High-intensity Interval Training On Muscle Strength And Rate Of Torque Development In Female Lacrosse Players.

Abstract

Sports, which include lacrosse, require sudden directional changes and rapid alterations in pace both of which are highly dependent on explosive skeletal muscle force production. Previous research has shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) increases maximal sprint speed, muscle power, and overall performance in field sports. Limited research on the potential of HIIT to impact skeletal muscle strength and rate of torque development in lacrosse players exist. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of HIIT in combination with lacrosse specific training on lower-limb skeletal muscle strength and rate of torque development in female high school lacrosse players (15 ± 2 yrs.). METHODS: Fourteen healthy female lacrosse players from a local high school performed HIIT three times per week in addition to their specific lacrosse training program for 11 weeks (preseason plus competitive season). Right lower-limb skeletal muscle performance was assessed Pre, Mid, and Post-HIIT training with concentric knee extensor contractions at three angular velocities (0, 1.6, and 3.1 rad·s-1). Outcome measures included: peak torque (Nm), time-to-peak torque (s), and rate of torque development (Nm·s-1). RESULTS: Isometric and concentric (3.1 rad·s-1) strength increased across the HIIT and lacrosse specific training period by 20% and 10%, respectively (p < 0.05). Combined training had no influence on time-to-peak torque (Pre: 2.2 ± 0.9 s; Post: 2.6 ± 0.5 s; p > 0.05). Rate of torque development for the first 50 ms of contraction increased by 42% at the mid-point [Pre: 607.3 ± 451.1; Mid: 862.7 ± 292.7 Nm·s-1, p < 0.05) and remained elevated at the Post-HIIT assessment (Post: 864.7 ± 255.4 Nm·s-1). No change in rate of torque development was observed over the 100-200 ms period of contraction. CONCLUSIONS: Combined HIIT with lacrosse specific training improved both static and dynamic knee extensor strength and enhanced rate of torque development within the first 50 ms of contraction in female high school lacrosse players. The inclusion of HIIT to standard pre-season and competitive lacrosse season training demonstrated no negative effects on lower-limb skeletal muscle performance.