NCT07449663

SPORT-SPECIFIC HIIT IN ELITE KICKBOXERS

SPORT-SPECIFIC HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING INDUCES SELECTIVE APELIN AND IRISIN RESPONSES IN ELITE KICKBOXERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Adiyaman University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study examines how sport-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) affects the body in elite kickboxers. Participants are randomly assigned to either a HIIT training group or a control group. The HIIT group performs supervised sport-specific training for eight weeks, while the control group continues their usual training. Blood samples are collected before and after the training period. The main goal of this study is to determine whether HIIT changes levels of exercise-related proteins such as apelin and irisin. These proteins may reflect how the body adapts to intense training. The findings may help researchers and coaches better understand the effects of high-intensity training and may support the development of safer and more effective training programs for athletes.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of sport-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on biochemical markers related to exercise adaptation in elite kickboxers. High-intensity interval training is widely used in combat sports because it reflects the intermittent high-intensity nature of competition. Exercise-induced proteins such as apelin and irisin are considered potential biomarkers of physiological adaptation to training. However, biochemical responses to sport-specific HIIT in elite combat athletes remain insufficiently understood. Participants are elite male kickboxers aged 18-30 years with at least five years of training experience. Participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group performing sport-specific HIIT or a control group continuing their regular training routines. The HIIT program lasts eight weeks and includes supervised training sessions five days per week at an intensity of approximately 85-95 percent of maximum heart rate. The control group continues their usual technical and tactical kickboxing training without participation in the structured HIIT program. Blood samples are collected at baseline and after completion of the eight-week intervention period. Serum concentrations of apelin and irisin are assessed as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include leptin, interleukin-6, and selected hematological parameters. The purpose of this study is to evaluate biochemical adaptations to sport-specific HIIT and to identify potential biomarkers of training adaptation in elite athletes. The findings may contribute to improved athlete monitoring and the development of evidence-based training programs.

Conditions

• Exercise Training Adaptation
• Exercise Physiology
• High-Intensity Interval Training

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Sport-Specific High-Intensity Interval Training	Participants perform supervised sport-specific high-intensity interval training five days per week for eight weeks. Training intensity is maintained at approximately 85-95 percent of maximum heart rate. The program consists of repeated high-intensity exercise intervals interspersed with active recovery periods and is designed to reflect the physiological demands of competitive kickboxing.
BEHAVIORAL	Regular Training	Participants continue their usual kickboxing training routines without participation in the structured HIIT program.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-15
• Primary completion: 2026-03-15
• Completion: 2026-03-15
• First posted: 2026-03-04
• Last updated: 2026-03-04

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)