Effect of high-intensity interval training on rowing performance in para-rowers

Authors

  • Manoch Phangkul Sport Science Program, Faculty of Education, Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, Thailand
  • Ashira Hiruntrakul Sports and Exercise Science Program, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Thailand
  • Pornthep Rachnavy School of Sports Science, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
  • Weerapon Chantima School of Sports Science, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
  • Thanatpong Sukwong Sports Science Program, Faculty of Science, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Mongkol Leelaphaiboon Applied Mathematics and Statistics Program, Faculty of Sciences and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
  • Charee Jansupom Sport and Health Sciences Program, Faculty of Sciences and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.119271

Keywords:

Para-rower, rowing ergometer, 2000-meter rowing, rowing stroke

Abstract

Introduction: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a performance-enhancing technique commonly used in training programs. Previously, HIIT has been reported to improve performance in regular rowing athletes, but there have been no studies on para-rowers.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of high-intensity interval training on 2000-m rowing performance in para-rowers.

Methodology: A total of 12 participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group received a high-intensity interval training program (n = 6; 3 males, 3 females; age 36.83 ± 1.17 years; height 160.83 ± 1.83 cm; weight 55.38 ± 2.99 kg) and a control group performed a conventional rowing program (n = 6; 3 males, 3 females; age 35.67 ± 1.21 years; height 159.67 ± 1.86 cm; weight 54.67 ± 3.78 kg), performed 2 days per week for 6 weeks. The data used a paired t-test and independent sample t-test to compare the variables of 2000-m rowing performance between pre- and post- and compare between groups.

Results: In the post-test of the experimental group, it was also found that the power output and rowing time were significantly different from the pre-test (p < 0.05). In the control group, there were no significant differences in the pre-test and post-test.

Discussion: A key finding from this research is that appropriate HIIT training for Paralympic rowers increased power output and reduced rowing time (p < 0.05). In the control group, no significant difference was found in power output and rowing time for the 2000-meter distance.

Conclusions: The high-intensity interval training 2 days per week for 6 weeks can improve rowing performance in the 2000-meter in para-rowers.

Author Biographies

  • Manoch Phangkul, Sport Science Program, Faculty of Education, Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, Thailand

    Asst.Prof. in Sport Science Program, Faculty of Education, Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, Thailand

  • Ashira Hiruntrakul, Sports and Exercise Science Program, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Thailand

    Sports and Exercise Science Program, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Thailand

  • Pornthep Rachnavy, School of Sports Science, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

    School of Sports Science, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

  • Weerapon Chantima, School of Sports Science, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

    School of Sports Science, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

  • Thanatpong Sukwong, Sports Science Program, Faculty of Science, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Sports Science Program, Faculty of Science, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand

  • Mongkol Leelaphaiboon, Applied Mathematics and Statistics Program, Faculty of Sciences and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

    Applied Mathematics and Statistics Program, Faculty of Sciences and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

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Published

07-05-2026

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Phangkul, M., Hiruntrakul, A., Rachnavy, P., Chantima, W., Sukwong, T., Leelaphaiboon, M., & Jansupom, C. (2026). Effect of high-intensity interval training on rowing performance in para-rowers. Retos, 80, 522-528. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.119271