Additional high intensity intermittent training improves aerobic and anaerobic performance in elite karate athletes

This study aimed to examine whether a period of high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) training influences aerobic and anaerobic performance in elite Karate athletes. Sixteen elite karate athletes volunteered to participate in this study. The athletes were randomly and gender-specifically divided into high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) group performed three times/week in addition to normal training for 6 weeks, and a traditional training (TT) group completing regular karate training. Body composition and maximal oxygen consumption as well as muscle power, speed, agility, and anaerobic power variables were assessed before and after the intervention. In addition, the blood lactate levels were measured in rest, after a warm-up period, and immediately, 5, 30, and 60 min after a Wingate test. The level of significance set ρ ≤ 0.05 for the study. A significant difference was observed in V O 2max between HIIT and TT groups in post-test ( p = 0.006). Furthermore, a significant difference observed between the muscle power ( p = 0.001), speed ( p = 0.013), agility ( p = 0.004), peak power (PP) ( p = 0.002), average power (AP) ( p = 0.004), V O 2max ( p = 0.002), and level of the blood lactate concentration 60 min after Wingate test ( p = 0.001) in HIIT group from pre- to post-test. A time × group interaction in muscle power ( p = 0.001), speed ( p = 0.021), and V O 2max ( p = 0.005) was observed. HIIT positively influences aerobic and anaerobic power in elite karate athletes compared to TT.