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This study investigated the effect of 4weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with specific techniques and analyzed inter-individual variability [classified in responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs)] on jumping ability and change of direction speed (CODS) in youth karate athletes. Athletes of both genders (n =10) were randomly assigned into experimental group (EG; n =5) and the control group (CG; n =5). The EG trained 2–3days per week applying HIIT (three rounds [15 sets of 4s all-out specific efforts with 8s of dynamical pauses] with 3min of recovery between rounds) during their usual training during 4weeks. Assessments included squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) and CODS by T-test. No significant interaction effect group by time was found. Although, in percentage and effect size (ES) terms increases were reported in both groups for SJ (EG: 15.2%, ES=0.91 vs. CG: 12.4%, ES=0.02) and only in EG for the T-test (−1.7%; ES=−0.35). In turn, a trend toward a higher proportion of Rs was observed in the EG (40% Rs) vs. CG (20% Rs) for SJ and CODS, respectively. In conclusion, the addition to regular training of a HIIT with specific techniques and based on the temporal combat structure after 4weeks was not a sufficient stimulus to increase jumping ability and CODS in karate athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with specific techniques (TS-G) vs. repeated sprints (RS-G) and analyzed the inter-individual variability [classified into responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs)] on sport-related fitness in taekwondo (TKD) athletes. Athletes of both genders (n = 12) were randomly assigned into TS-G and RS-G groups. Both groups trained 3 days/week for 4 weeks [two blocks of three rounds of 2 min of activity (4-s of all-out efforts with 28-s dynamical pauses) with 1 min of recovery in between and 5 min between blocks] during their regular training. The related sport fitness assessments included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKTMULT), specifically total kicks and Kick Decrement Index (KDI), and 20-m shuttle run (20MSR). Relevant results indicate a significant effect of the time factor in both groups for SJ performance and a significant decrease for KDI in RS-G. In addition, an improvement in performance according to the effect size analysis in the TS-G in total kicks, KDI, and 20MSR. Complementarily, a higher proportion of athlete Rs was reported in TS-G vs. RS-G for SJ (50% vs. 30.3%, respectively), CMJ, and total kicks (16.6% vs. 0%). In conclusion, the addition to the regular training of a HIIT with specific-techniques and repeated-sprints associated with intervals and similar structure of the combat during 4 weeks of training can improve the concentric characteristics of lower limb performance, although they were not the sufficient stimuli in the other components of TKD-related fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]