title: High-intensity interval training has positive effects on performance in ice hockey players.
abstract: In spite of the well-known benefits that have been shown, few studies have looked at the practical applications of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on athletic performance. This study investigated the effects of a HIIT program compared to traditional continuous endurance exercise training. 24 hockey players were randomly assigned to either a continuous or high-intensity interval group during a 4-week training program. The interval group (IG) was involved in a periodized HIIT program. The continuous group (CG) performed moderate intensity cycling for 45-60 min at an intensity that was 65% of their calculated heart rate reserve. Body composition, muscle thickness, anaerobic power, and on-ice measures were assessed pre- and post-training. Muscle thickness was significantly greater in IG (p=0.01) when compared to CG. The IG had greater values for both ∆ peak power (p<0.003) and ∆ mean power (p<0.02). Additionally, IG demonstrated a faster ∆ sprint (p<0.02) and a trend (p=0.08) for faster ∆ endurance test time to completion for IG. These results indicate that hockey players may utilize short-term HIIT to elicit positive effects in muscle thickness, power and on-ice performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Naimo
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: E O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: de Souza
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gilchrist
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Lowery
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Averbuch
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States.
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Joy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001823:Body Composition; D004032:Diet; D006688:Hockey / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult