The transformative impact of high-intensity interval training on performance indicators among adolescent tennis players

Introduction: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an established method for improving athletic performance; however, its efficacy in adolescent tennis players remains underexplored. Tennis requires a combination of speed, agility, endurance, and explosive power, making sport-specific HIIT a promising intervention for performance enhancement. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week HIIT intervention on key physiological and performance parameters in adolescent tennis players. Methodology: Thirty-six intermediate-level male tennis players (aged 15-19 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=18), which underwent 20 HIIT sessions, or a control group (n=18), which followed conventional training. Performance assessments included maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂max), explosive power (countermovement jump, squat jump, drop jump), sprint performance (5m, 10m), and agility (modified t-test). Statistical analyses were conducted using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements (p < .001) across all parameters: V̇O₂max increased by 4.84%, CMJ by 15.44%, SJ by 10.77%, DJ by 12.40%, while sprint times decreased by 2.73% (5m) and 6.51% (10m). Agility improved by 8.08%. The control group exhibited negligible changes. Discussion: The observed enhancements highlight HIIT’s efficacy in optimizing aerobic and anaerobic capacities, neuromuscular efficiency, and explosive power, aligning with the physiological demands of tennis. Conclusion: HIIT presents a time-efficient, sport-specific training method for improving tennis performance, warranting further exploration for long-term athletic development.