The Effect of High Intensity Interval Training in Different Forms Applied to Combat Athletes on Body Composition and Muscular Strength

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of two different high intensity interval program for 3 weeks on body composition and strength of combat sport athletes. Twenty-nine combat sport athletes (karate, judo, taekwondo, wrestling) (age 21.41±1.50 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups; Tabata protocol and running based high intensity interval protocol. Both methods were applied to participants 3 days per week for 3 weeks. Body composition, leg strength, back strength and hand grip strength of the participants were measured before and after the application. Mean values, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals of the variables were calculated. Data normality was verified using Skewness and Kurtosis values. Paired Sample T Test was used to determine intragroup changes while Independent Sample T Test was used to determine intergroup changes. P value was set at p lt;0.05. There was no significant difference between groups during the first measurement (p gt;0.05). No significant change was found in the variables between two measurements. When groups were compared, there was difference in back strength in favour of Tabata group.