SPORT-SPECIFIC HIIT IN ELITE KICKBOXERS (HIIT-KICK)

March 3, 2026 updated by: Eren Bozyılan, Adiyaman University

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

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.

Study Overview

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

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.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

40

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
      • Adıyaman, Turkey (Türkiye), 02040
        • Adiyaman University Faculty of Sport Sciences

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male elite kickboxers aged 18 to 30 years
  • At least five years of regular kickboxing training experience
  • Active participation in kickboxing training
  • Ability to complete the training program

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Serious injury within the previous six months
  • Presence of chronic or cardiometabolic disease
  • Regular use of medications or ergogenic supplements
  • Tobacco or alcohol use
  • Inability to complete the training program

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

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

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Sport-Specific HIIT
Participants perform supervised sport-specific high-intensity interval training five days per week for eight weeks at an intensity of approximately 85-95 percent of maximum heart rate.
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.
Active Comparator: Regular Training
Participants continue their regular kickboxing training without participation in the structured HIIT program.
Behavioral: Regular Training
Participants continue their usual kickboxing training routines without participation in the structured HIIT program.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Serum Apelin Concentration
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Serum apelin concentration measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Baseline and Week 8

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Adiyaman University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

January 15, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

March 15, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

March 15, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 27, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 3, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

March 4, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 4, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 3, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

  • ADIYAMAN-HIIT-RCT-2025

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data will not be shared. According to the informed consent form, personal information and study data will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without written permission from the participants.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on High-Intensity Interval Training

Clinical Trials on Sport-Specific High-Intensity Interval Training

Search Similar Trials

Sponsors and Collaborators

Medical Conditions

Drug Interventions

CROs by country

CROs in Venezuela

Conditions

Rare Diseases

Drug Interventions

Dietary Supplements

Sponsor/Collaborators

Locations

Subscribe