Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effects of interval training on physical fitness and performance in athletes.
Methods: Fifteen male players from athletics were recruited through convenience non-probability sampling for this study to undergo 25 weeks of interval training.Physical fitness was evaluated in terms of 600m run time, agility run test, broad jump height, number of push-ups, and number of sit-ups. Athletic performance was assessed through the running time in their respective athletics event. Data was collected before, during, and after the training although statistical results are reported for pre- and post-training data only. Paired-samples t test was used to compute the training-induced effects.
Results: Significant improvements (P<0.001) were observed in 600m run time, agility run test, number of pushups and sit-ups.Furthermore, the broad jump height also improved significantly due to interval training (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Interval training can significantly improve physical fitness and performance of athletics players. It is recommended to be included in the fitness plans of these athletes.