Comparative Effects of High-Intensity Interval and Functional Training on Performance Outcomes in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players

Overview

Background Volleyball requires repeated explosive actions, agility, and technical precision, demanding contributions from both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Time-efficient training methods such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) have been proposed to enhance multidimensional performance in young athletes. However, direct comparisons of their effects in adolescent female volleyball players are limited. Methods Thirty-two licensed female volleyball players (aged 15-18 years) were randomly assigned to HIIT (n=10), HIFT (n=11), or control (n=11). Training interventions lasted 12 weeks with two sessions per week, in addition to regular volleyball practice. The HIIT program consisted of progressive resistance-based high intensity intervals performed at 85-95% HRmax, while the HIFT program comprised multimodal circuit-style functional exercises performed at comparable intensities (\~85-95% HRmax). Pre- and post-tests included countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), pro-agility, 20 m sprint, repeated sprint fatigue index (RSI), volleyball skill test, Yo-Yo IR1 distance, VO₂max, blood lactate, and maximal heart rate (MaxHR). A 3×2 mixed-model ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests was conducted, and effect sizes were reported as Cohen's d and ηp².

Volleyball is a high-intensity intermittent sport characterized by repeated explosive actions such as jumping, sprinting, accelerating, decelerating, and rapid changes of direction, combined with frequent technical maneuvers including serving, setting, spiking, and blocking. These actions require sustained neuromuscular output while maintaining technical precision under fatigue, placing substantial demands on both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Aerobic capacity is critical for sustaining recovery between rallies and maintaining performance throughout long matches or tournaments, whereas anaerobic power and strength are essential for explosive efforts that dominate competitive play. Additionally, agility, reactive strength, and coordination contribute significantly to performance, particularly in adolescent players who are still developing physiologically. Given these demands, volleyball training requires conditioning approaches that are both time-efficient and sport-specific. Traditional continuous endurance training has been criticized for its poor transferability to volleyball, as it fails to replicate the intermittent, high-intensity, and multidirectional nature of the game. In contrast, modern approaches such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) have emerged as promising strategies. HIIT, involving repeated near-maximal bouts interspersed with structured recovery, has been shown to improve both aerobic and anaerobic capacity, enhance repeated sprint ability, and optimize recovery kinetics. However, resistance-based HIIT often emphasizes traditional strength exercises performed in a format with fixed rest intervals, which may not fully capture the sport-specific, multidirectional, and reactive movement patterns required in volleyball. HIFT has been introduced as an integrative and multimodal training approach that combines plyometric drills, bodyweight resistance, agility exercises, and functional movements into circuit-based formats performed at high intensity with minimal recovery. Unlike resistance-based HIIT, which primarily involves structured strength exercises performed in a circuit format with fixed rest intervals, HIFT emphasizes more varied, compound, and task-oriented exercises that more closely mirror the sport-specific demands of volleyball. These exercises not only target cardiovascular fitness but also simultaneously improve explosive power, neuromuscular coordination, and stability. This integrative nature makes HIFT particularly promising for adolescent volleyball players, where physical conditioning must also support technical skill development and injury prevention. Despite the growing use of both HIIT and HIFT in applied practice, direct experimental comparisons between these modalities in youth volleyball players are limited. Adolescence represents a critical developmental window where training adaptations can have long-term effects on physical performance, neuromuscular coordination, and resilience. Therefore, identifying the most effective training model for enhancing multidimensional performance in young female athletes is of high practical and scientific importance. The present randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the effects of 12 weeks of HIIT and HIFT on performance outcomes in adolescent female volleyball players. Thirty-two licensed athletes aged 15-18 years, competing in a regional league, were randomly allocated into three groups: HIIT (n=10), HIFT (n=11), and a control group (n=11). All groups continued routine volleyball training (3-4 sessions per week). In addition, the intervention groups performed two supervised conditioning sessions weekly for 12 weeks, while the control group engaged in additional volleyball practice sessions to balance training volume. Participants in the HIIT group engaged in a 12-week resistance-based high intensity interval training program, designed to target both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Training sessions were conducted twice per week in addition to the athletes' regular volleyball practice schedule. Each session commenced with a standardized 10-minute warm-up involving low-intensity jogging and dynamic stretching, and concluded with a 5-minute cool-down of light jogging and static stretching to promote recovery. The main training component consisted of short, repeated high intensity bouts (30 s) of multi-modal exercises-including sprint drills, plyometric movements, functional bodyweight resistance exercises, multi-joint strength movements, agility drills, and aerobic conditioning-performed at 85-95% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) Each bout was followed by 30 s of active recovery (e.g., walking or light movement). Participants completed a 12-week high intensity functional training program aimed at developing aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, muscular strength, and agility. Training sessions were performed twice weekly in addition to regular volleyball practices. Each training session followed a standardized structure, beginning with a 10-minute warm-up of light jogging and dynamic mobility exercises, followed by a main training phase consisting of circuit-style functional workouts that combined sprint drills, plyometric exercises, bodyweight resistance movements, multi-joint strength exercises, agility drills, and aerobic activities; each exercise was performed for 30 seconds at maximal effort with no fixed rest between exercises (≤10 seconds transition allowed), and participants completed 4-6 sets per session with 1-2 minutes of rest between sets, while emphasizing maximal movement speed and explosive execution of all repetitions, and concluding with a 5-minute cool-down of low-intensity jogging and static stretching. All performance assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention under standardized laboratory and field conditions. The test battery included anthropometry and body composition, countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), pro-agility (5-10-5 shuttle run), 20 m sprint, repeated sprint fatigue index (RSA), volleyball skill test (serve, pass, set, block, spike), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), blood lactate, maximal heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion. Testing followed standardized warm-up and rest protocols, and measurements were conducted using validated equipment and procedures. Ethical approval was obtained from the Marmara University Faculty of Medicine Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Protocol no: 09.2021.06; Date: January 8, 2021). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants and their legal guardians. COVID-19 regulations set by the Turkish Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth and Sports were strictly followed. Training and testing were supervised by qualified sport scientists and licensed coaches, with heart rate responses continuously monitored to ensure adherence to prescribed intensity zones.