Key result
Core muscle HIIT boosts VO2max ~11% versus conventional training in male swimmers.
Why the study?
Core muscles are essential to swimming training and high-intensity interval training may support performance, but the effectiveness of a six-week core muscle high-intensity interval training regimen remained to be evaluated.
Does core muscle high-intensity interval training improve VO2max, vital capacity, and body composition in male swimmers?
RCT (n=20)
Randomized
No
Does core muscle high-intensity interval training improve VO2max, vital capacity, and body composition in male swimmers?
Absolute Event Rate: 38.77% vs 34.81%
p-value: p=<0.05
A 6-week core muscle high-intensity interval training program significantly improves cardiovascular fitness (VO2max), lung function, and body composition in trained male swimmers.
Supports adding core HIIT to male swimmer regimens; extends HIIT evidence to core-focused protocols in aquatic athletes.
Background and Study Aim. Core muscles are a key part of any swimmer's training, and using a high-intensity interval training approach can help support an athlete's performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a six-week core muscle high-intensity interval training (CM-HIIT) regimen on VO₂max, vital capacity, and body composition in male swimmers. Material and Methods. Twenty male swimmers with similar 50-meter swimming performances participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group (n = 10; age = 21.4 ± 0.84 years, BMI = 25.19 ± 5.00 kg/m²) performed CM-HIIT three days per week. The control group (n = 10; age = 20.4 ± 0.70 years, BMI = 24.99 ± 6.42 kg/m²) followed their usual swimming training program. VO₂max was assessed using the YMCA submaximal cycle test, vital capacity was measured with a spirometer, and body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results. After six weeks, VO₂max significantly increased compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Vital capacity also showed a significant improvement, with higher values observed after six weeks (p < 0.05). Body composition improved, with significant reductions in body fat percentage and fat mass, while muscle mass increased in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Additionally, Max HR significantly decreased after four and six weeks, whereas resting HR showed no significant changes. In the control group, body fat percentage and fat mass significantly decreased, but no significant differences were observed in body weight, BMI, or muscle mass. Conclusions. Core muscle high-intensity interval training induces physiological adaptations, enhances cardiovascular fitness, and improves body composition in trained swimmers, all of which are critical for swimming performance. However, coaches and trainers must carefully monitor training intensity to optimize oxygen uptake while ensuring safety and performance efficiency.
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Hiruntrakul et al. (2025) conducted an RCT in Healthy male swimmers (n=20). Core muscle high-intensity interval training (CM-HIIT) vs. Usual swimming training program was evaluated on VO2max (ml/kg/min) at 6 weeks (p=<0.05). A six-week core muscle high-intensity interval training program significantly improved VO2max, vital capacity, and body composition in male swimmers compared to conventional training alone.
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