Muay Thai-specific high-intensity interval training enhances anaerobic power in elite fighters

Muay Thai requires repeated high-intensity striking efforts supported by both anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of Muay Thai-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols in elite fighters remains limited. This study investigated whether a short-term Muay Thai-specific HIIT program could enhance anaerobic power while preserving aerobic adaptations comparable to traditional training.

Twenty elite male Muay Thai athletes aged 18-28 years were randomly assigned to either a HIIT group (n = 10) or a traditional-training control group (CON; n = 10). The HIIT protocol combined weighted-glove shadowboxing with explosive sandbag kicking drills, whereas CON maintained their habitual training. Anaerobic performance was assessed using a 30-s Wingate Anaerobic Test, and aerobic capacity was estimated using a 20-m shuttle run test.

Compared with CON, the HIIT group demonstrated significant improvements in anaerobic performance, including peak power (Δ = +1.09 W·kg⁻¹; g = 3.59), mean power (Δ = +0.52 W·kg⁻¹; g = 2.08), and minimum power (Δ = +0.62 W·kg⁻¹; g = 2.44), with significant group × time interactions observed for all outcomes (all p < 0.001). Aerobic capacity increased over time in both groups (p < 0.001), with no significant group × time interaction (p = 0.208), indicating comparable aerobic adaptations between groups.

Muay Thai-specific HIIT substantially improved anaerobic power while maintaining aerobic adaptations comparable to traditional training. These findings support the use of sport-specific HIIT as a practical and time-efficient conditioning strategy for elite combat-sport athletes.