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

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Healthy Volunteer; Young

• Registration Number: NCT07024290
• Lead Sponsor: Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-02-25
• Primary Completion: 2024-06-25
• Study Completion: 2024-07-25
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-05
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-12
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-17
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-17

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 16

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).

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)	baseline and after 4 weeks	Pulmonary function tests were performed using a calibrated desktop spirometer (COSMED Pony FX; COSMED, Rome, Italy) to assess the key respiratory parameters. FVC was recorded to assess lung volume and respiratory strength. Participants performed a maximal inhalation followed by a forceful exhalation to expel as much air as possible.; Unit of Measure: Liters (L)
Aerobic Capacity	baseline and after 4 weeks	Aerobic capacity was determined using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) test, a validated method for assessing maximal aerobic capacity in intermittent sports. The participants completed repeated 20-meter shuttle runs at increasing speeds, with short recovery periods between efforts. The aerobic capacity was predicted using the established regression equations for the Yo-Yo IR1 test.
Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)	Baseline and after 4 weeks	MVV was measured using a calibrated desktop spirometer (COSMED Pony FX; COSMED, Rome, Italy) to evaluate overall ventilatory capacity. Participants were instructed to breathe in and out as rapidly and deeply as possible for 12-15 seconds; the value was extrapolated to represent the maximum volume of air inhaled and exhaled in one minute (L/min).; Unit of Measure: Liters per minute (L/min)
Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1)	Baseline and after 4 weeks	FEV1 was measured as the volume of air forcefully exhaled in the first second of the FVC maneuver. This value reflects airway patency and expiratory power.; Unit of Measure: Liters (L)
Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)	Baseline and after 4 weeks	PEF was assessed to determine the highest speed at which air can be expelled from the lungs during a forceful exhalation following full inspiration.; Unit of Measure: Liters per minute (L/min)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sena Cinarli; 🇹🇷 Kocaeli, Turkey