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Short-term interval training at both lower and higher intensities in the severe exercise domain result in improvements in \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}\) on-kinetics

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Abstract

Purpose

Although high-intensity interval training (HIT) seems to promote greater improvements in aerobic parameters than continuous training, the influence of exercise intensity on \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}\) on-kinetics remains under investigation.

Methods

After an incremental test, twenty-one recreationally trained cyclists performed several time-to-exhaustion tests to determine critical power (CP), and the highest intensity (I HIGH), and the lowest exercise duration (T LOW) at which \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2{\rm max}}\) is attained during constant exercise. Subjects also completed a series of step transitions to moderate- and heavy-intensity work rates to determine pulmonary \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}\) on-kinetics. Surface electromyography (EMG) of vastus lateralis muscle and blood lactate accumulation (∆BLC) was measured during heavy exercise. Subjects were assigned to one of two 4-week work-matched training groups: the lower [105 % CP: n = 11; 4 × 5 min at 105 % CP (218 ± 39 W), 1 min recovery] or the upper [I HIGH: n = 10; 8 × 100 % I HIGH (355 ± 60 W), 1:2 work:recovery ratio] intensity of the severe exercise domain.

Results

The two interventions were similarly effective in reducing the phase II \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}\) time constant during moderate (105 % CP: 34 ± 13 to 25 ± 8 s; I HIGH: 31 ± 9 to 23 ± 6 s) and heavy exercise (105 % CP: 25 ± 7 to 18 ± 5 s; I HIGH: 27 ± 7 to 16 ± 5 s) and in reducing the amplitude of \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}\) slow component, EMG amplitude, and ∆BLC during heavy exercise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the short-term adjustments in response to step transitions to moderate and heavy exercise were independent of training intensity within the severe exercise domain.

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Abbreviations

τ :

Time constant

∆50 %:

Intensity requiring 50 % of the difference between the LT and \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2}{\rm max}}\)

BLC:

Blood lactate concentration

CP:

Critical power

EMG:

Electromyography

HIT:

High-intensity interval training

I HIGH :

The highest constant intensity at which \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2}{\rm max}}\) is attained

LT:

Lactate threshold

MRT:

Mean response time

RMS:

Root mean square

TD:

Time delay

T LIM :

Time-to-exhaustion

T LOW :

The lowest exercise duration at which \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2}{\rm max}}\) is attained

\(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}\) :

Pulmonary oxygen uptake

\(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{{2}{\rm max}}\) :

Maximum oxygen uptake

\(\dot{V}\)O2SC :

\(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}\) slow component

W´:

Work capacity above critical power

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Acknowledgments

We would like to express our gratitude to all colleagues who contributed and to the subjects in this study. This study was supported by the National Council of Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Santa Catarina State Research Foundation (FAPESC).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Performance Research Group, Center for Health and Sport Science (CEFID), Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Pascoal Simone, 358, Coqueiros, Florianópolis, SC, CEP 88080-350, Brazil

    Tiago Turnes, Rafael Alves de Aguiar, Rogério Santos de Oliveira Cruz, Felipe Domingos Lisbôa, Kayo Leonardo Pereira & Fabrizio Caputo

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  1. Tiago Turnes
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  2. Rafael Alves de Aguiar
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  3. Rogério Santos de Oliveira Cruz
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Correspondence to Tiago Turnes.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The results of the current study do not constitute endorsement of the product by the authors or the journal.

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Communicated by Anni Vanhatalo.

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Turnes, T., de Aguiar, R.A., de Oliveira Cruz, R.S. et al. Short-term interval training at both lower and higher intensities in the severe exercise domain result in improvements in \(\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}\) on-kinetics. Eur J Appl Physiol 116, 1975–1984 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-016-3449-0

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