Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the impact of HIIT on sports performance and heart rate variability (HRV) in adolescents with prior sports experience.
Method
A randomized controlled experiment was conducted over 8 weeks, with participants engaging in either HIIT or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The HIIT group consisted of 15 individuals, while the MICT group also comprised 15 participants, with an average age of (17.1 ± 0.61) years. Real-time heart rate monitoring was facilitated using Polar H10 heart rate chest straps, allowing precise tracking of subjects' heart rate dynamics and exercise intensity. HRV indicators were measured before and after the intervention, and sports performance was statistically analyzed.
Results
Post-test analysis revealed a significant improvement in performance for the HIIT group compared to the MICT group (MICT 140.93 ± 4.34 vs. HIIT 134.67 ± 4.51 s, p < 0.05). Two-factor analysis of variance revealed significant time effect (p = 0.0003) and interaction (time × group) effect (p = 0.0014), while no significant difference was observed in the group effect (p = 0.5633). Notably, HRV indicators (SDNN, LF, and LF/HF) exhibited significant improvements.
Conclusion
Evaluation based on heart rate variability indices indicates superior effectiveness of HIIT over MICT, underscoring the significance of tailored training interventions for young athletes. This research provides valuable insights for time-constrained teenagers seeking to optimize their exercise regimen.