Abstract
This study investigated the effect of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with specific techniques (TS-G) vs. repeated sprints (RS-G) and analyzed the inter-individual variability [classified into responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs)] on sport-related fitness in taekwondo (TKD) athletes. Athletes of both genders (n = 12) were randomly assigned into TS-G and RS-G groups. Both groups trained 3 days/week for 4 weeks [two blocks of three rounds of 2 min of activity (4-s of all-out efforts with 28-s dynamical pauses) with 1 min of recovery in between and 5 min between blocks] during their regular training. The related sport fitness assessments included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKTMULT), specifically total kicks and Kick Decrement Index (KDI), and 20-m shuttle run (20MSR). Relevant results indicate a significant effect of the time factor in both groups for SJ performance and a significant decrease for KDI in RS-G. In addition, an improvement in performance according to the effect size analysis in the TS-G in total kicks, KDI, and 20MSR. Complementarily, a higher proportion of athlete Rs was reported in TS-G vs. RS-G for SJ (50% vs. 30.3%, respectively), CMJ, and total kicks (16.6% vs. 0%). In conclusion, the addition to the regular training of a HIIT with specific-techniques and repeated-sprints associated with intervals and similar structure of the combat during 4 weeks of training can improve the concentric characteristics of lower limb performance, although they were not the sufficient stimuli in the other components of TKD-related fitness.
Highlights
Taekwondo (TKD) is an Olympic combat sport renowned for its fast kicks (Norjali Wazir et al, 2019), its intermittent nature, and the high physical demand involved for the athletes (Maloney et al, 2018)
All athletes had to meet the following inclusion criteria: (i) 4 or more years of experience competing in TKD; (ii) training three or more times per week; (iii) be preparing for competitions or tournaments organized by the Federación Deportiva Nacional de Taekwondo, an organization recognized by World Taekwondo; (iv) be free of injuries and neuromuscular problems; and (vi) not be in a period of body mass (BM) reduction
For pre-training values, statistical differences were found for squat jump (SJ) (F1,10 = 13.96; p = 0.04; η2p = 0.58) in repeated-sprint group (RS-G) (F1,10 = 5.51; p = 0.04; η2p = 0.35), and technicalspecific group (TS-G) (F1,10 = 8.61; p = 0.01; η2p = 0.46)
Summary
Elite TKD athletes (i.e., medalists in at least one international competition) (Norjali Wazir et al, 2019) present high general and specific physical fitness such as optimal dynamical strength performance, high cardiorespiratory fitness, and high ability to execute repeated high-intensity-specific and intermittent motor efforts (da Silva Santos and Franchini, 2018; Norjali Wazir et al, 2019). Following these aspects, TKD coaches face several challenges in the physical preparation of TKD athletes (Reale et al, 2019).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call