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Interference Phenomenon with Concurrent Strength and High-Intensity Interval Training-Based Aerobic Training: An Updated Model

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Abstract

Previous research has suggested that concurrent training (CT) may attenuate resistance training (RT)-induced gains in muscle strength and mass, i.e.‚ the interference effect. In 2000, a seminal theoretical model indicated that the interference effect should occur when high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (repeated bouts at 95–100% of the aerobic power) and RT (multiple sets at ~ 10 repetition maximum;10 RM) were performed in the same training routine. However, there was a paucity of data regarding the likelihood of other HIIT-based CT protocols to induce the interference effect at the time. Thus, based on current HIIT-based CT literature and HIIT nomenclature and framework, the present manuscript updates the theoretical model of the interference phenomenon previously proposed. We suggest that very intense HIIT protocols [i.e., resisted sprint training (RST), and sprint interval training (SIT)] can greatly minimize the odds of occurring the interference effect on muscle strength and mass. Thus, very intensive HIIT protocols should be implemented when performing CT to avoid the interference effect. Long and short HIIT-based CT protocols may induce the interference effect on muscle strength when HIIT bout is performed before RT with no rest interval between them.

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Fig. 1

(adapted from Docherty and Sporer [5])

Fig. 2

(adapted from Docherty and Sporer [5])

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 65, Cidade Universitária, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-030, Brazil

    Felipe C. Vechin, Miguel S. Conceição, Guilherme D. Telles & Carlos Ugrinowitsch

  2. MUSCULAB, Laboratory of Neuromuscular Adaptations To Resistance Training, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, Brazil

    Felipe C. Vechin & Cleiton A. Libardi

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  1. Felipe C. Vechin
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  2. Miguel S. Conceição
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Correspondence to Felipe C. Vechin.

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FC conceived the idea, wrote the first draft, worked on all drafts and formatted the manuscript for submission. MSC, GDT CAL and CU helped develop the main idea and draft the paper. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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The present article was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) (Grant no. #2018/12150-0 to C.A.L.), and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Grant no. #302801/2018-9 to C.A.L. and Grant no. #303085/2015-0 to C.U.).

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Felipe Cassaro Vechin, Miguel S. Conceição, Guilherme D. Telles, Cleiton A. Libardi and Carlos Ugrinowitsch declare no conflict of interest relevant to the content of this article.

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Vechin, F.C., Conceição, M.S., Telles, G.D. et al. Interference Phenomenon with Concurrent Strength and High-Intensity Interval Training-Based Aerobic Training: An Updated Model. Sports Med 51, 599–605 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01421-6

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