Physiological responses during interval training with different intensities and duration of exercise

J Strength Cond Res. 2011 May;25(5):1279-84. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d681b6.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare 4 interval training (IT) sessions with different intensities and durations of exercise to determine the effect on mean VO₂, total VO₂, and duration of exertion ≥95% maximum power output (MPO), and the effects on biomarkers of fatigue such as blood-lactate concentration (BLC) and rating of perceived exertion. The subjects were 12 recreationally competitive male (n = 7, mean ± SD age = 26.2 ± 3.9 years) and female (n = 5, mean ± SD age = 27.6 ± 4.3 years) triathletes. These subjects performed 4 IT sessions on a cycle ergometer varying in intensity (90 and 100% MPO) and duration of exercise (30 seconds and 3 minutes). This study revealed that IT using 30-second duration intervals (30-30 seconds) allows the athlete to perform a longer session, with a higher total and mean VO₂ HR and lower BLC than 3-minute durations. Similarly, submaximal exertion at 90% of MPO also allows performing longer sessions with a higher total VO₂ than 100% intensity. Thus, the results of the present study suggested that to increase the total time at high intensity of exercise and total VO₂ of a single exercise session performed by the athlete, IT protocols of short durations (i.e., 30 seconds) and submaximal intensities (i.e., 90% MPO) should be selected. Furthermore, performing short-duration intervals may allow the athlete to complete a longer IT session with greater metabolic demands (VO₂) and lower BLC than longer (i.e., 3 minutes) intervals.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology*
  • Adult
  • Athletes / statistics & numerical data
  • Cohort Studies
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology
  • Exercise Test / methods
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Fatigue
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology*
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult