Training for recovery: impact of sprint interval training on recovery dynamics and aerobic performance in kickboxing athletes.

Hall, Andy; Williams, Ashley K.; Babraj, John

Abstract

Recovery within and between rounds is crucial to combat sports performance. We sought to determine whether sprint interval training (SIT) improves recovery dynamics and aerobic performance. Methods: Eleven male kickboxing athletes (26 ± 5 years; body mass index 25 ± 3 kg/m2) were recruited. Participants were tested three times for VO2peak/time to exhaustion and critical power; baseline, 3 weeks control, 3 weeks of SIT (8 × 10s lower body sprints followed by a maximum of 10 min recovery before completing 8 × 10s upper body sprints). During SIT session 1 and 9 continuous gas analysis was performed. Results: There was a significant reduction in recovery time between lower and upper body sprints with training (session 1: 441 ± 150s; session 9: 268 ± 10s; P < 0.01; d = 2.77) and change in oxygen off-kinetics amplitude (session1: 3.0 ± 0.7L/min, session 9: 3.6 ± 1.0L/min; P < 0.05; d = − 1.77), VO2 end (session 1: 0.59 ± 0.19L/min, session 9: 0.81 ± 0.21L/min; P < 0.05, d = − 0.90), time constant (session 1: 81 ± 21s; session 9: 60 ± 11s; P < 0.05; d = 1.03). Following training there was a significant improvement in critical power (P < 0.05; η2p = 0.72) time to exhaustion (P < 0.05; η2p = 0.30) but not VO2peak (P > 0.05). Conclusion: SIT improves recovery time associated and aerobic performance associated with improved oxygen off-kinetics. Therefore, training needs to focus on improving oxygen off-kinetics to enhance combat performance.

Citation

HALL, A., WILLIAMS, A.K. and BABRAJ, J. 2024. Training for recovery: impact of sprint interval training on recovery dynamics and aerobic performance in kickboxing athletes. Journal of science in sports and exercise [online], Latest Articles. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-023-00273-6

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 7, 2023
• Online Publication Date: May 7, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 16, 2024
• Journal: Journal of science in sport and exercise
• Print ISSN: 2096-6709
• Electronic ISSN: 2662-1371
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-023-00273-6
• Keywords: Aerobic fitness; Recovery; Sprint interval training; Combat sports; Kickboxing
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2339186