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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07024290

Cardiorespiratory Adaptations to High-Intensity Inter-val Training in Young Boxers

This study examined the effects of a structured 4-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program integrated with boxing on young trained individuals. Participants were randomly assigned to a HIIT-boxing group or a control group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured pulmonary function, aerobic capacity (VO₂max), and heart rate recovery (HRR) at 1, 3, and 5 minutes post-exercise. The study aimed to explore physiological adaptations, particularly improvements in cardiopulmonary and autonomic function.

Integrating HIIT with boxing training may serve as an effective conditioning strategy for enhancing aerobic fitness, pulmonary function, and autonomic cardiovascular regulation in trained individuals. This combined approach could be valuable in sports performance programs and rehabilitation settings where improving VO₂max and recovery efficiency is a priority.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Volunteer Young

Age range

21 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sena Cinarli

Kocaeli, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been recognized for its effectiveness in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness. However, their combined application in boxing training remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the physiological adaptations induced by a structured 4-week HIIT-boxing regimen, with a specific focus on pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, and autonomic cardiovascular regulation, assessed by heart rate recovery (HRR). Methods: Sixteen trained young individuals were randomly assigned to either the HIIT-boxing group or the control group. Comprehensive assessments, including pulmonary function tests, peak oxygen uptake (VO2max), and HRR at the 1st, 3rd, and 5th minutes post-exercise, were conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • aged 18-30 years.
  • Actively engaged in structured boxing training for at least 2 years.
  • Training a minimum of 3 days per week.
  • Free of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neuromuscular conditions.
  • Willing to abstain from non-study physical training 48 hours prior to testing.
  • Provided written informed consent after receiving a full explanation of study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

  • Had any diagnosed medical conditions contraindicating high-intensity exercise (e.g., uncontrolled asthma, cardiac arrhythmias).
  • Reported current musculoskeletal injuries limiting full participation.
  • Were taking medications affecting heart rate or respiratory function.
  • Missed more than 10% of the assigned training sessions.
  • Failed to adhere to pre-assessment instructions (e.g., rest or diet restrictions).

Treatment and study plan

HITT

Behavioral

The experimental group completed a 4-week HIIT-boxing protocol, in addition to regular boxing sessions. HIIT consisted of three weekly sessions, each including three blocks of five 30-second all-out punching intervals on a heavy bag, with 6-second rest between efforts and 1-minute rest between blocks. Heart rate was monitored throughout, confirming training intensities of 88-92% HRmax, consistent with high-intensity training standards in combat sports.

Regular training

Other

Participants in control groups followed a boxing training program for a period of four weeks, with sessions conducted three times per week. Each session lasted 90 min and was structured in alignment with the established training principles for amateur boxing. The training began with a 15-minute general warm-up phase, including dynamic mobility drills and calisthenics, to elevate core temperature and enhance neuromuscular readiness.

Primary outcomes

  1. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

    Time frame: baseline and after 4 weeks

    Pulmonary function tests were performed using a calibrated desktop spirometer (COSMED Pony FX; COSMED, Rome, Italy) to assess the key respiratory parameters. FVC was recorded to assess lung volume and respiratory strength. Participants performed a maximal inhalation followed by a forceful exhalation to expel as much air as possible.

    Unit of Measure: Liters (L)

  2. Aerobic Capacity

    Time frame: baseline and after 4 weeks

    Aerobic capacity was determined using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) test, a validated method for assessing maximal aerobic capacity in intermittent sports. The participants completed repeated 20-meter shuttle runs at increasing speeds, with short recovery periods between efforts. The aerobic capacity was predicted using the established regression equations for the Yo-Yo IR1 test.

  3. Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks

    MVV was measured using a calibrated desktop spirometer (COSMED Pony FX; COSMED, Rome, Italy) to evaluate overall ventilatory capacity. Participants were instructed to breathe in and out as rapidly and deeply as possible for 12-15 seconds; the value was extrapolated to represent the maximum volume of air inhaled and exhaled in one minute (L/min).

    Unit of Measure: Liters per minute (L/min)

  4. Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks

    FEV1 was measured as the volume of air forcefully exhaled in the first second of the FVC maneuver. This value reflects airway patency and expiratory power.

    Unit of Measure: Liters (L)

  5. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks

    PEF was assessed to determine the highest speed at which air can be expelled from the lungs during a forceful exhalation following full inspiration.

    Unit of Measure: Liters per minute (L/min)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Other

Collaborators

  • Kocaeli University

Registry information

Official study title

Cardiorespiratory Adaptations to High-Intensity Inter-val Training in Young Boxers: A Randomized Con-trolled Study

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jun 17, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 17, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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