The effects of high-intensity interval training in well-trained rowers.
OBJECTIVE
Several recent studies have reported substantial performance and physiological gains in well-trained endurance runners, swimmers, and cyclists following a period of high-intensity interval training (HIT). The aim of the current study was to compare traditional rowing training (CT) to HIT in well-trained rowers.


METHODS
Subjects included 5 male and 5 female rowers (mean +/- SD; age = 19 +/- 2 y; height = 176 +/- 8 cm; mass = 73.7 +/- 9.8 kg; Vo2peak = 4.37 +/- 1.08 L.min-1). Baseline testing included a 2000-m time trial and a maximal exercise test to determine Vo2peak, 4-min all-out power, and 4 mmol.L-1 blood lactate threshold. Following baseline testing, rowers were randomly allocated to HIT or CT, which they performed seven times over a 4-wk period. The HIT involved 8 x 2.5-min intervals at 90% of the velocity maintained at Vo2peak, with individual recoveries returning to 70% of the subjects' maximal heart rate between intervals. The CT intensity consisted of workloads corresponding to 2 and 3 mmol.L-1 blood lactate concentrations. On completion of HIT or CT, rowers repeated the testing performed at baseline and were then allocated to the alternative training program and completed a crossover trial.


RESULTS
HIT produced greater improvements in 2000-m time (1.9 +/- 0.9%; mean +/- SD), 2000-m power (5.8 +/- 3.0%), and relative Vo2peak (7.0 +/- 6.4%) than CT.


CONCLUSIONS
Four weeks of HIT improves 2000-m time-trial performance and relative Vo2peak in competitive rowers, more than a traditional approach.
Driller
Matthew W
MW
School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia.
Fell
James W
JW
Gregory
John R
JR
Shing
Cecilia M
CM
Williams
Andrew D
AD
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012767:Ships; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*
D019344:Lactic Acid