Physiological Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in Sports Players & Athletes

Abstract

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has gained prominence as an effective training modality for enhancing athletic performance across various sports disciplines. This review explores the acute and chronic physiological responses elicited by HIIT in sports players and athletes, focusing on cardiovascular, metabolic, and muscular adaptations. HIIT induces significant improvements in aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, and muscle oxidative capacity, primarily through enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, increased capillary density, and improved enzyme activity related to energy metabolism. Additionally, HIIT influences cardiovascular parameters such as stroke volume, heart rate variability, and endothelial function, contributing to superior cardiovascular efficiency. Hormonal responses and neuromuscular adaptations further optimize performance and recovery. Understanding these physiological mechanisms enables the strategic integration of HIIT into training regimens, maximizing performance outcomes while minimizing training time. This synthesis underscores the utility of HIIT as a potent stimulus for enhancing sport-specific fitness and overall athletic capacity.