Abstract

Interval training and cross-country training, the traditional training methods in the endurance training, aim to increase cardiorespiratory efficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of eight-week extensive interval training and cross-country training on shuttle run performance. Twenty-four male students volunteered in the study. They were divided to extensive training group (n= 12) (ETG) (age= 15.50 ± 0.52year) and cross-country training group (n= 12) (CTG) (age= 15.25 ± 0.45year). Both groups trained eight weeks, three times a week. Pre- and post-training shuttle run performance were tested and maximal oxygen consumption was predicted. Pre- and post-training test comparisons of the groups were analyzed statistically with independent samples t test. Pre- and post-training effects for each group were analyzed statistically with Wilcoxon paired two- sampled test. The probability level for statistical significance was set to p  0.05. There were significant pre- and post-training shuttle run performance and maximal oxygen consumption differences between the groups and within the groups (p<0.01). In conclusion, interval training and cross-country training may be practical for the endurance development in the general preparation phase of annual training periodization.