Comparative Efficacy of High-Intensity Interval Training and Local-Indigenous Games in Enhancing Physical, Technical, and Cognitive Performance in Youth Football Players: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Objective The present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and training based on selective Local Indigenous games on performance indicators and some specific skills in schoolchildren football players. Methodology: This research included 36 youth football players with an average age of 10.10 ± 1.24, who were randomly divided into three groups of 12 people control, HIIT, and local-indigenous games. All three groups were pre-tested, and then the HIIT and local Indigenous games groups performed their training protocol for six weeks (3 sessions per week on non-consecutive days, a total of 18 training sessions). HIIT sessions consisted of 6–8 repetitions of 30–60 seconds of all-out running with 4–4:15 minutes of rest between each repetition. Local-indigenous games also included selected local-indigenous games such as Arada Wordi, Khoros, Haft Sang, Machles, etc. To analyze statistical data, analysis of variance with repeated measurements and one-way analysis of variance were used (P < 0.05). Result HIIT and training based on selective local-indigenous games have a significant effect on speed, hand and foot coordination, agility, pass accuracy, shot accuracy, balance, aerobic and anaerobic power (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in hand coordination, foot coordination, pass accuracy and shot accuracy in the HIIT and local-Indigenous groups (P > 0.05), but there was a significant difference between the two groups in other indicators (P < 0.05). Conclusion Based on the results of the present research, 6 weeks of HIIT and local-indigenous games were effective in improving the physical fitness indicators of schoolchild football players. Due to the many advantages of both types of exercises, it seems desirable to include both types of these exercises in the training program of young soccer players.