What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the effects of two different Tabata-based HIIT modalities on athletic performance in table tennis players.

May 7, 2026Open Access

Comparative effects of tabata-based HIIT modalities on physical performance in competitive table tennis players

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the effects of two different Tabata-based HIIT modalities on athletic performance in table tennis players.
Twenty-four male athletes aged 18-24 were randomly assigned to two groups: calisthenic/plyometric and kettlebell HIIT.
Both groups engaged in their respective HIIT protocols three days per week for eight weeks alongside regular training.
Performance metrics including flexibility, agility, sprinting, and VO₂max were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
The calisthenic/plyometric group showed greater improvements in agility, flexibility, and vertical jump height (p < 0.05).
The kettlebell group had superior enhancements in sprint performance, also with p < 0.05.
Both groups improved VO₂max, but the changes were not significantly different between groups.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the differential effects of two Tabata-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modalities-calisthenic/plyometric-focused versus kettlebell-focused exercise-on neuromuscular performance and physiological adaptations in competitive table tennis athletes. METHODS: Twenty-four male athletes (aged 18-24 years) were randomly assigned to a calisthenic/plyometric HIIT group (n = 12) or a kettlebell HIIT group (n = 12). Both groups performed their respective Tabata protocols in addition to regular table tennis training, three days per week for eight weeks. Flexibility, agility, sprint performance, vertical jump height, peak and average power output, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) were assessed before and after the intervention. Analysis of normally distributed data was performed using a 2 (group) × 2 (time) mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA). When significant interaction effects were detected, post-hoc comparisons were conducted using paired t-tests with Bonferroni correction. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Both HIIT methods resulted in significant improvements in most measured parameters (p < 0.05). The calisthenic/plyometric protocol led to greater gains in agility, flexibility, and vertical jump performance, indicating enhanced neuromuscular function. Conversely, the kettlebell protocol elicited superior improvements in sprint performance. Both groups demonstrated increases in VO₂max; however, these changes were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Tabata-based HIIT effectively enhances neuromuscular and physiological performance in table tennis athletes; however, adaptations differ based on exercise modality. Calisthenic/plyometric-focused HIIT preferentially improves agility, mobility, and explosive leg power, while kettlebell-focused HIIT yields greater benefits for speed and aerobic capacity. These findings demonstrate that modality-specific HIIT programming is a practical and time-efficient approach to target sport-specific performance demands in racket sport athletes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07403461), registered on 16/01/2026.

Bookmark

View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Uzun et al. (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fc2b608b49bacb8b3477bf https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01690-0

Bookmark

View Full Paper