title: High-intensity interval training vs. repeated-sprint training in tennis.
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and repeated-sprint training (RST) on aerobic fitness, tennis-specific endurance, linear and repeated-sprint ability (RSA), and jumping ability. Thirty-one competitive male tennis players took part in a training intervention of 6 weeks. The players were matched into 3 groups, HIIT (n = 11), RST (n = 12), or control group (CON, n = 9). The results showed significant time × intervention interactions for VO(2)peak, with a significant increase in the VO(2)peak level of 6.0% in HIIT (p = 0.008) and 4.9% in RST (p = 0.010), whereas no changes occurred in CON. However, the following differences were found between the intervention groups: The HIIT-induced greater improvements in tennis-specific endurance (HIIT 28.9% vs. RST 14.5%; p < 0.05) and RST led to a significant improvement in RSA (i.e., reduction in the mean sprint time of 3.8%; p < 0.05). Neither training strategy induced any effects on jumping and sprinting abilities. Both training interventions showed similar improvements in general aerobic fitness. Also, the present results suggest that RST represents a time-efficient stimulus for a simultaneous improvement of general and tennis-specific aerobic fitness as well for RSA.
authors: Department of Training and Exercise Science, Faculty of Sports Science, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. jauma_fernandez@hotmail.com
authors: Jaime
authors: J
authors: Fernandez-Fernandez
authors: Rico
authors: R
authors: Zimek
authors: Thimo
authors: T
authors: Wiewelhove
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Ferrauti
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D013715:Tennis / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult