Effect of high-intensity interval training on physical and biological indicators in individual sports Athletes

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine to evaluate the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical and biological indicators among athletes in individual sports. Methods: We employed an experimental design involving 30 participants from Al-Adalah Club in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The participants were divided into two groups: experimental group (n = 15; age: 18.67 ± 0.70 years; height: 171.87 ± 2.23 cm; weight: 68.67 ± 2.53 kg; training experience: 4.71 ± 0.62 years) and the control group (n = 15; age: 18.73 ± 0.80 years; height: 172.00 ± 2.30 cm; weight: 69.27 ± 2.87 kg; training experience: 5.27 ± 0.49 years). Physical performance was assessed using (SLJT) and Sergeant Jump Test (SJT). Lactic acid levels were measured with the Lactate Pro 2 blood lactate meter. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure were assessed using the Beurer blood pressure monitor (model Bc28 | 57144), while hemoglobin (Hb) levels were analyzed in a medical laboratory by a qualified medical professional. The intervention program was implemented for 8 weeks, consisting of three training sessions per week. Results: The findings indicated significant improvements in physical performance as measured by the SLJT and SJT, with statistical significance (p = 0.001). Additionally, there were enhancements in HR, VO2 max, and systolic blood pressure (SBP), alongside a reduction in hemoglobin levels and lactic acid concentrations at designated times (0, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-minutes post-exercise), with p-values indicating significance (p < 0.05; p = 0.001) favoring the post-intervention assessments of the experimental group. The experimental group exhibited superior results compared to the control group, with improvement rates ranging from 2.7% to 19.61% (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The implementation of HIIT training is shown to be a more effective training method for athletes participating in individual sports. Future research should focus on the longterm effects of HIIT to better understand its implications for physical fitness and overall health among different populations.