Abstract Aim:

To verify the effects of a 2-week of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance in young female athletes.

Methods:

female rugby players (n = 13; 15.92 ± 0.76 years old) participated in an 8-session of HIIT supervised through online video calls for two weeks. They were evaluated pre- and post-HIIT for 3-min of burpees, 1-min of sit-ups, maximum push-ups, and 1-min of squats. Perceptions related to training protocols were collected through the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) post-intervention.

Results:

Significant improvements in burpees (pre:54.15 ± 18.

03 and after:

63.15 ± 15.18), sit-ups (pre:24.38 ± 13.

38 and after:

31.15 ± 13.15), push-ups (pre: 9.46 ± 6.

59 and after:

13.85 ± 7.33) and squats (pre: 48.00 ± 8.

37 and after:

54.85 ± 8.79) were observed. PACES revealed positive perceptions related to the enjoyment of participating in this HIIT.

Conclusion:

Virtually supervised HIIT improved physical performance in young female athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and maybe an efficient strategy for the quarantine period.