Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption after reduced exertion high-intensity interval training on the cycle ergometer and rowing ergometer

Abstract

Purpose

To examine differences in oxygen consumption (${\dot{\text{V}}}$O₂), ventilation (${\dot{\text{V}}}$_E), excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), energy expenditure (EE), and blood lactate concentration (BLa) between reduced exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT) performed on the cycle- and rowing ergometer.

Methods

Fourteen active participants (age = 27 ± 7 yr) initially completed two assessments of maximal oxygen uptake. On two subsequent days, participants completed REHIT requiring three 20 s “all-out” sprints on the cycle-(REHIT-CE) and rowing ergometer (REHIT-RE), followed by 60 min rest during which gas exchange data and BLa were measured.

Results

During exercise, ${\dot{\text{V}}}$O₂ increased significantly in response to REHIT-CE (0.21 ± 0.04 L/min vs. 1.34 ± 0.37 L/min, p < 0.001) and REHIT-RE (0.23 ± 0.05 L/min vs. 1.57 ± 0.47 L/min, p < 0.001) compared to rest, and ${\dot{\text{V}}}$O₂ remained elevated at 15, 30, and 45 min post-exercise in REHIT-CE (p < 0.001). However, ${\dot{\text{V}}}$O₂ was only elevated 15 min after REHIT-RE (0.23 ± 0.05 L/min vs. 0.40 ± 0.11 L/min, p < 0.001). ${\dot{\text{V}}}$O₂ (1.57 ± 0.47 L/min vs. 1.34 ± 0.37 L/min, p = 0.003) and EE (94.98 ± 29.60 kcal vs. 82.05 ± 22.85 kcal, p < 0.001) were significantly greater during REHIT-RE versus REHIT-CE. EPOC was significantly greater after REHIT-CE versus REHIT-RE (6.69 ± 2.18 L vs. 5.52 ± 1.67 L, p = 0.009). BLa was ~ twofold higher in response to REHIT-CE vs. REHIT-RE (11.11 ± 2.43 vs. 7.0 ± 2.4, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Rowing-based REHIT elicits greater oxygen consumption and EE during exercise, yet lower EPOC and BLa. Whether rowing-based REHIT augments reductions in fat loss remains to be determined.