High-intensity interval training modifies energy supply in male artistic gymnastics and improves floor-specific but not pommel horse-specific endurance performance

Introduction Well-developed specific endurance performance in artistic gymnastics is a crucial foundation of successful performance. Therefore, the identification of effective training programs for gymnastics-specific endurance performance is an important factor. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on gymnastics-specific endurance performance and changes in energy supply during floor and pommel horse routines. Methods Twenty-five male artistic gymnasts (age: 15.0 ± 1.5 years; weight: 51.2 ± 10.6 kg; height: 160.0 ± 10.4 cm) were allocated to either the experimental (n = 14) or the control group (n = 11). For 6 weeks, the intervention group completed a HIIT two times a week, integrated into the normal gymnastics training. The control group performed normal gymnastics training, including their routine programs for physical fitness development. Floor- and pommel horse-specific endurance performance was determined by the mean jump height in a repeated jump test and by the maximum number of circles in a circle test. Energy supply on the floor and pommel horse was calculated using mobile spiroergometry and the PCr-LA-O 2 method. Results The gain score analysis showed a significantly greater improvement in mean jump height for the intervention group, but no significant effect for the maximum number of circles. In terms of energy supply, the intervention group showed a significantly greater increase in aerobic metabolism on the floor and pommel horse. Additional correlation analyses show relationships between physiological parameters (O 2 deficit and VO 2 kinetics) and endurance performance as well as the modification of energy supply. Conclusion The results of the study show that 6 weeks of semi-specific HIIT can improve floor-specific endurance performance and increase the aerobic metabolism during floor and pommel horse routines. Faster VO 2 kinetics and the associated lower O 2 deficit seem to be important physiological parameters for these improvements.