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HIT maintains performance during the transition period and improves next season performance in well-trained cyclists

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European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the effects of combining low-intensity endurance training (LIT) with one high-intensity endurance training (HIT) session every 7–10 days (EXP, n = 7) vs. traditional approach focusing on LIT (TRAD, n = 6) during the transition period. The effects of different training strategies during the transition period were investigated after the transition period and at the beginning of the subsequent competition season.

Methods

Well-trained cyclists were tested after the competition season, after an 8-week transition period, and after a 16-week preparatory period, before the subsequent competition season. The only difference between groups was a larger time with HIT during the transition phase in EXP.

Results

It was very likely that EXP had a larger impact on power output at 4 mmol L−1 [la−] after both the transition period and after the preparatory period than TRAD [between-group change (90 % CI): 10.6 % (8.2 %) and 12.9 % (11.9 %), respectively]. It was very likely that EXP had a larger impact on mean power output in the 40-min all-out trial after the transition period than TRAD [between-group change 12.4 % (7.6 %)]. EXP was also likely to have a larger improvement in the 40-min trial performance from pre-test to after the preparatory period than TRAD [between-group change 6.0 % (6.6 %)].

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that HIT sessions should be incorporated during the transition phase to avoid reduction in fitness and performance level and thereby increase the likelihood of improved performance from the end of one season to the beginning of the subsequent season.

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Abbreviations

CI:

Confidence interval

CV:

Coefficient of variation

ES:

Effect size

HIT:

High-intensity endurance training

HR:

Heart rate

[la−]:

Blood lactate concentration

LIT:

Low-intensity endurance training

RPE:

Rate of perceived exertion

RER:

Respiratory exchange ratio

RPM:

Revolutions per minute

SD:

Standard deviation

VO2max :

Maximal oxygen uptake

W max :

Peak aerobic power output

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Arne Gunnar Ensrud for his help in data collection and Dr. Matt Spencer for his help with the qualitative statistical analysis. We also thank the dedicated group of test cyclists who made this study possible.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The present study complies with the current laws of the country in which it was performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section for Sport Science, Lillehammer University College, PB. 952, 2604, Lillehammer, Norway

    Bent R. Rønnestad, Arild Askestad & Joar Hansen

Authors
  1. Bent R. Rønnestad
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  2. Arild Askestad
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  3. Joar Hansen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bent R. Rønnestad.

Additional information

Communicated by Jean-René Lacour.

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Rønnestad, B.R., Askestad, A. & Hansen, J. HIT maintains performance during the transition period and improves next season performance in well-trained cyclists. Eur J Appl Physiol 114, 1831–1839 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2919-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-2919-5

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