Comparison of Water-Based and Land-Based High-Intensity Interval Training Effects on Aerobic Capacity and Spinal Stabilization

The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of a two-week period of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in water and land-based running on aerobic capacity and spinal stabilization. Forty-one healthy young participants were divided into water-based exercise, land-based exercise, and control groups. Aerobic capacity was measured with 20-m Shuttle Run Test, and spinal stabilization was tested with 60° Flexion test and Sorensen test. Water and land-based exercise groups performed six sessions of HIIT program for two weeks. A significant improvement in aerobic capacity and spinal stabilization was found between the baseline and after two-week evaluations in both the water and land based HIIT exercise groups (p<0.05). The increase in aerobic capacity and extensor spinal muscle endurance were found similar in both exercise group yet increase in flexor spinal stabilization endurance was statically more significant in land exercises (p= 0.038). This study shows that the two-week period of HIIT exercises, both in water and on land, can be safely used to improve aerobic capacity and spinal stabilization, even in the short term.

This study compares the effects of HIIT in water and on land on aerobic capacity and spinal stabilization.