Introduction. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained popularity as a quick and effective way to exercise, and the training consists of a short burst of intense exercise that precedes a period of rest or low intensity exercise. Aim of Study. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an 8-week HIIT program on the lipid profiles and hematological variables of young players. Material and Methods. A training program was introduced to 40 male players [football (n = 20) and field hockey (n = 20)]. The training set includes 2-min intense sprint interval workout (at 90-95% of HRmax, work:rest = 1 : 1) followed by a minute each of active recovery and complete rest continued for 8 weeks with 3 days/week alterations. The lipid profiles, hematological variables, maximum oxygen uptake capacity (VO2max), and anaerobic power (Wpeak) of the participants were assessed following standard procedures. Results. A significant (p < 0.001) decrease was recorded in body fat% (7.6%), white blood cell (9.2%), red blood cell (2.3%), ferritin (21.5%), hemoglobin (2.5%), hematocrit (2.3%), total cholesterol (7.5%), triglycerides (8.7%), total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (14.2%) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (6.1%, p < 0.05) after the introduction of the HIIT protocol. In turn, body weight (1.1%), body mass index (1.1%), highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (7.9%), platelet (5.9%), mean corpuscular volume (3.5%), platelet-to-leukocyte (16.7%), VO2max (13.6%) and Wpeak (11.6%) were found to be significantly (p < 0.001) increased after the training. Conclusions. The 8-week sprint HIIT protocol resulted in an improved endurance capacity and anaerobic power with an overall improvement in the lipid profiles of young athletes. The HIIT also contributed to a reduction in oxygen-carrying capacity with increased erythrocytic hemolysis.
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