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Abstract
Background: Athletic performance consists of attributes including: technique, strength, power, and endurance. There are many training methods designed to optimize athletic performance. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one method of athletic performance training that has been found effective in increasing certain physiologic variables such as VO2max. It is unknown if HIIT has positive effects on objective measures of athletic performance.
Objective: To systematically review the effects of HIIT on objective, athletic performance measures.
Method: A systematic review of literature indexed in the following databases: Medline, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, and PubMed was conducted. The methodological quality of the studies was graded using the PEDro scale.
Results: Fourteen studies satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Methodological scores based on the PEDro scale were 4/10–7/10. HIIT resulted in improvements in running: 3000 and 5000 m track time (TT), (p = 0.04, p < 0.05, respectively) and 40-m sprint TT (p = 0.091), rowing: 2000-m TT (p = 0.02), cycling increase in 5 mile time trial (p < 0.05), softball significant increase in peak pitch velocity (3%), and hockey skating 33 m sprint (p < 0.05). HIIT training was not significant for swimming endurance trials (p = 0.97). Although HIIT had significant effects on many outcome measures, it was not always more effective than other methods.
Conclusion: The findings of this review indicate that HIIT can have beneficial effects on certain athletic performance measures. Although varying HIIT dosages were found effective, there is no clear indication of what HIIT prescription is most effective for specific sports activities.