The Effect of a Training Program Using High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Based on the Acceleration Curve on Developing Speed Endurance in the 200m Run

Abstract

The world is witnessing rapid developments beyond imagination, utilizing every new and advanced method to encompass all training and scientific aspects within a short period of time. Consequently, sports studies have increasingly relied on well-structured training programs and sound scientific foundations that align with the requirements of training, scientific research, and the studied problem. Sports in general, and track and field in particular, are characterized by training programs built on scientific principles, requiring high levels of training, skill mastery, and physical qualities.

The research problem lies in the necessity of adopting advanced, modern, and scientific approaches in evaluating athletes’ performance, which has become a fundamental requirement to support the training process. Through reviewing scientific sources, references, and field experience, the researcher observed that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) plays a vital role in achieving high performance.

The aim of this research was to identify the effect of high-intensity interval training on the development of speed endurance and the performance of the 200-meter sprint for students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Thi-Qar. The research hypothesized that there would be statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-tests in both speed endurance and 200-meter performance among the students.

The researcher employed the experimental method due to its suitability for the nature of the study, as experimental research is considered one of the most accurate approaches in identifying the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The research sample consisted of (10) students from various stages in the College of Physical Education, specializing in the 200-meter sprint event.

The findings indicate that high-intensity interval training, particularly using the acceleration curve, can be adopted as an effective and practical method for improving students’ abilities in short-distance track events, especially the 200 meters. The researcher recommends emphasizing the development of speed endurance to enhance 200-meter performance and encouraging the use of high-intensity interval training as an effective method in developing speed endurance among students.