Effect of high-intensity interval training on aerobic capacity, physical fitness, and body composition in martial arts athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on aerobic capacity, athletic performance, and body composition in martial arts athletes. Methods A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, ProQuest and SciELO, following PRISMA guidelines. Fourteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 348 participants were included. The inclusion criteria focused on martial arts athletes undergoing HIIT, with outcome measures including aerobic capacity (HRmax, VO 2 max), athletic performance (strength, agility, speed), and body composition (muscle mass, body fat percentage, body weight). Data were analyzed using a random-effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD). Results The findings demonstrated that HIIT significantly improved aerobic capacity, athletic performance, and body composition in martial arts athletes. Improvements in aerobic capacity were primarily reflected in VO 2 max ( SMD = 1.04, 95% CI [0.74, 1.33], I 2 = 16.3%, p = 0.284). With respect to athletic performance, significant improvements were observed in lower-limb muscular power ( SMD = 0.33, 95% CI [0.02, 0.64], I 2 = 48%, p = 0.017), agility ( SMD = −0.45, 95% CI [−0.79, −0.11], I 2 = 0%, p = 0.922), and speed ( SMD = −0.45, 95% CI [−0.79, −0.11], I 2 = 0%, p = 0.922). Regarding body composition, the primary improvement was observed in percent body fat ( SMD = −0.51, 95% CI [−0.92, −0.09], I 2 = 0%, p = 1.000). However, no significant improvements were found in HRmax, skeletal muscle mass, or body weight. Conclusion HIIT represents an effective training modality for martial arts athletes, and future studies should focus on long-term, large-sample randomized controlled trials to further clarify differential effects across subgroups and training modalities, as well as to explore optimal strategies for integrating HIIT with martial arts–specific training.