Abstract

Introduction. Precision sports athletes require good balance to perform well in their respective sports. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program and foam roller (FR) application on balance performance among precision sports athletes.

Methods. Forty-eight participants, including male (n = 22) and female (n = 26) athletes from three different precision sports, were randomly assigned into three groups. The HIIT + FR group (mean ± SD: age = 20.29 ± 1.61 years, height = 164.41 ± 6.37 cm, weight = 65.52 ± 15.81 kg) completed 8 weeks of HIIT and FR; the HIIT group (mean ± SD: age = 19.31 ± 1.40 years, height = 161.31 ± 7.54 cm, weight = 62.18 ± 10.71 kg) completed 8 weeks of HIIT; while the control group (mean ± SD: age = 21.46 ± 1.75 years, height = 164.88 ± 8.18 cm, weight = 70.51 ± 18.75 kg) received no intervention. All participants were evaluated for maximum reach in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) using the Y-balance test, conducted for both the dominant and non-dominant leg at pre- and post-8-week intervention.

Results. There were significant differences in balance for the dominant and non-dominant legs [anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), posterolateral (PL); all p < 0.05] after the 8-week intervention in all groups. However, there were no significant differences between groups for either the dominant or non-dominant leg [ANT, PM, PL; all p > 0.05].

Conclusions. These findings suggest that 8 weeks of HIIT and HIIT + FR can improve balance among precision sports athletes, although no significant differences were observed between the groups.

Key words

precision sports, high intensity interval training (HIIT), foam roller, balance test