PMID 35360225

Research
All papers

Effects of a New Form of Resistance-Type High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiac Structure, Hemodynamics, and Physiological and Performance Adaptations in Well-Trained Kayak Sprint Athletes

Sheykhlouvand M, Arazi H, Astorino TA, Suzuki K

Question

Can resistance-type HIIT matched to paddling HIIT improve cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiac structure and hemodynamics, strength, and performance in well-trained kayak sprint athletes?

Summary

In 24 well-trained male national-team kayakers, both paddling HIIT and matched resistance-type HIIT improved VO2peak, cardiac hemodynamic measures, anaerobic power, and kayak performance over 8 weeks. Resistance-type HIIT also improved one-arm cable-row strength, but the protocol is highly specialized for trained paddlers.

Methodology

  • 24 well-trained male national-team kayak sprint athletes.
  • 24 participants.
  • One-arm cable row.
  • Work intervals: Individualized duration matched to PHIIT percent Tmax.
  • Recovery: Matched to PHIIT duration; hands alternated during efforts.
  • Intensity: Work matched to 100% vVO2peak; 50% 1RM strength-endurance loading.
  • CON 60 min/session; PHIIT duration individualized.
  • 3 HIIT sessions/week.
  • 8 weeks.
  • Randomized controlled 3-group training trial
  • VO2peak, Kayak performance, Cardiac hemodynamics, and Strength were tracked.

Outcomes

VO2peak

VO2peak increased in all groups, with PHIIT change greater than control.

PHIIT +12.3%, p=0.0006; RHIIT +9.1%, p=0.002; CON +5.1%, p=0.003; PHIIT vs CON change p=0.03.

Improved

500 m time

All groups improved, but both HIIT changes exceeded control.

PHIIT -3.4 s, p=0.0008; RHIIT -3.7 s, p=0.0006; CON -1.9 s, p=0.02; changes vs CON p=0.02 and p=0.05.

Improved

1000 m time

PHIIT and RHIIT improved; control did not.

PHIIT -3.9 s, p=0.0001; RHIIT -2.1 s, p=0.0004; CON p=0.17; PHIIT change vs CON p=0.05.

Improved

Strength

RHIIT improved one-arm cable-row 1RM; PHIIT and CON did not.

RHIIT right hand +7.6%, p=0.00008; left hand +7.5%, p=0.00001.

Improved

Insights

  • Resistance-type intervals can be matched to cardio intervals by total work, but the method is complex.
  • The athlete protocol is best treated as background evidence for mode-specific adaptation.
  • Direct consumer translation would require much simpler intensity prescription.

Limitations

  • Small sample.
  • Male elite athletes only.
  • Diet not strictly monitored.
  • Co-training across all groups complicates attribution.
  • No adverse-event details.

Safety

  • Participants were screened for high-intensity exercise risk.
  • No adverse events or injuries were reported in the reviewed text.