Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Physiological Responses in Alpine Skiers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on anaerobic performance and cardiorespiratory responses in alpine skiing athletes. The study included 40 male alpine skiers aged 16-22 years residing in Bitlis, Türkiye, with 20 participants in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. Throughout the study, all participants continued similar regular alpine skiing training programs to control for potential differences in training volume and fitness levels. Considering the competition schedule, the intervention period was designed to last 12 weeks. During this period, the experimental group performed high-intensity interval training twice per week in addition to their regular skiing training, while the control group continued their regular training program. Exercise intensity during HIIT sessions was maintained at 85-95% of the athletes\' maximum heart rate. Cardiorespiratory performance was evaluated using a maximal exercise test to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), respiratory quotient (RQ), maximum heart rate (HRmax), and oxygen uptake per heartbeat (VO₂/HR). Anaerobic performance was assessed using the Wingate anaerobic power test, including peak power, average power, minimum power, power drop, and total energy output. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess data normality. Paired-samples t-tests were used for within-group pretest-posttest comparisons, while independent-samples t-tests were used for between-group comparisons. The statistical significance level was set at p \< 0.05. The study was designed to evaluate the potential contribution of a 12-week HIIT program to anaerobic performance and cardiorespiratory adaptations in alpine skiing athletes. Keywords: Alpine skiing, high-intensity interval training, anaerobic power, VO₂max.