Effect of 4 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on VO2max, Anaerobic Power, and Specific Performance in Cyclists with Cerebral Palsy

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effects of four weeks of HIIT on VO2max, anaerobic power, and athletic performance in cyclists with cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: Three male athletes (Class: T1: n=2; age: 21.5±3.53 years; height: 158.5±3.53 cm; body mass: 53.1±2.40 kg; competitive experience: 4.5±3.53 years and Class: T2; n=1; age: 56 years; height: 171 cm; body mass: 72.4 kg; competitive experience: 4.5±3.53 years) with cerebral palsy from the Paracycling Departmental Commission of Cauca (Colombia) participated in the study. VO2max was determined using an incremental test on a cycling ergometer. Anaerobic power was measured using the Wingate test. Specific performance was evaluated with an individual time trial of 14 km for class T1 and 20 km for class T2. HIIT training was performed on a cycling ergometer over four weeks (two sessions per week). Training intensity was based on Watts (W) measured in the incremental test for long HIIT and the Wingate test for short HIIT. Training load was monitored through heart rate (HR) responses and subjective perceived exertion (RPE) at the end of the training. Results: After the HIIT training period, favorable changes were observed in VO2max (2358 vs. 2497 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p=0.180, d=0.03, trivial), in anaerobic power during the Wingate test (342.7 vs. 399.7 W, p=0.109, d=0.52, moderate), and a reduction in individual time trial durations for 14 km (2489 vs. 2338 sec) and 20 km (2775 vs. 2674 sec) for classes T1 and T2, respectively. Conclusions: This study reported that HIIT positively influenced VO2max, moderate improvements in anaerobic power output, and athletic performance in T1-T2 class athletes over a short period of four weeks.