Int J Sports Med 2015; 36(01): 61-66
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382054
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

High-intensity Interval Training Has Positive Effects on Performance In Ice Hockey Players

M. A. Naimo
1   Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States
,
E. O. de Souza
2   Department of Sport, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
J. M. Wilson
1   Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States
,
A. L. Carpenter
1   Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States
,
P. Gilchrist
1   Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States
,
R. P. Lowery
1   Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States
,
B. Averbuch
1   Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States
,
T. M. White
1   Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States
,
J. Joy
1   Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 25 April 2014

Publication Date:
20 October 2014 (online)

Preview

Abstract

In spite of the well-known benefits that have been shown, few studies have looked at the practical applications of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on athletic performance. This study investigated the effects of a HIIT program compared to traditional continuous endurance exercise training. 24 hockey players were randomly assigned to either a continuous or high-intensity interval group during a 4-week training program. The interval group (IG) was involved in a periodized HIIT program. The continuous group (CG) performed moderate intensity cycling for 45–60 min at an intensity that was 65% of their calculated heart rate reserve. Body composition, muscle thickness, anaerobic power, and on-ice measures were assessed pre- and post-training. Muscle thickness was significantly greater in IG (p=0.01) when compared to CG. The IG had greater values for both ∆ peak power (p<0.003) and ∆ mean power (p<0.02). Additionally, IG demonstrated a faster ∆ sprint (p<0.02) and a trend (p=0.08) for faster ∆ endurance test time to completion for IG. These results indicate that hockey players may utilize short-term HIIT to elicit positive effects in muscle thickness, power and on-ice performance.