Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT) for 4 Weeks with and without L-Arginine Supplementation on the Performance of Women's Futsal Players

In recent years, consumption of nutrition supplements such as L-Arginine has increased in athletes in order to increase efficiency and reduce fatigue. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIT) with and without L-Arginine supplementation on anaerobic and aerobic performance in women’s futsal players. In this research study (2013), 20 healthy women futsal players in Kermanshah City, Iran, were selected by available sampling method. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups; training-supplement (n=10) and training-placebo (n=10). Both groups, in addition to futsal specific training, performed RAST (anaerobic sprint test) test as high-intensity interval training protocol, 2 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the training protocol, subjects performed Bruce and RAST tests in order to measure aerobic and anaerobic power, respectively. Blood samples were collected 30 seconds after the RAST test to measure the levels of serum lactate concentration. All data were analyzed using independent T and paired T tests. After the training, both groups showed significant increasing in VO2max and anaerobic power (p<0.05) and significant decreasing in blood lactate concentrations (p<0.05); percentage of changes were greater for the first than the second group in all three factors. Using high-intensity interval training in combination with L-Arginine lead to improvement of aerobic and anaerobic fitness in women futsal players.