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. 2015 Jan;36(1):61-6.
doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1382054. Epub 2014 Oct 20.

High-intensity interval training has positive effects on performance in ice hockey players

M A Naimo  1 , E O de Souza  2 , J M Wilson  1 , A L Carpenter  1 , P Gilchrist  1 , R P Lowery  1 , B Averbuch  1 , T M White  1 , J Joy  1
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High-intensity interval training has positive effects on performance in ice hockey players

M A Naimo et al. Int J Sports Med. .
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Abstract

In spite of the well-known benefits that have been shown, few studies have looked at the practical applications of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on athletic performance. This study investigated the effects of a HIIT program compared to traditional continuous endurance exercise training. 24 hockey players were randomly assigned to either a continuous or high-intensity interval group during a 4-week training program. The interval group (IG) was involved in a periodized HIIT program. The continuous group (CG) performed moderate intensity cycling for 45-60 min at an intensity that was 65% of their calculated heart rate reserve. Body composition, muscle thickness, anaerobic power, and on-ice measures were assessed pre- and post-training. Muscle thickness was significantly greater in IG (p=0.01) when compared to CG. The IG had greater values for both ∆ peak power (p<0.003) and ∆ mean power (p<0.02). Additionally, IG demonstrated a faster ∆ sprint (p<0.02) and a trend (p=0.08) for faster ∆ endurance test time to completion for IG. These results indicate that hockey players may utilize short-term HIIT to elicit positive effects in muscle thickness, power and on-ice performance.

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