Investigation of the Effects of an 8-Week Training Program on HIF-1 Levels in Football Players Across Different Energy Systems

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of training in different energy systems on Wingate anaerobic power and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 in soccer players. The study involved players from the U-19 football team competing in the 2020-2021. A total of 30 footballers participated and were randomly assigned to aerobic (n:10), anaerobic (n:10), and control (n:10) groups. On the first day, all players underwent body composition measurement and an aerobic test. A 20-minute incremental test protocol was applied, and 5 cc of blood was collected after the test. On the second day, a 30-second Wingate anaerobic power test protocol was conducted, and 5 cc of blood was collected post-test. Subsequently, using the "Research Randomizer" program, participants were randomly assigned to aerobic, anaerobic, and control groups. After grouping, in addition to team training, both aerobic and anaerobic groups underwent a total of 24 training sessions over 8 weeks, three days a week. The control group did not receive any additional training and only continued with team practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26. According to the data obtained from the footballers, the 8-week intervention positively contributed to PP, AP, MP, and PD values in both aerobic and anaerobic groups. Significant differences in HIF-1 values were observed in both aerobic and anaerobic groups compared to the control group. The applied training protocols were found to have effects on the study groups. Workouts conducted on both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems were determined to increase both HIF-1 and anaerobic power values.