Effects of different high-intensity interval training modes of wattbike on anaerobic capacity in Chinese national alpine skiers

Sci Rep. 2026 Mar 1;16(1):11501. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-41119-9.

ABSTRACT

This study compared two anaerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modes with distinct work-rest structures-repeated sprint training (RST) and speed endurance maintenance training (SEMT)-on anaerobic performance in Chinese national-level alpine skiers. Eighteen Chinese national alpine skiers (age:19.8 ± 1.9 years) were randomly allocated to RST (n = 9) or SEMT (n = 9). RST consisted of 5 sets of 6 × (10 s all-out / 5 s rest) with 180 s recovery between sets; SEMT consisted of 5 × (60 s all-out / 180 s recovery). Both groups completed 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions/week). Performance was assessed 48 h before and after the intervention using countermovement jump (CMJ), a 90s lateral box jump, and a 90s Wingate test. Wingate outcomes were relative peak power (RPP), relative mean power (RMP), and fatigue index (FI). CMJ height increased in RST (+ 2.77%, p = 0.017, d = 0.995) but not in SEMT (+ 0.73%, p = 0.424, d = 0.281). The 90s lateral box jump improved in both RST (+ 9.21%, p = 0.004, d = 1.347) and SEMT (+ 7.52%, p < 0.001). Wingate RPP increased in RST (+ 2.35%, p = 0.003) but not in SEMT (- 0.09%, p = 0.972, d = 2.089), whereas Wingate RMP increased in SEMT (+ 3.91%, p = 0.017, d = 1.002) but not in RST (+ 1.49%, p = 0.056, d = 0.746). FI decreased in SEMT (- 3.38%, p = 0.001, d = 1.622) but not in RST (+ 0.08%, p = 0.943, d = 0.025). Between-group differences in change were observed for Wingate RPP (p = 0.037, d = 1.073) and FI (p = 0.02, d = 1.214). Over 4 weeks, both RST and SEMT improved sport-relevant anaerobic performance. In this cohort, RST showed greater improvements in anaerobic power-related outcomes, whereas SEMT showed greater improvements in fatigue resistance during prolonged supramaximal work.

PMID:41765942 | PMC:PMC13056962 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-41119-9