Physical DisabilityNCT07862036
HIIT Versus High-Volume Training in Competitive Para Swimmers
A study testing Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Swimming Training and Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming Training in people with Physical Disability and Intellectual Impairment, run by National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at 1 site in Greece.
Trial summary
This study compared the effects of four weeks of reduced-volume high-intensity interval training and higher-volume moderate-intensity swimming training on repeated-sprint ability, physiological responses, and body composition in competitive para swimmers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 12 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Physical Disability, Intellectual Impairment, Athletic Performance
- What is being tested?
- Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Swimming Training and Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGreece
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2022to 15 Dec 2022
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 12 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Classified in Para Swimming sport class S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, or S14. At least 12 years of age. Active competitive swimmer participating at the national level. Had won at least one national championship medal during the preceding two competitive seasons.
- Regularly participating in organized swimming training. Able to understand and complete the adapted repeated-sprint swimming protocol. Provided written informed consent; for minors, consent was provided by a parent or legal guardian, and assent was obtained where applicable.
Who cannot join
- Medical contraindication to maximal-intensity swimming exercise. Acute illness or injury preventing participation in testing or training. Change in medication or health status expected to influence exercise responses. Failure to complete the required familiarization, baseline testing, or intervention sessions.
- Participation in another intervention likely to affect the study outcomes.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Swimming Performance, Repeated Sprint Ability, and Cardiorespiratory and Physiological Adaptations in Swimmers With Disabilities.
This study compared the effects of four weeks of reduced-volume high-intensity interval training and higher-volume moderate-intensity swimming training on repeated-sprint ability, physiological responses, and body composition in competitive para swimmers. Twenty-four national-level swimmers representing World Para Swimming sport classes S5-S10 and S14 were randomly allocated to one of the two training interventions by drawing sealed group assignments. Both groups completed two supervised sessions per week for four weeks. Repeated-sprint ability was assessed before and after the intervention using eight maximal 15-m freestyle sprints.
Read the detailed description
Competitive para swimmers with physical or intellectual impairments were purposively recruited to provide representation across the included World Para Swimming sport classes. After enrollment and baseline assessment, participants were randomly allocated to reduced-volume high-intensity interval training or higher-volume moderate-intensity training by drawing sealed group assignments. The study used a two-arm, randomized, parallel-group, active-comparator design.
Both interventions lasted four weeks and included two supervised swimming sessions per week. The high-intensity intervention used lower-volume maximal and near-maximal swimming efforts, whereas the active-comparator intervention used a higher volume of moderate-intensity swimming.
Repeated-sprint ability was evaluated using eight maximal 15-m freestyle sprints separated by a standardized 30-s interval. The interval began when the swimmer crossed the 15-m timing marker and included a controlled low-intensity 6-m return to the wall followed by stationary in-water recovery. Repeated-sprint outcomes included ideal sprint time, total sprint time, and performance decrement. Physiological responses and body-composition measures were also obtained before and after the training intervention.
- Being tested
- Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Swimming Training, Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming Training
- Keywords
- para swimming, para swimmers, Repeated-sprint ability, High-intensity interval training, HIIT, High-volume training, Swimming performance, Disability sport, Exercise training, Performance decrement
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Swimming TrainingBehavioural
The intervention lasted four weeks and included two supervised sessions per week. Main-set activities included intermittent 50-m swims with short recovery intervals, 25-m all-out sprints using a 1:1 work-to-recovery ratio, and five 30-s tethered maximal efforts with 2 min 30 s of recovery between efforts. The precise session content progressed according to the predefined training schedule.
Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming TrainingBehavioural
The active-comparator intervention lasted four weeks and included two supervised sessions per week. Participants completed 50-, 100-, and 200-m freestyle intervals at moderate intensity using the predefined work-to-recovery structure. Intensity was monitored using heart rate and rating of perceived exertion, targeting approximately 60%-75% of estimated maximum heart rate and moderate intensity ratings (e.g., 3-4) on the Borg CR10 scale. Main-set volume was approximately 50% greater than in the high-intensity intervention.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training | Experimental | Participants completed two supervised sessions per week for four weeks. The main training sets incorporated high-intensity or maximal swimming efforts and had approximately 50% less training volume than the main sets completed by the higher-volume group. Receives: Behavioral: Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Swimming Training |
| Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming Training | Other | The active-comparator intervention lasted four weeks and included two supervised sessions per week. Participants completed 50-, 100-, and 200-m freestyle intervals at moderate intensity using the predefined work-to-recovery structure. Intensity was monitored using heart rate and rating of perceived exertion, targeting approximately 60%-75% of estimated maximum heart rate and ratings of 3-4 on the Borg CR10 scale. Main-set volume was approximately 50% greater than in the high-intensity intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Total Sprint Time
Total sprint time, measured in seconds, was calculated as the sum of the eight 15-m maximal freestyle sprint times. Lower values indicate better overall repeated-sprint performance.
Measured: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in Ideal Sprint Time
Ideal sprint time, measured in seconds, was calculated as the fastest single 15-m sprint time multiplied by eight. Lower values indicate better performance.
Measured: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in Performance Decrement
Performance decrement was calculated as [(total sprint time / ideal sprint time) × 100] - 100 and expressed as a percentage. Lower values indicate less performance loss across the eight sprint repetitions
Measured: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in 50-m and 200-m Freestyle Performance
Swimming performance is evaluated by the time (in seconds) required to complete 50-m and 200-m maximal freestyle tests. Lower values indicate better performance.
Measured: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in Stroke Rate
Stroke Rate (cycles/min) was assessed via video analysis during the swimming efforts.
Measured: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Changes in Stroke Length
Stroke Length (m/cycle) was assessed via video analysis during the swimming efforts.
Measured: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in heart rate
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including heart rate (beats/min).
Measured: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in blood lactate concentration
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including blood lactate concentration (mmol/L).
Measured: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in oxygen saturation
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including oxygen saturation (%).
Measured: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in fatigue index
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including the fatigue index.
Measured: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in VO2peak
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including VO2peak.
Measured: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in body mass
Body composition changes, including body mass (kg).
Measured: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in body-fat percentage
Body composition changes, body-fat percentage (%).
Measured: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Oct 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2022
- Primary completion30 Nov 2022
- Study completion15 Dec 2022
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Physical DisabilityStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National and Kapodistrian University of AthensThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were assigned to one of two training interventions and remained in the assigned intervention for the four-week study period
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Aris Mavropoulos, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07862036
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 1199/15-07-2020
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 7 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data are not planned for public release because the small sample size and detailed sport-class information may create a risk of participant re-identification. De-identified aggregate data and additional study information may be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request and subject to ethical and institutional approval.
Publications
Mavropoulos A, Bersimis F, Ploumidou V, Koutsouki D, Kourtessis T, Soultanakis H. Effects of High-Intensity vs. High-Volume Training on Repeated Sprint Ability in Competitive Paraswimmers. Research Square. 2025. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7419128/v1
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Swimming Performance, Repeated Sprint Ability, and Cardiorespiratory and Physiological Adaptations in Swimmers With Disabilities.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07862036
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 1199/15-07-2020
- Keywords
- para swimming, para swimmers, Repeated-sprint ability, High-intensity interval training, HIIT, High-volume training, Swimming performance, Disability sport
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National and Kapodistrian University of AthensUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Nov 2022 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Dec 2022 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study compared the effects of four weeks of reduced-volume high-intensity interval training and higher-volume moderate-intensity swimming training on repeated-sprint ability, physiological responses, and body composition in competitive para swimmers. Twenty-four national-level swimmers representing World Para Swimming sport classes S5-S10 and S14 were randomly allocated to one of the two training interventions by drawing sealed group assignments. Both groups completed two supervised sessions per week for four weeks. Repeated-sprint ability was assessed before and after the intervention using eight maximal 15-m freestyle sprints.
Detailed description
Competitive para swimmers with physical or intellectual impairments were purposively recruited to provide representation across the included World Para Swimming sport classes. After enrollment and baseline assessment, participants were randomly allocated to reduced-volume high-intensity interval training or higher-volume moderate-intensity training by drawing sealed group assignments. The study used a two-arm, randomized, parallel-group, active-comparator design.
Both interventions lasted four weeks and included two supervised swimming sessions per week. The high-intensity intervention used lower-volume maximal and near-maximal swimming efforts, whereas the active-comparator intervention used a higher volume of moderate-intensity swimming.
Repeated-sprint ability was evaluated using eight maximal 15-m freestyle sprints separated by a standardized 30-s interval. The interval began when the swimmer crossed the 15-m timing marker and included a controlled low-intensity 6-m return to the wall followed by stationary in-water recovery. Repeated-sprint outcomes included ideal sprint time, total sprint time, and performance decrement. Physiological responses and body-composition measures were also obtained before and after the training intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were assigned to one of two training interventions and remained in the assigned intervention for the four-week study period
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Swimming TrainingParticipants completed two supervised sessions per week for four weeks. The main training sets incorporated high-intensity or maximal swimming efforts and had approximately 50% less training volume than the main sets completed by the higher-volume group. |
| Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming Training | Other | Behavioral: Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming TrainingThe active-comparator intervention lasted four weeks and included two supervised sessions per week. Participants completed 50-, 100-, and 200-m freestyle intervals at moderate intensity using the predefined work-to-recovery structure. Intensity was monitored using heart rate and rating of perceived exertion, targeting approximately 60%-75% of estimated maximum heart rate and ratings of 3-4 on the Borg CR10 scale. Main-set volume was approximately 50% greater than in the high-intensity intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 12 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Classified in Para Swimming sport class S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, or S14. At least 12 years of age. Active competitive swimmer participating at the national level. Had won at least one national championship medal during the preceding two competitive seasons.
- Regularly participating in organized swimming training. Able to understand and complete the adapted repeated-sprint swimming protocol. Provided written informed consent; for minors, consent was provided by a parent or legal guardian, and assent was obtained where applicable.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Medical contraindication to maximal-intensity swimming exercise. Acute illness or injury preventing participation in testing or training. Change in medication or health status expected to influence exercise responses. Failure to complete the required familiarization, baseline testing, or intervention sessions.
- Participation in another intervention likely to affect the study outcomes.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Swimming TrainingThe intervention lasted four weeks and included two supervised sessions per week. Main-set activities included intermittent 50-m swims with short recovery intervals, 25-m all-out sprints using a 1:1 work-to-recovery ratio, and five 30-s tethered maximal efforts with 2 min 30 s of recovery between efforts. The precise session content progressed according to the predefined training schedule. | Behavioural | Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training |
| Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming TrainingThe active-comparator intervention lasted four weeks and included two supervised sessions per week. Participants completed 50-, 100-, and 200-m freestyle intervals at moderate intensity using the predefined work-to-recovery structure. Intensity was monitored using heart rate and rating of perceived exertion, targeting approximately 60%-75% of estimated maximum heart rate and moderate intensity ratings (e.g., 3-4) on the Borg CR10 scale. Main-set volume was approximately 50% greater than in the high-intensity intervention. | Behavioural | Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming Training |
Primary outcome
Change in Total Sprint Time
Time frame: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Total sprint time, measured in seconds, was calculated as the sum of the eight 15-m maximal freestyle sprint times. Lower values indicate better overall repeated-sprint performance.
Change in Ideal Sprint Time
Time frame: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Ideal sprint time, measured in seconds, was calculated as the fastest single 15-m sprint time multiplied by eight. Lower values indicate better performance.
Change in Performance Decrement
Time frame: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Performance decrement was calculated as [(total sprint time / ideal sprint time) × 100] - 100 and expressed as a percentage. Lower values indicate less performance loss across the eight sprint repetitions
Change in 50-m and 200-m Freestyle Performance
Time frame: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Swimming performance is evaluated by the time (in seconds) required to complete 50-m and 200-m maximal freestyle tests. Lower values indicate better performance.
Change in Stroke Rate
Time frame: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Stroke Rate (cycles/min) was assessed via video analysis during the swimming efforts.
Changes in Stroke Length
Time frame: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Stroke Length (m/cycle) was assessed via video analysis during the swimming efforts.
Change in heart rate
Time frame: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including heart rate (beats/min).
Change in blood lactate concentration
Time frame: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including blood lactate concentration (mmol/L).
Change in oxygen saturation
Time frame: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including oxygen saturation (%).
Change in fatigue index
Time frame: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including the fatigue index.
Change in VO2peak
Time frame: Βaseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Physiological markers were assessed pre- and post-exercise, including VO2peak.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in body mass
Time frame: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Change in body-fat percentage
Time frame: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Oct 2026.
- Results publicationMavropoulos A, Bersimis F, Ploumidou V, Koutsouki D, Kourtessis T, Soultanakis H. Effects of High-Intensity vs. High-Volume Training on Repeated Sprint Ability in Competitive Paraswimmers. Research Square. 2025. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7419128/v1
- Earlier preprint version of the study reportLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data are not planned for public release because the small sample size and detailed sport-class information may create a risk of participant re-identification. De-identified aggregate data and additional study information may be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request and subject to ethical and institutional approval.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Reduced-Volume High-Intensity Interval Swimming Training and Higher-Volume Moderate-Intensity Swimming Training in people with Physical Disability and Intellectual Impairment, run by National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at 1 site in Greece.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Greece. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Total Sprint Time (time frame: Baseline and two days after the final training session at four weeks). The study lists 11 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07862036, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Oct 2026.