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

NCT07024290 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: PNU-3
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 16
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Healthy Volunteer; Young

Keywords

high-intensity interval training

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

  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)

  baseline and after 4 weeks

• Aerobic Capacity

  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.

  baseline and after 4 weeks

• Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)

  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)

  Baseline and after 4 weeks

• Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1)

  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)

  Baseline and after 4 weeks

• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

  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)

  Baseline and after 4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Exercise group

EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Behavioral: HITT

control group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

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.

Other: Regular training

Interventions

HITT BEHAVIORAL

The experimental group completed a 4-week HIIT-boxing protocol, in addition to regular boxing sessions. 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. Heart rate was monitored throughout, confirming training intensities of 88-92% HRmax, consistent with high-intensity training standards in combat sports.

Exercise group

Regular training OTHER

Participants in control groups followed a 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.

control group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 21 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University: lead
• Kocaeli University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Sena Cinarli

Kocaeli, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Officials

• Cinarli

  Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Kocaeli Health and Technology University, Kocaeli,

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate prof

Model Details: The experimental group completed a 4-week HIIT-boxing protocol, in addition to regular boxing sessions. 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. Heart rate was monitored throughout, confirming training intensities of 88-92% HRmax, consistent with high-intensity training standards in combat sports.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 5, 2025
• First Posted: June 17, 2025
• Study Start: February 25, 2024
• Primary Completion: June 25, 2024
• Study Completion: July 25, 2024
• Last Updated: June 17, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Locations

TU (1)