Effects of intermittent high intensity training in wheelchair basketball players’ physical performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the high intensity intermittent training’s (HIIT’s) effects on physical performance, physiological responses and perceived exertion effort (RPE) in wheelchair basketball players (WB). Twelve male WB players (32.6 ± 10.7 years) from the first division of the Spanish League participated in this study. The battery of tests (sprint in 5 and 20 m, sprint with dragging weight in 5 and 20 m, agility T-test and multi-stage fitness test-MSFT-) was carried out in the same session. The players performed the battery of tests one week before (T1) and one week after (T2) the HIIT’s training program. The time for 5 m in T2 was 7.14% significantly higher (p < 0.05, d = 0.88, high) than in T1. There were not significant differences between T1 and T2 in the performance of 20 m sprint, nor in 5 and 20 m sprint with dragging weight, nor in the ability to change of direction. Moreover, there were not significant differences in distance covered, maximum heart rate (HRmax), blood lactate concentration (LA) and tympanic temperature. Even though the differences were not significant between T1 and T2 in RPE values, a higher perceived exertion effort was observed in the T2 compared to T1, in both respiratory (RPEres, 16%, d =-0.64, moderated) and muscular level (RPEmus, 9%, d = 0.50, moderated). The HIIT’s program of 10 weeks did not produce any improvement in WB players, actually, they diminished 7% of their performance in the 5 m sprint.