Physiological Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval and Continuous Training in Kayak Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Athletic Performance

Background:

• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is often considered more effective than continuous training (CT) for enhancing athletic performance.
• Kayak athletes require specific physiological adaptations for optimal performance in both sprint and endurance events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological adaptations induced by 8-week HIIT versus CT programs in elite flatwater kayak athletes.
• To evaluate the time-efficiency of HIIT compared to CT for improving key performance indicators in kayaking.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four national-class kayakists were divided into HIIT, CT, and control groups.
• Training interventions lasted 8 weeks, followed by assessments of maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic capacity, and time trials (200m and 1000m).
• Key performance variables measured included paddling speed at anaerobic ventilatory threshold (PSVT2), paddling economy speed (PEs), and maximal paddling speed (PSpeak).

Main Results:

• Both HIIT and CT groups showed significant improvements in PSVT2, PEs, PSpeak, and 1000m time compared to baseline.
• HIIT led to significant improvements in PSVT2 and 200m time, alongside a greater enhancement in PEs compared to CT.
• HIIT required 15 times less training volume than CT to achieve comparable or superior performance improvements.

Conclusions:

• Both HIIT and CT enhance physiological and performance variables in kayak athletes.
• HIIT is a more time-efficient training method than CT for improving paddling economy and sprint performance in kayaking.
• HIIT offers a viable alternative for kayak athletes seeking significant performance gains with reduced training duration.