Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training at Low and Moderate Altitudes on the Physiological, Functional Performance and Perceptual Responses of Trained Long-Distance Athletes

Sisay, Fentaw

dc.contributor.author	Sisay, Fentaw
dc.date.accessioned	2026-08-17T07:44:38Z
dc.date.available	2026-08-17T07:44:38Z
dc.date.issued	2026-06
dc.identifier.uri	http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16984
dc.description.abstract	In long-distance running, 10–30% of the total training distribution of a macrocycle consists of high-intensity training, which effectively promotes performance. While training quality is compromised by hypoxia, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) performed under hypoxia elicits greater benefits than does normoxic training for lower-altitude athletes. However, its effects on moderate-altitude distance runners remain underexplored. This study aimed to compare the effects of HIIT performed at low (~1,220 m) and moderate (~2,850 m) altitudes on physiological, functional performance and perceptual responses, in moderate-altitude resident long-distance runners. To achieve this goal, forty-two runners (men/women, n=23/19) were randomly allocated into the HIIT group at ~2,850 m (HIIT2850m, n=14), the HIIT group at ~1,220 m (HIIT1220m, n=14), and the control group at ~2,850 m (CG2850m, n=14). While all participants maintained regular training at ~2,850 m, the HIIT groups completed two additional weekly sessions (4x4- minute at 100% vVO2 max, 3-minute recovery at 70% vVO2 max), lasting for 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, measurements were performed during a group-based run on a 400 m track at ~2,850 m. The maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) and the minimum running velocity associated with VO2max (vVO2max) were assessed via Cooper’s 12-minute test and 5-minute maximal aerobic speed running test, respectively. During the 5000-m race, the pace speed and perceived exertion were recorded every km. The results revealed significant changes in the main effect of time (p < 0.001) on the vVO2 max, VO2 max, and 5kRT in both intervention groups, with greater gains in the HIIT1220 m group (+1.2%, +1%, –1.8%) than in the HIIT2850 m group (+0.7%, +0.8%, –1.4%). In addition, a strong correlation was observed in the HIIT2850 m group between changes in 5kRT and vVO2 max (r = -0.6, p = 0.01) and VO2 max (r = 0.7, p = 0.002). The participants used a reversed parabolic-shaped strategy in both the group and time conditions, and a significant main effect of time (except at the 2nd km, p = 0.693) and group (at the 1st km, p = 0.034 and 5th km, p = 0.044) was observed. The results suggest that HIIT at both altitudes improved performance and RPE, with quality training at low altitudes producing greater benefits, offering strategic insights for athletes and coaches.	en_US
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US
dc.subject	Sport Science	en_US
dc.title	Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training at Low and Moderate Altitudes on the Physiological, Functional Performance and Perceptual Responses of Trained Long-Distance Athletes	en_US
dc.type	Dissartation	en_US