Super High-Intensity Continuous Training: A New Approach to Aerobic Training with Huge Effects on Elite Team Handball Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine and evaluate the effectiveness of Super High-Intensity Continuous Training (SHCT) on elite team handball players. SHCT is a new approach of aerobic training that combines the advantages of both continuous and interval training methods. The study included 14 professional handball players who are members of the first national handball league team. The participants were trained five times a week over eight weeks using the SHCT method. The training intensity for each athlete was tailored to their individual oxygen consumption. Significant (P<0.001) improvements were obtained in all measured and evaluated indicators of aerobic abilities, including maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), maximum relative oxygen uptake (VO_2rel), running speed at which maximum oxygen uptake occurs (VO_2max), when comparing the pre-, intermediate, and post-tests, as well as a huge positive effect (η²_G reaching from 0.19 to 0.49 and η²_p of 0.91). These effects from short cycles of aerobic training have not been previously obtained in studies involving elite and and recreational athletes, whether using continuous or interval training approaches. In addition to the above,SHCT showed several other positive features. As such, we recommend further research into SHCT and encourage its integration into athletic training practices.

Keywords

Aerobic training / Super high-intensity continuous training / High-intensity interval training / VO_2max / Team handball

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