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CompletedNCT07403461HIIT-TTPUpdated Feb 11, 2026

HIIT Effects on Table Tennis Players

An interventional study of Calisthenic/Plyometric HIIT and Kettlebell HIIT in Physical Fitness, Neuromuscular Function and Exercise Performance, sponsored by Karabuk University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to male participants aged 18 Years to 24 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-11.

Sponsored by Karabuk University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
24
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 24 Years
Sex
Male
01

Study summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of two different Tabata-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modalities on neuromuscular and physiological performance in competitive table tennis players. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a calisthenic/plyometric HIIT group or a kettlebell-based HIIT group. Both groups will perform their respective training protocols in addition to regular table tennis training for eight weeks. Physical performance and physiological variables will be assessed before and after the intervention.

Read the detailed description

This study is designed as a randomized parallel-group interventional trial to examine the effects of two different Tabata-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modalities on neuromuscular and physiological parameters in competitive table tennis players.

Twenty-four male athletes aged between 18 and 24 years will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a calisthenic/plyometric HIIT group or a kettlebell-based HIIT group. Both groups will continue their regular table tennis training and additionally perform their assigned HIIT protocol three times per week for a total duration of eight weeks.

The calisthenic/plyometric HIIT program consists of bodyweight and plyometric exercises performed in a Tabata format, while the kettlebell HIIT program consists of resistance-based exercises using kettlebells performed in the same interval structure. Each training session lasts approximately 20-30 minutes.

Outcome measures will be assessed before and after the intervention period and will include agility, flexibility, vertical jump performance, sprint performance, peak and average power output, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max).

02

Conditions studied

  • Physical Fitness
  • Neuromuscular Function
  • Exercise Performance

Keywords

  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
  • Tabata Training
  • Physiological Adaptations
  • Neuromuscular Performance
  • Table Tennis Athletes
03

In context

Lead sponsor

Karabuk University is the lead sponsor of 126 studies on the registry; 30 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 24 Years
Sexes eligible
Male
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

  • Male table tennis athletes aged 18-24 years.
  • Minimum of 2 years of regular competitive table tennis experience.
  • Currently performing structured training at least 3 days per week.
  • Medically cleared for high-intensity exercise.
  • Voluntary participation and signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Any chronic illness or cardiovascular/metabolic disorders.
  • Musculoskeletal injury within the last 6 months that limits physical activity.
  • Participation in other high-intensity training programs outside the study protocol during the intervention.
  • Inability to complete at least 90% of the scheduled intervention sessions.
  • Signs of acute injury, excessive fatigue, or cardiovascular abnormalities during screening.
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
24 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Calisthenic/Plyometric HIIT Group

    Participants in this group perform a Tabata-based high-intensity interval training program focused on calisthenic and plyometric exercises, in addition to their regular table tennis training. Sessions are conducted three times per week for eight weeks.

    Behavioral: Calisthenic/Plyometric HIIT · Behavioral: Kettlebell HIIT

  • Experimental
    Kettlebell HIIT Group

    Participants in this group perform a Tabata-based high-intensity interval training program focused on kettlebell exercises, in addition to their regular table tennis training. Sessions are conducted three times per week for eight weeks.

    Behavioral: Calisthenic/Plyometric HIIT · Behavioral: Kettlebell HIIT

Interventions

  • BehavioralCalisthenic/Plyometric HIIT

    Participants perform a high-intensity Tabata protocol focusing on calisthenic and plyometric exercises designed to improve agility, flexibility, vertical jump performance, and neuromuscular function. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to regular table tennis training.

    Also known as: Tabata-style Calisthenic HIIT

  • BehavioralKettlebell HIIT

    Participants perform a high-intensity Tabata protocol focusing on kettlebell exercises designed to improve sprint performance, VO₂max, and overall physiological adaptations. Each session lasts 20-30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to regular table tennis training.

    Also known as: Tabata-style Kettlebell HIIT

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Agility Performance (seconds)

    Agility will be assessed using a standardized T-test protocol to measure change-of-direction speed.

    Time frame: Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)

  2. Flexibility (cm)

    A sitting and reaching test will be used to assess lower body flexibility.

    Time frame: Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Vertical Jump Height (cm)

    Vertical jump performance will be measured using a countermovement jump test performed on a jump mat.

    Time frame: Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)

  2. Sprint Performance - 10 m (seconds)

    Sprint performance will be assessed over a distance of 10 meters using electronic timing gates.

    Time frame: Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)

  3. Peak Power Output (Watts)

    Peak power output will be measured using a standardized lower-body power assessment.

    Time frame: Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)

  4. Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max) (ml/kg/min)

    Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) will be assessed using a graded exercise test performed on a treadmill or cycle ergometer.

    Time frame: Pre-intervention and post-intervention (8 weeks)

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Karabük University
    Karabük, Merkez 78000, Turkey (Türkiye)
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Uzun ME, Civan AH. Comparative effects of tabata-based HIIT modalities on physical performance in competitive table tennis players. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 May 4;18(1):243. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01690-0. PubMed 42082994 ↗

Study documents

  • Study protocol · Jan 3, 2026

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Feb 11, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07403461
Lead sponsor
Karabuk University
Responsible party
Alirıza Han Civan (Assistant Professor, Karabuk University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Feb 11, 2026
Start date
Nov 15, 2025
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2025
Completion
Jan 3, 2026
Last update
Feb 11, 2026

Study contacts

Alirıza Han Civan, Dr
study director · Karabük Üniversitesi Hasan Doğan Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi Spor Yöneticiliği Bölümü

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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This study is completed, as verified in Jan 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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