The effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) training program and foam roller application on balance among precision athletes

Introduction. Precision sports athletes require good balance to perform well in their respective sports. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program and foam roller (FR) application on balance performance among precision sports athletes. Methods. Forty-eight participants, including male (n = 22) and female (n = 26) athletes from three different precision sports, were randomly assigned into three groups. The HIIT + FR group (mean ± SD: age = 20.29 ± 1.61 years, height = 164.41 ± 6.37 cm, weight = 65.52 ± 15.81 kg) completed 8 weeks of HIIT and FR; the HIIT group (mean ± SD: age = 19.31 ± 1.40 years, height = 161.31 ± 7.54 cm, weight = 62.18 ± 10.71 kg) completed 8 weeks of HIIT; while the control group (mean ± SD: age = 21.46 ± 1.75 years, height = 164.88 ± 8.18 cm, weight = 70.51 ± 18.75 kg) received no intervention. All participants were evaluated for maximum reach in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) using the Y-balance test, conducted for both the dominant and non-dominant leg at pre- and post-8-week intervention. Results. There were significant differences in balance for the dominant and non-dominant legs [anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), posterolateral (PL); all p < 0.05] after the 8-week intervention in all groups. However, there were no significant differences between groups for either the dominant or non-dominant leg [ANT, PM, PL; all p > 0.05]. Conclusions. These findings suggest that 8 weeks of HIIT and HIIT + FR can improve balance among precision sports athletes, although no significant differences were observed between the groups.