Effects of different work-to-rest ratios of high-intensity interval training on physical performance and physiological responses in male college judo athletes

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with work-to-rest ratios of 2:1 and 3:1 on physical performance and physiological responses in male college judo athletes. MethodsForty-eight male college judo athletes were randomly assigned to one of three groups. One used HIIT with a 2:1 work-to-rest ratio (2:1 group), another used HIIT with a 3:1 work-to-rest ratio (3:1 group), while a control group (CG) continued its regular training program as before. Subjects completed two training sessions per week for 6 weeks. The participants completed the Modified Agility T-test, 30-m sprint, medicine ball put, countermovement jump, 20-m multistage shuttle run test, and 30-s Wingate test before and after the training, and blood lactate measurements at 3, 5, 10, and 15 min after the 30-s Wingate test were taken before and after the training. ResultsThe 2:1 group (p = 0.010, d = 0.88 (large)) and 3:1 group (p = 0.002, d = 0.46 (small)) showed significant improvements in VO2max estimated by the 20-m multistage shuttle run test in comparison with pre-test. The 3:1 group had a significant difference in agility in comparison with the CG post-training (p = 0.004). Peak power (PP) and relative peak power (PP/kg) significantly improved in the 3:1 group (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-test. Blood lactate values at the fifth minute (p = 0.029) after the Wingate test in the 3:1 group were significantly decreased compared to the pre-test. ConclusionOur findings suggest that HIIT with the 3:1 and 2:1 work-to-rest ratios can improve aerobic power, and HIIT with a 3:1 work-to-rest ratio can improve absolute and relative peak power.