Frontiers in Physiology (Nov 2021)

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training With Specific Techniques on Jumping Ability and Change of Direction Speed in Karate Athletes: An Inter-individual Analysis

  • Alex Ojeda-Aravena,
  • Alex Ojeda-Aravena,
  • Tomás Herrera-Valenzuela,
  • Pablo Valdés-Badilla,
  • Pablo Valdés-Badilla,
  • Eduardo Báez-San Martín,
  • Eduardo Báez-San Martín,
  • Jorge Cancino-López,
  • Jairo Azócar Gallardo,
  • Jairo Azócar Gallardo,
  • José Zapata-Bastías,
  • José Manuel García-García

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.769267
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

Read online

This study investigated the effect of 4weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with specific techniques and analyzed inter-individual variability [classified in responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs)] on jumping ability and change of direction speed (CODS) in youth karate athletes. Athletes of both genders (n=10) were randomly assigned into experimental group (EG; n=5) and the control group (CG; n=5). The EG trained 2–3days per week applying HIIT (three rounds [15 sets of 4s all-out specific efforts with 8s of dynamical pauses] with 3min of recovery between rounds) during their usual training during 4weeks. Assessments included squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) and CODS by T-test. No significant interaction effect group by time was found. Although, in percentage and effect size (ES) terms increases were reported in both groups for SJ (EG: 15.2%, ES=0.91 vs. CG: 12.4%, ES=0.02) and only in EG for the T-test (−1.7%; ES=−0.35). In turn, a trend toward a higher proportion of Rs was observed in the EG (40% Rs) vs. CG (20% Rs) for SJ and CODS, respectively. In conclusion, the addition to regular training of a HIIT with specific techniques and based on the temporal combat structure after 4weeks was not a sufficient stimulus to increase jumping ability and CODS in karate athletes.

Keywords