum running velocity during official soccer matches was monitored using the Catapult S7 GPS system. The highest running velocity achieved by each participant during each official match was retained for analysis.
Measured: During official matches throughout the 12-week intervention period
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Sep 2026
- Study start1 Nov 2025
- Primary completion24 Jan 2026
- Study completion24 Jan 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Soccer PerformanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gelisim University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Görkem Açar, Istanbul Gelisim University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07799324
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SPRINT-RCT-2025-397267
- Acronym
- GBS-LST
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Time-Course Effects of Once-Weekly Game-Based Versus Linear Sprint Training on Soccer Performance and Hamstring Strength in Amateur Players During the Competitive Season
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07799324
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GBS-LST / SPRINT-RCT-2025-397267
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gelisim UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 24 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 24 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of two different sprint training approaches on physical performance in male amateur soccer players during the competitive season. The study aimed to determine whether once-weekly game-based sprint training or linear sprint training could improve sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, hamstring strength, and maximum running velocity achieved during official matches.
Thirty-six male amateur soccer players were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: the Game-Based Sprint Group, the Linear Sprint Group, or the Control Group. Participants in both sprint training groups completed one additional sprint training session per week for 12 weeks while continuing their regular soccer training and competition schedule. The Linear Sprint Group performed maximal 40-meter linear sprints, whereas the Game-Based Sprint Group performed soccer-specific sprint activities that included running, ball involvement, and technical actions. The Control Group continued regular soccer training without an additional sprint-specific intervention.
Sprint performance, change-of-direction performance, and right and left hamstring strength were assessed at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12. Maximum running velocity was also monitored during official matches throughout the 12-week study period. The study was designed to compare how the two sprint training approaches affected performance over time and whether changes observed during standardized testing were also reflected in maximum running velocity during competitive matches.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Linear Sprint Group (LSG) | Experimental | Behavioral: Linear Sprint TrainingParticipants performed maximal 40-m linear sprint training once weekly on M-3 (Wednesday), approximately 72 hours before the official match, in addition to their regular soccer training. The 12-week intervention was progressively structured across three four-week phases. |
| Game-Based Sprint Group (GBSG) | Experimental | Behavioral: Game-Based Sprint TrainingParticipants performed game-based sprint training once weekly on M-3 (Wednesday), approximately 72 hours before the official match, in addition to their regular soccer training. Training consisted of soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill incorporating ball involvement, perceptual demands, and technical actions. The 12-week intervention was progressively structured across three four-week phases. |
| Control Group (CG) | No intervention | –Participants continued their regular competitive-season soccer training and match schedule throughout the 12-week study period without receiving any additional sprint-specific intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Male amateur-licensed soccer players.
- A minimum of 5 years of regular soccer training experience.
- Participation in organized soccer training at least 5 days per week.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- A serious musculoskeletal injury within the previous 6 months that could interfere with participation in the training intervention or performance assessments.
- Musculoskeletal surgery within the previous 6 months that could interfere with the study outcomes.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Linear Sprint TrainingParticipants performed maximal 40-m linear sprints once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions with the same recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The intervention was performed in addition to regular soccer training. | Behavioural | Linear Sprint Group (LSG) |
| Game-Based Sprint TrainingParticipants performed soccer-specific maximal sprint actions within a standardized crossing-and-shooting drill once weekly for 12 weeks. During Weeks 1-4, participants completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of 8-10-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. During Weeks 5-8, they completed 3 sets of 4 repetitions using the same sprint duration and recovery periods. During Weeks 9-12, they completed 3 sets of 5 repetitions of 10-12-second contextual sprint actions, with 90 seconds of recovery between repetitions and 4 minutes between sets. The drills incorporated ball involvement, perceptual demands, and soccer-specific technical actions. | Behavioural | Game-Based Sprint Group (GBSG) |
Primary outcome
40-m Sprint Performance
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
The time required to complete a 40-m maximal linear sprint was measured using the SmartSpeed electronic timing system (VALD Performance, Australia). Participants completed two maximal trials, and the fastest time was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better sprint performance.
3 secondary outcomes
T-Drill Change-of-Direction Performance
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
Hamstring Strength
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12
Match Maximum Running Velocity
Time frame: During official matches throughout the 12-week intervention period
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Sep 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Linear Sprint Training and Game-Based Sprint Training in people with Soccer Performance and Sprint Performance, run by Istanbul Gelisim University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
40-m Sprint Performance (time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 6, and Week 12). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Sep 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.