HIIT Effects on Table Tennis Players (HIIT-TTP)

Comparative Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training Modalities on Physical Performance and Physiological Responses in Competitive Table Tennis Players

This study aims to investigate the effects of two different Tabata-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modalities on neuromuscular and physiological performance in competitive table tennis players. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a calisthenic/plyometric HIIT group or a kettlebell-based HIIT group. Both groups will perform their respective training protocols in addition to regular table tennis training for eight weeks. Physical performance and physiological variables will be assessed before and after the intervention.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Exercise Performance; Physical Fitness; Neuromuscular Function
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Calisthenic/Plyometric HIIT; Behavioral: Kettlebell HIIT

Detailed Description

This study is designed as a randomized parallel-group interventional trial to examine the effects of two different Tabata-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modalities on neuromuscular and physiological parameters in competitive table tennis players.

Twenty-four male athletes aged between 18 and 24 years will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a calisthenic/plyometric HIIT group or a kettlebell-based HIIT group. Both groups will continue their regular table tennis training and additionally perform their assigned HIIT protocol three times per week for a total duration of eight weeks.

The calisthenic/plyometric HIIT program consists of bodyweight and plyometric exercises performed in a Tabata format, while the kettlebell HIIT program consists of resistance-based exercises using kettlebells performed in the same interval structure. Each training session lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.

Outcome measures will be assessed before and after the intervention period and will include agility, flexibility, vertical jump performance, sprint performance, peak and average power output, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max).

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 24
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Merkez
    • Karabük, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye), 78000
      • Karabuk University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male table tennis athletes aged 18-24 years.
• Minimum of 2 years of regular competitive table tennis experience.
• Currently performing structured training at least 3 days per week.
• Medically cleared for high-intensity exercise.
• Voluntary participation and signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any chronic illness or cardiovascular/metabolic disorders.
• Musculoskeletal injury within the last 6 months that limits physical activity.
• Participation in other high-intensity training programs outside the study protocol during the intervention.
• Inability to complete at least 90% of the scheduled intervention sessions.
• Signs of acute injury, excessive fatigue, or cardiovascular abnormalities during screening.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Calisthenic/Plyometric HIIT Group; Participants in this group perform a Tabata-based high-intensity interval training program focused on calisthenic and plyometric exercises, in addition to their regular table tennis training. Sessions are conducted three times per week for eight weeks.	Behavioral: Calisthenic/Plyometric HIIT; Participants perform a high-intensity Tabata protocol focusing on calisthenic and plyometric exercises designed to improve agility, flexibility, vertical jump performance, and neuromuscular function. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to regular table tennis training.; Other Names: Tabata-style Calisthenic HIIT; Behavioral: Kettlebell HIIT; Participants perform a high-intensity Tabata protocol focusing on kettlebell exercises designed to improve sprint performance, VO₂max, and overall physiological adaptations. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to regular table tennis training.; Other Names: Tabata-style Kettlebell HIIT
Experimental: Kettlebell HIIT Group; Participants in this group perform a Tabata-based high-intensity interval training program focused on kettlebell exercises, in addition to their regular table tennis training. Sessions are conducted three times per week for eight weeks.	Behavioral: Calisthenic/Plyometric HIIT; Participants perform a high-intensity Tabata protocol focusing on calisthenic and plyometric exercises designed to improve agility, flexibility, vertical jump performance, and neuromuscular function. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to regular table tennis training.; Other Names: Tabata-style Calisthenic HIIT; Behavioral: Kettlebell HIIT; Participants perform a high-intensity Tabata protocol focusing on kettlebell exercises designed to improve sprint performance, VO₂max, and overall physiological adaptations. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to regular table tennis training.; Other Names: Tabata-style Kettlebell HIIT

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Agility Performance (seconds)	Agility will be assessed using a standardized T-test protocol to measure change-of-direction speed.	Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Flexibility (cm)	A sitting and reaching test will be used to assess lower body flexibility.	Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Vertical Jump Height (cm)	Vertical jump performance will be measured using a countermovement jump test performed on a jump mat.	Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Sprint Performance - 10 m (seconds)	Sprint performance will be assessed over a distance of 10 meters using electronic timing gates.	Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Peak Power Output (Watts)	Peak power output will be measured using a standardized lower-body power assessment.	Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max) (ml/kg/min)	Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) will be assessed using a graded exercise test performed on a treadmill or cycle ergometer.	Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Karabuk University
• Investigators: Study Director: Alirıza Han Civan, Dr, Karabük Üniversitesi Hasan Doğan Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi Spor Yöneticiliği Bölümü

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): November 15, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): December 31, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): January 3, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 16, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 4, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): February 11, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): February 11, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 4, 2026
• Last Verified: January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT); Neuromuscular Performance; Tabata Training; Physiological Adaptations; Table Tennis Athletes
• Other Study ID Numbers: / E-77192459-050.99-376986

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No