Aerobic-oriented training and maximal oxygen uptake in soccer players: a systematic review with narrative synthesis of intervention studies

Abstract

Aerobic capacity is essential for repeated high-intensity actions, recovery between efforts, and running performance in soccer. This systematic review and narrative synthesis examined recent evidence on aerobic-oriented training interventions and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) in soccer players. Following the PRISMA 2020 framework, a Boolean search of Scopus identified 778 records, with 224 records remaining after automated eligibility screening and deduplication. Eligible studies were English-language journal articles published between 2021 and 2025 involving prospective training interventions of at least four weeks with an explicit aerobic component and pre- and post-intervention VO₂max assessment. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Participants ranged from 14 to 60 per study, predominantly male players aged 14–28 years, from academy to semi-professional levels. Methodological quality was assessed using the MMAT 2018, with all studies scoring ≥60% and 15 (65%) classified as high quality. Due to substantial heterogeneity in VO₂max assessment methods, comparators, and outcome reporting, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Interval-based training, particularly high-intensity interval training and small-sided games, accounted for approximately two-thirds of the evidence. All studies reported significant within-group improvements in VO₂max, although evidence of superiority between modalities was limited. Improvements were commonly observed following 4–12 weeks of training performed 2–3 times per week at near-maximal intensities. Overall, the findings support flexible selection of aerobic training modalities while emphasizing intensity as a key component of prescription. Future research should improve randomisation, blinding, and standardized effect-size reporting.