Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aerobic capacity and the ability to repeatedly perform intense exercise of Japanese college soccer players and their use of online training. Sixty-nine male soccer players from the University Association Soccer Club were enrolled as subjects for this study. In study 1, thirty-three men participated in an examination of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) running speed and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2). In study 2, during the declared state of emergency, thirty-six men participated in the online training challenge. Each participant was randomly assigned to severe-intensity interval training at a frequency of once a week (the ITr group; n = 18) or anaerobic threshold intensity endurance training at a frequency of three times a week (the ETr group; n = 18). In study 1, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced OBLA running speed and Yo-Yo IR2. In study 2, OBLA running speed significantly decreased despite online training in the ETr group, but not in the ITr group. On the other hand, Yo-Yo IR2 was significantly decreased in both groups. In conclusion, online training with severe-intensity interval training (Yo-Yo IR2: a total of three times) at a frequency of once a week maintained the aerobic capacity of Japanese college soccer players. The present results provide novel insights for online training in the field of sports science.
