Adaptations to high-intensity training are independent of gender.
The purpose of this study was to identify potential gender discrepancies in adaptation to low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIT). Active, young men (n = 11, age = 25.3 ± 5.5 years) and women (n = 9, age = 25.2 ± 3.1 years) matched for age, physical activity, and VO(2max) completed six sessions of HIT separated by 48 h over a 2-3 week period. Subjects completed four Wingate tests on days 1 and 2, five on days 3 and 4, and six on days 5 and 6. A control group of five men and four women (age = 22.8 ± 2.8 years) completed all testing, but did not perform HIT. Changes in VO(2max), oxygen (O(2)) pulse, peak/mean power output, fatiguability, substrate oxidation, and voluntary force production of the knee flexors and extensors were examined pre- and post-training with repeated measures ANOVA, with gender and group as between-subjects variables. Results showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in VCO(2max) and peak/mean power output in response to HIT, as well as reduced respiratory exchange ratio and heart rate during submaximal exercise. The magnitude of change in VO(2max) (5.9 vs. 6.8%), power output (10.4-14.9% vs. 9.1-10.9%), and substrate oxidation was similar (p > 0.05) between men and women. Data show that adaptations to 6 days of low-volume HIT are similar in men and women matched for VO(2max) and physical activity.
Department of Kinesiology, California State University, San Marcos, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, MH 352, San Marcos, CA 92096-0001, USA. astorino@csusm.edu
Todd Anthony
TA
Astorino
Ryan Phillips
RP
Allen
Daniel W
DW
Roberson
Matt
M
Jurancich
Robert
R
Lewis
Kelsey
K
McCarthy
Emily
E
Trost
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D055815:Young Adult