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Alterations in energy system contribution following upper body sprint interval training

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European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of different work-to-rest ratios on relative energy system utilization during short-term upper-body sprint interval training (SIT) protocols.

Methods

Forty-two recreationally trained men were randomized into one of three training groups [10 s work bouts with 2 min of rest (10:2, n = 11) or 4 min of rest (10:4, n = 11), or 30 s work bouts with 4 min of rest (30:4, n = 10)] or a control group (CON, n = 10). Participants underwent six training sessions over 2 weeks with 4–6 ‘all-out’ sprints. Participants completed an upper body Wingate test (30 s ‘all-out’ using 0.05 kg kg−1 of the participant’s body mass) pre- and post-intervention from which oxygen consumption and blood lactate were used to estimate oxidative, glycolytic, and adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr) energy system provisions. An analysis of covariance was performed on all testing measurements collected at post with the associated pre-values used as covariates.

Results

Relative energy contribution (p = 0.026) and energy expenditure (p = 0.019) of the ATP-PCr energy system were greater in 10:4 (49.9%; 62.1 kJ) compared to CON (43.1%; 47.2 kJ) post training. No significant differences were found between groups in glycolytic or oxidative energy contribution over a 30 s upper body Wingate test.

Conclusion

SIT protocols with smaller work-to-rest ratios may enhance ATP-PCr utilization in a 30 s upper body Wingate over a 2-week intervention.

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Abbreviations

ATP-PCr:

Adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine

CON:

Control group

EPOC:

Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption

MP:

Average mean power

PAR-Q+:

Physical activity readiness questionnaire

PP:

Average peak power

PRR:

Perceived readiness rating

SIT:

Sprint interval training

TW:

Average total work

V̇O2peak :

Peak oxygen uptake

30:4:

30 S sprints with 4 min of rest

10:4:

10 S sprints with 4 min of rest

10:2:

10 S sprints with 2 min of rest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, Missouri State University, 901 S National Ave, Springfield, MO, 65897, USA

    Michael B. La Monica

  2. Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA

    David H. Fukuda, Tristan M. Starling-Smith & Nicolas W. Clark

  3. School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Valeria L. G. Panissa

Authors
  1. Michael B. La Monica
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  2. David H. Fukuda
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  3. Tristan M. Starling-Smith
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  4. Nicolas W. Clark
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  5. Valeria L. G. Panissa
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Contributions

ML—study design, manuscript writing, data collection, data analysis, revising and editing. DF—study design, manuscript writing, data analysis, revising and editing. TS—data collection, data analysis, revising and editing. NC—data collection, data analysis, revising and editing. VP—manuscript writing, data collection, data analysis, revising and editing.

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Correspondence to Michael B. La Monica.

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Communicated by Philip D Chilibeck.

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La Monica, M.B., Fukuda, D.H., Starling-Smith, T.M. et al. Alterations in energy system contribution following upper body sprint interval training. Eur J Appl Physiol 120, 643–651 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04304-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04304-w

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