Effects of Bosu Ball Exercises Following High-Intensity Interval Training on Performance in Olympic-Level Skiers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine changes in performance parameters in Olympic-level skiers following an eight-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program combined with BOSU-based exercises. A total of 23 athletes (12 male and 11 female), aged 18–25 years and regularly engaged in training, participated in the study. The participants completed a combined training program consisting of high-intensity interval training and BOSU-based exercises three times per week for eight weeks. Static and dynamic balance, 30 m sprint performance, flexibility, vertical jump, handgrip strength, and back strength were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using a mixed-design ANOVA, with time (pre-test–post-test) as the within-subject factor and sex (male–female) as the between-subject factor. Significant pre-test to post-test changes were observed in static and dynamic balance, 30 m sprint performance, flexibility, vertical jump, handgrip strength, and back strength (p < 0.05). Significant time × sex interactions were also observed for vertical jump, handgrip strength, and back strength, indicating that the magnitude of change in these parameters differed between male and female athletes. Overall, the observed pre-test to post-test changes suggest that combining high-intensity interval training with BOSU-based exercises may represent a useful complementary training approach for supporting balance and multiple components of physical performance in Olympic-level skiers. However, given the absence of a control group, the observed changes cannot be attributed exclusively to the intervention.