Effects of a 6-Week High-Intensity Interval Training on Physical Fitness in Female Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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• Picked for Rheumatology (paper of the day, 25 July 2026): HIIT trial in elite female basketball players

Abstract

Objectives: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become an increasingly popular conditioning strategy in women's basketball due to its effectiveness in improving physical performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a six-week HIIT on combined aerobic and anaerobic capacity, running speed, agility, repeated sprint ability, and explosive power in elite female basketball players. Methods: Thirty elite female basketball players (21.81 ± 2.12 years) were randomly assigned to either a HIIT group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). Results: Pre- and post-intervention assessments included running speed (0-20 m); the 5-0-5, Zig-zag, and Pro-agility tests; vertical jump performance (CMJ, CMJA, and SJ); repeated sprint ability (RSA); aerobic capacity assessed by the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test; and VO2max. Statistically significant Group × Time interaction effects emerged for running speed (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m), aerobic capacity (30-15 IFT and VO2max), and Zig-zag agility performance (p < 0.05), indicating greater improvements in the HIIT group compared with the control group. Significant main effects of time were observed for RSA and vertical jump performance, indicating improvements in both groups; however, no significant Group × Time interactions were found. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a six-week HIIT is an effective and time-efficient conditioning strategy for enhancing aerobic capacity, sprint performance, and change-of-direction ability in elite female basketball players.

Abstract as published, via PubMed.