The Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiovascular Endurance in Adolescent Athletes

Abstract

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient and effective training method to enhance cardiovascular endurance. The present research examines the effects of an eight-week HIIT programme on the cardiovascular fitness of adolescent athletes. The study involved forty participants at the age of fourteen to seventeen grouped into the HIIT (experimental group) and a traditional training group. Some variables included gross VO₂ max and the resting heart rate to be calculated before and after the assessment. The HIIT group showed a marked increase in VO₂ max of 20% and reduction in RHR by 12% compared with the control group. The current paper presents these findings and reviews the literature with the view of pointing out that HIIT could be useful in enhancing athletic performance. Recommendations for future adoption of HIIT to adolescent training routines are also discussed. The conclusions drawn in the present study indicate that HIIT might be a more efficient strategy regarding the enhancement of cardiovascular fitness and performance in young athletes. More studies are required in order to elucidate on the outcomes and the novel consequences of HIIT as part of training for adolescents. In sum, the current study shows the potential of HIIT for young athletes and indicates that HIIT may be useful as an addition to training practice. As the study proceeds in exploring further consequences of HIIT, the coaches and trainer can make better decisions about including this type of training for adolescents.