A 4-WEEK PILOT STUDY INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING ON PULMONARY FUNCTION AND AEROBIC CAPACITY
A 4-WEEK PILOT STUDY INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING ON PULMONARY FUNCTION AND AEROBIC CAPACITY

Summary/Abstract: Suited for both elite athletes and untrained individuals, high intensity interval training (HIIT) is an increasingly popular cardio respiratory training technique that involves repeated bouts of high intensity exercise alternated with short periods of rest. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of a 4-week HIIT program on pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in recreationally trained individuals. Participants were 11 students (8 males and 3 females), aged between 21 and 25 years. They were randomly assigned to two groups: a Control group (5 subjects) and an Experimental group (6 subjects). Participants from the Experimental group trained 3 times per week, for a period of 4 weeks, performing HIIT with their own bodyweight. The exercises chosen for the training sessions were Burpees, squat jumps, push-ups, lunge jumps, mountain climbers, tuck jumps, planks, etc. Prior and post training protocol, all subjects effectuated pulmonary function tests with the Spirobank II® spirometer, manufactured by MIR (Medical International Research), Italy. The software used to process the acquired data was WinspiroPRO PC Software®. Anthropometric measurements and VO2max assessments were also carried out. VO2max was estimated using an online calculator after performing the Three Minute Step Test.After 4 weeks of bodyweight HIIT, the Experimental group showed improvements in VO2max, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1/VC). HIIT has proved effective in enhancing physical performance. Further research is needed to identify the effects of this particular training method on the cardiorespiratory function of individuals with different levels of physical training.

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