High-intensity interval training vs. repeated-sprint training in tennis

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Performance Analysis

Background:

• Optimizing training for tennis players requires enhancing aerobic fitness, sport-specific endurance, and sprint capabilities.
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and repeated-sprint training (RST) are popular methods, but their comparative effects on tennis-specific parameters are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of a 6-week HIIT versus RST program on aerobic fitness, tennis-specific endurance, repeated-sprint ability (RSA), and jumping ability in competitive male tennis players.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one male tennis players were assigned to HIIT, RST, or a control group (CON) for a 6-week intervention.
• Key performance indicators assessed included VO(2)peak, tennis-specific endurance, RSA, and vertical jump height.

Main Results:

• Both HIIT and RST significantly improved VO(2)peak compared to CON.
• HIIT demonstrated superior improvements in tennis-specific endurance (28.9% vs. 14.5% for RST).
• RST significantly enhanced RSA (3.8% reduction in mean sprint time) and provided a time-efficient stimulus for simultaneous aerobic and RSA improvements.

Conclusions:

• Both HIIT and RST enhance general aerobic fitness in tennis players.
• HIIT is more effective for improving tennis-specific endurance.
• RST is a time-efficient strategy for improving both general aerobic fitness and repeated-sprint ability in tennis players.