The impact of high-intensity interval training on reaction time and agility in women KHO-KHO players on varied surfaces

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on reaction time and agility in female Kho-Kho players on various surfaces. Data were obtained within Ernakulam, Kerala. Forty-five female Kho-Kho players aged 18 to 23 were divided into three groups: two experimental groups (HIIT Mud and HIIT Mat) and one control group (CG). The data for these groups was analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Female Kho-Kho players showed significant improvement in reaction time (F (2,41) = 17.716, p=.000, µ2 =.464) and agility (F (2,41) = 11.307, p=.000, µ2 =.355) after HIIT on different surfaces compared to the control group (CG) and the experimental groups (HIIT Mud and HIIT Mat). The HIIT Mud group demonstrated moderate improvement in response time and agility when compared to the HIIT Mat groups. The findings reveal that both surfaces are equally essential, even though the mud has a greater effect in HIIT on the response time and agility of female Kho-Kho athletes. The empirical evidence supports this study.