Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Aerobic Capacity and Cardiovascular Function in Male University Hockey Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has gained widespread recognition as an effective conditioning strategy in team sports, yet its application among university-level hockey athletes in Pakistan remains largely unexplored. Objective: This study investigated the effects of an 8-week HIIT program on aerobic capacity and cardiovascular function in male university hockey players. Methods: Using a randomized controlled design, 30 male hockey players (M age = 21.73 ± 2.15 years) were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 15) that underwent a progressive HIIT protocol three sessions per week at 80–95% of maximum heart rate, or a control group (n = 15) that continued routine training. Primary outcomes VO2max and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level were assessed alongside cardiovascular indicators (heart rate during exercise, heart rate recovery at 5 minutes post-exercise and resting blood pressure). Within-group and between-group comparisons were conducted using paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests (α = .05). Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant post-intervention gains in VO max (52.09 ± 2.43 vs. 49.10 ± 1.63 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; t[28] = 3.949, p < .001) and Yo-Yo performance (18.73 ± 1.91 vs. 16.13 ± 1.51 levels; t[28] = 4.144, p < .001) relative to controls. Heart rate recovery at 5 minutes improved significantly within the experimental group (p < .001), reflecting enhanced autonomic efficiency. Blood pressure showed no statistically significant between-group difference (p = 1.000). Conclusion: An 8-week HIIT program substantially enhances aerobic capacity and endurance performance in university hockey athletes. Integration of progressive HIIT protocols into structured conditioning programs is recommended for this population.