Effects of slide-board-based high-intensity interval versus moderate-intensity continuous training on aerobic and anaerobic capacity in young speed skaters.

Both HIIT protocols significantly improved aerobic capacity (VO2max) after 4 weeks of slide-board training, while MICT did not.

• Twenty-seven youth speed skaters (15 males, 12 females) were randomly assigned to HIIT1, HIIT2, or MICT groups (n = 9 each).
• All participants completed a 4-week intervention at 3 sessions per week using a slide-board simulator.
• Aerobic capacity was assessed via maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and peak aerobic power output (Pmax) using an incremental cycle test.
• Both HIIT1 and HIIT2 showed significant improvements in VO2max (p < 0.05), whereas MICT showed no significant changes.
• Pre- and post-test data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-tests.

Both HIIT protocols significantly improved anaerobic performance metrics including relative peak power and relative mean power, and reduced fatigue index.

• Anaerobic performance was evaluated with a 30-second Wingate test, measuring relative peak power (RPP), relative mean power (RMP), and fatigue index (FI).
• Both HIIT1 and HIIT2 significantly improved RPP and RMP, and reduced FI (p < 0.05).
• MICT showed no significant changes in any anaerobic variable.
• HIIT2 demonstrated greater improvements in Pmax and anaerobic power metrics compared to HIIT1, though intergroup differences were not statistically significant.

HIIT2 (4 min work/1 min rest) showed greater improvements in peak aerobic power output and anaerobic power metrics compared to HIIT1, though the intergroup differences were not statistically significant.

• HIIT2 protocol consisted of 4 minutes of work followed by 1 minute of rest.
• HIIT1 protocol consisted of 3 minutes of work followed by 2 minutes of rest.
• HIIT2 demonstrated greater improvements in Pmax and anaerobic power metrics compared to HIIT1.
• Intergroup differences between HIIT1 and HIIT2 were not statistically significant.

HIIT1 (3 min work/2 min rest) appeared to enhance fatigue resistance more effectively than HIIT2.

• Fatigue index (FI) from the 30-second Wingate test was used as the measure of fatigue resistance.
• Both HIIT protocols reduced FI significantly (p < 0.05), but HIIT1 showed a comparatively greater reduction in FI.
• The authors suggest HIIT1 may suit middle- to long-distance skaters focusing on endurance and fatigue resistance.
• HIIT2 may be more beneficial for sprinters requiring explosive power.

MICT (20 min at 70% HRmax) alone was insufficient to induce meaningful physiological adaptations over the 4-week training period.

• The MICT protocol consisted of 20 minutes of continuous training at 70% HRmax.
• MICT showed no significant changes in VO2max, Pmax, RPP, RMP, or FI.
• The 4-week duration with 3 sessions per week was identical across all three groups.
• The authors concluded that 'MICT alone appears insufficient to induce meaningful physiological adaptations in a 4-week period.'

The study protocol involved young speed skaters performing all three training modalities on a slide-board simulator to simulate sport-specific movement patterns.

• Participants were 27 youth speed skaters (15 males, 12 females).
• All training was conducted using a slide-board simulator to mimic speed skating movement.
• Three training modalities were compared: HIIT1 (3 min work/2 min rest), HIIT2 (4 min work/1 min rest), and MICT (20 min at 70% HRmax).
• The intervention lasted 4 weeks with 3 sessions per week for all groups.