Physiological and performance effects of low- versus mixed-intensity rowing training.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of low-intensity and a mixture of low- and high-intensity training on physiological and performance responses in rowing.


METHODS
Eighteen experienced rowers undertook a 12-wk program of 100% < or = lactate threshold (LT) training (LOW) or 70% training at < or = LT and 30% at halfway (50%Delta) between the V O2 at LT and V O2peak (MIX). Responses were assessed before and after training by a progressive exercise test to exhaustion; multiple "square-wave" rest-to-exercise transitions of 6-min duration at 50%Delta; and a maximal 2000-m ergometer time trial.


RESULTS
Improvements (P < 0.001) in 2000-m ergometer performance and V O2peak occurred independently of groups (P = 0.8 and 0.42, respectively). LOW improved the power at LT (23.5 +/- 12.2 vs 5.1 +/- 5.0 W, P = 0.013) and power at a [blood lactate] of 4 mM (32.3 +/- 6.9 vs 13.1 +/- 3.7 W, P = 0.03) compared with MIX. The time constant and gain of the primary component were unchanged with training, whereas the gain of the V O2 slow component was reduced with training, but independently of group.


CONCLUSIONS
Both LOW and MIX training programs improved performance and V O2peak by the same magnitude, whereas LOW attenuated the blood lactate response to a given exercise intensity more so than MIX.
Ingham
Stephen A
SA
English Institute of Sport, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK. steve.ingham@eis2win.co.uk
Carter
Helen
H
Whyte
Gregory P
GP
Doust
Jonathan H
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*
D019344:Lactic Acid