Cardiorespiratory Adaptations to High-Intensity Inter-val Training in Young Boxers

Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Young; Healthy Volunteer

Treatments: Other: Regular training; Behavioral: HITT

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07024290

PNU-3

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study examined the effects of a structured 4-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program integrated with boxing on young trained individuals. Participants were randomly assigned to a HIIT-boxing group or a control group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured pulmonary function, aerobic capacity (VO₂max), and heart rate recovery (HRR) at 1, 3, and 5 minutes post-exercise. The study aimed to explore physiological adaptations, particularly improvements in cardiopulmonary and autonomic function.

Integrating HIIT with boxing training may serve as an effective conditioning strategy for enhancing aerobic fitness, pulmonary function, and autonomic cardiovascular regulation in trained individuals. This combined approach could be valuable in sports performance programs and rehabilitation settings where improving VO₂max and recovery efficiency is a priority.

Full description

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been recognized for its effectiveness in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness. However, their combined application in boxing training remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the physiological adaptations induced by a structured 4-week HIIT-boxing regimen, with a specific focus on pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, and autonomic cardiovascular regulation, assessed by heart rate recovery (HRR). Methods: Sixteen trained young individuals were randomly assigned to either the HIIT-boxing group or the control group. Comprehensive assessments, including pulmonary function tests, peak oxygen uptake (VO2max), and HRR at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th minutes post-exercise, were conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Enrollment: 16 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 21 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• aged 18-30 years.
• Actively engaged in structured boxing training for at least 2 years.
• Training a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Free of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neuromuscular conditions.
• Willing to abstain from non-study physical training 48 hours prior to testing.
• Provided written informed consent after receiving a full explanation of study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• Had any diagnosed medical conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise (e.g., uncontrolled asthma, cardiac arrhythmias).
• Reported current musculoskeletal injuries limiting full participation.
• Were taking medications affecting heart rate or respiratory function.
• Missed more than 10% of the assigned training sessions.
• Failed to adhere to pre-assessment instructions (e.g., rest or diet restrictions).

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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16 participants in 2 patient groups

Exercise group

Experimental group

Description:

HIIT consisted of three weekly sessions, each including three blocks of five 30-second all-out punching intervals on a heavy bag, with 6-second rest between efforts and 1-minute rest between blocks.

Treatment:

Behavioral: HITT

control group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in both the experimental and control groups followed an identical boxing training program for a period of four weeks, with sessions conducted three times per week. Each session lasted 90 min and was structured in alignment with the established training principles for amateur boxing. The training began with a 15-minute general warm-up phase, including dynamic mobility drills and calisthenics, to elevate core temperature and enhance neuromuscular readiness.

Treatment:

Other: Regular training