Effects of aquatic high-intensity interval training on VO2max and swimming speed in competitive swimmers: a 16-week intervention study

Amar Varghese, Rakesh Bharthi, Sunil Kumar, Shailesh Kumar Singh

Amar Varghese, Rakesh Bharthi, Sunil Kumar, Shailesh Kumar Singh – Effects of aquatic high-intensity interval training on VO2max and swimming speed in competitive swimmers: a 16-week intervention study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(4); 158-162

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA431B2H9

Abstract
Purpose. The study aimed to examine the effects of a 16-week aquatic high-intensity interval training (AHIIT) program on cardiovascular fitness and hydrodynamic performance, particularly VO₂ max and swimming speed, in competitive swimming. AHIIT utilized the resistance and buoyancy properties of water, alternating intervals of high-effort swimming with periods of active recovery.
Materials and methods. Thirty male swimmers aged 15 to 17 from the Kerala State Sports Council were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Aquatic Complex, Pirappancode, Thiruvananthapuram. Cardiovascular fitness (VO₂ max) and swimming speed were assessed at baseline and after 16 weeks. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANCOVA to assess group differences over time.
Results. Significant improvements were seen in the experimental group following the AHIIT intervention in both VO₂ max and swimming speed compared to the control group (p < 0.001, F(1,28) = 644.641 for swimming speed; F(1,28) = 893.24 for VO₂max).
Conclusions. These results indicate that AHIIT is an effective training method for improving VO₂ max and swimming speed in young competitive swimmers. As a specialized conditioning technique, AHIIT can enhance performance in aquatic sports.
Key words
aquatics, high-intensity interval training, competitive swimming, cardiovascular fitness, swimming speed
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Impact of physical activity vs high-intensity interval training on autonomic nervous system in young sedentary adults – a pilot study

Yogeshwari Raman, Venkatesh Natarajan, Priscilla Johnson, Savita Ravindra

 

Yogeshwari Raman, Venkatesh Natarajan, Priscilla Johnson, Savita Ravindra
– Impact of physical activity vs high-intensity interval training on autonomic nervous system in young sedentary adults – a pilot study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 442-449

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG00E16NJY

Abstract
Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the cardiac autonomic nervous system in young sedentary adults.
Method. This randomized pilot study included sedentary adults aged 18 to 40 years, with less than 600 METs in IPAQ and moderate to severe stress on the Perceived Stress Scale. Twenty-eight participants were randomized into three groups: control, HIIT, and physical activity. The HIIT group underwent 30:30 sec circuit training, while the physical activity group engaged in moderate to vigorous aerobic activities for 12 weeks. The control group received education on the importance of exercise. The primary outcome was cardiac autonomic neuropathy assessed using Ewing’s battery of tests, and the secondary outcome was functional capacity.
Result. Significant improvement in cardiac autonomic neuropathy was observed in both the physical activity (p < 0.001) and HIIT groups (p < 0.001), but not in the control group (p = 0.25). Physical activity showed a tendency toward parasympathetic dominance (p = 0.0002), while HIIT showed a tendency toward sympathetic dominance (p = 0.004). Significant improvements in functional capacity were noted in the physical activity (p = 0.002), HIIT (p = 0.001), and control (p = 0.021) groups.
Conclusion. Both physical activity and HIIT significantly improve the autonomic nervous system and functional capacity. However, the type of training has varying impact on the autonomic nervous system.
Keywords
autonomic nervous system, high-intensity interval training, physical activity, sedentary, sympathovagal balance
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High-intensity interval training for patients with diabetes mellitus. A scoping review

Muhammad Irfan Alhady, Farid Rahman

Muhammad Irfan Alhady, Farid Rahman – High-intensity interval training for patients with diabetes mellitus. A scoping review –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 417-429

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007DGAWB

Abstract
Background. The spread of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, significantly affecting public health. Management of this chronic condition requires effective strategies to control blood glucose levels and improve overall health. High-intensity interval training is emerging as a potential non-pharmacological approach to managing diabetes.
Aim. To investigate the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training in improving glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and overall physical fitness in patients with diabetes mellitus. It also sought to identify the most effective high-intensity interval training protocols and provide recommendations for their application in diabetes management.
Material and methods. The method used in this study is a scoping review, which aims to find answers to questions from researchers related to the literature on the research topic. The collected articles were synthesized using the TIDIER checklist, and articles were searched through various databases.
Result. After conducting the article selection process, which can be seen in Figure 1, 35 suitable articles were found. The details of articles related to population, interventions, outcome measures, and risk of bias can be seen in Table 1.
Conclusion. High-intensity interval training presents a viable and superior exercise strategy for managing diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2, provided that appropriate protocols are followed. However, further research is needed to standardize high-intensity interval training protocols and evaluate long-term impacts.
Key words
diabetes mellitus, high-intensity interval training, insulin resistance, glycemic control, blood pressure, physical fitness, quality of life
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Efficacy, safety and adherence of high intensity interval training and remote ischemic pre-condition among coronary artery disease patients: a study protocol

Noor Fatihah Ilias, Mazlifah Omar, Sazzli Shahlan Kassim, Hashbullah Ismail

Noor Fatihah Ilias, Mazlifah Omar, Sazzli Shahlan Kassim, Hashbullah Ismail – Efficacy, safety and adherence of high intensity interval training and remote ischemic pre-condition among coronary artery disease patients: a study protocol –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(5); 396-403

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020CM4CL

Abstract Health professionals have introduced high intensity interval training (HIIT) and acknowledge it as an effective intervention for improving cardiovascular responses in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there is ongoing debate about HIIT due to potential safety issues that could impact its efficacy and adherence to the intervention. Currently, health practitioners are also highlighting a novel intervention known as remote ischemic precondition (RIPC), which is a simple technique that requires minimal time commitment. Urgent investigation is required to address these issues regarding the most effective secondary intervention. Therefore, we aim to compare the efficacy, safety, and adherence of HIIT and RIPC for the management of CAD patients. This is a randomized control trial (RCT) for CAD patients, above 18 years of age, who completed a phase two cardiac rehabilitation program following a hospital admission for cardiac-related events or procedures related to CAD. We will randomly assign participants to one of three groups. 1. HIIT. 4 x 4 minutes at 80–95% HRR interspersed with 3 minutes active recovery. 2. RIPC. 4 x 5 minutes inflate at 220 mmHg interspersed with 5 minutes deflate. 3. Standard care. Primary outcomes are change in exercise capacity (peak VO2), hs-CRP, lipid profiles, body composition, and LV functions. Secondary outcome measures are safety and adherence, following the intervention three times a week for 12 weeks. We anticipate study findings will help physiotherapists and medical trainers in designing the most effective secondary intervention for greater benefits to CAD patients.
Key words Coronary artery disease, high intensity interval training, remote ischemic precondition, peak VO2, hs-CRP, lipid profile, body composition, left ventricular function
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Optimizing SAQ performance in football atheletes exploring the influence of high-intensity interval training

S. Eswari, T.Shanmugavalli

 

S. Eswari, T.Shanmugavalli – Optimizing SAQ performance in football atheletes exploring the influence of high-intensity interval training –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(5); 26-37

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020C4YVX

Abstract
Objectives. The major goal of this study was to investigate the impact of a twelve-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on male football players’ speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) capabilities. Also, this study is to clarify the physiological and biomechanical mechanisms affected by HIIT. This work suggests the sustainability of this HIIT plan over a long period of time.
Method. A total of thirty male college football players were split into two groups. One group underwent High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and another group continued with their regular activities. This study was carried out for 12 weeks without changing the usual habits of the participants. The Illinois Agility Test, the Ruler Drop Test, and the Flying 30-meter Test were conducted both before and after the testing time. The T-tests were employed for statistical analysis by comparing both groups.
Result. It was discovered that there were no significant gains in quickness (p > 0.05), agility (p > 0.05), or speed (p > 0.05) by comparing the control group to the experimental group. The results of the t-test did not indicate any significant difference between the experimental and control group (p > 0.05).
Conclusion. The research shows the effectiveness of HIIT program for the improvement of Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) of male football players. While the current study did not find significant improvements in SAQ, further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of HIIT for football players. Factors such as sample size, study duration and individual differences might have influenced the results.
Key words
high intensity interval training, speed, agility, quickness, football players
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Effect of whole body vibration versus high intensity interval training on interleukin-6 in obese post-menopausal women

Fayka E Ali, Fahima M Okeel, Amir A Gabr, Amel M Yousef, Abdullah M. Al-Shenqiti, Mohamed Ahmed Elbedewy


Fayka E Ali, Fahima M Okeel, Amir A Gabr, Amel M Yousef, Abdullah M. Al-Shenqiti, Mohamed Ahmed Elbedewy – Effect of whole body vibration versus high intensity interval training on interleukin-6 in obese post-menopausal women. Fizjoterapia Polska 2022; 22(2); 144-149

Abstract
Background. Menopause and aging affect the health of obese women, provoking accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and inflammation. Obesity leads to major health problems, which increase the risk of debilitating diseases that lead to death. Thus, loss of weight and VAT are primary goals of treatment through modifications of dietary habits and exercise. Purpose of the study. This study was conducted to determine which is more effective on interleukin- 6 (IL-6) levels for obese post-menopausal women, whole body vibration training (WBVT) or high intensity interval training (HIIT). Subjects and methods. 45 post-menopausal obese women diagnosed with higher level of IL-6, their body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 and waist/hip ratio (W/H ratio) > 0.8 participated at this study. Women were divided randomly into 3 equal groups in numbers; Group (A) followed low caloric diet (1200 Cal), Group (B) received WBVT and Group (C) received HIIT. Both groups (B & C) followed the same low caloric diet as group (A). Evaluation was done before and after 3 months of treatment, through measuring weight, BMI, waist as well as hip circumferences, W/H ratio and IL-6 levels. Results. The three groups revealed statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05) in all parameters after treatment compared to baseline. Also, there were statistically differences between the 3 groups after treatment, with the group (B) more favorable than groups (A & C). Conclusion. WBVT is more effective than HIIT on reducing inflammation via reducing IL-6 level in obese post-menopausal women.
Key words:
obesity, menopause, whole body vibration exercise, high intensity interval training, interleukin-6
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