Impact Of High-Intensity Interval Training on Athletic Performance

Abstract

This study examines the impact of high-intensity interval training on athletic performance through a systematic review of contemporary sport science literature published since 2015. The research synthesises empirical findings related to aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, repeated sprint ability, agility, and fatigue resistance among athletic populations. Evidence indicates that HIIT produces significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, sprint performance, and multidirectional movement efficiency by eliciting integrated cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuromuscular adaptations. The intermittent structure of HIIT closely replicates the physiological demands of competitive sport, thereby enhancing the transferability of training adaptations to match-play performance. While variability in outcomes exists due to differences in protocol design and athlete characteristics, the overall literature consistently supports the effectiveness of HIIT as a time-efficient conditioning strategy. The study highlights the relevance of appropriately periodised HIIT programmes in optimising performance across endurance- and power-dominant sports within modern high-performance training environments.