The Effect of High Intensity Interval Training on Agility Performance

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on agility performances of male football and volleyball players in university teams.Material and Methods: 10 non-elite male football players (mean age 21.17 +/- 0.70 years, mean height 176.88 +/- 4.86 cm, and mean weight 79.12 +/- 8.31 kg) and 10 non-elite male volleyball players (mean age 20.84 +/- 1.54 years, mean height 185.41 +/- 8.31 cm, and mean weight 78.93 +/- 8.85 kg) volunteered for the study. The participants performed HIIT (30 sec exercise/30 sec rest) twice a week for four weeks. Agility T test was performed with the participants before and after the training.Results: There found no statistical difference (p>0.05) in terms of the agility performance values of the male football and volleyball players before and after the training. The pre and post training measurements after Yo-Yo IRT 1 showed that while the group with the football players did not recover in their agility performances up to 48 hours, the volleyball players were able to recover 48 hours after the training. Conclusion: It was found out that HIIT practises had no effect on improving agility time; however, it was effective in recovery of agility time post Yo-Yo IRT 1.