Concomitant application of sprint and high-intensity interval training on maximal oxygen uptake and work output in well-trained cyclists.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we compared the effects of two different training modalities on maximal oxygen uptake and work output.


METHODS
Participants included 26 well-trained mountain bike cyclists were divided into two groups. The first group trained using a conventional endurance protocol at steady-state (moderate) intensity and variable-intensity (high-moderate-low) free of maximal efforts. The second group combined endurance training with a sprint and high-intensity interval training protocol, which, respectively, were based on 30 s maximal repetitions and 4 min high intensity repetitions. Training duration was 8 weeks. A graded exercise test was administered pre- and post-training. Work output, oxygen uptake, minute pulmonary ventilation, heart rate and stroke volume were determined during the test.


RESULTS
While work output significantly increased post-training in both groups (P < 0.05), the interval training group showed a greater magnitude of change (from 284.4 ± 91.9 to 314.2 ± 95.1 kJ) than the endurance training group (from 271.8 ± 73.3 to 283.4 ± 72.3 kJ). Significant increases in maximal oxygen uptake (from 57.9 ± 6.8 to 66.6 ± 5.3 ml kg(-1) min(-1)), maximal pulmonary ventilation and stroke volume were observed only in the interval training group.


CONCLUSIONS
An exercise protocol involving endurance and sprint and high-intensity interval training was found to induce positive effects on maximal oxygen uptake in a group of well-trained cyclists with several years athletic experience.
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 35 J.I. Paderewski Avenue, 51-612, Wroclaw, Poland. paulinahebisz@interia.pl.
Paulina
P
Hebisz
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 35 J.I. Paderewski Avenue, 51-612, Wroclaw, Poland.|National Team Coach, Polish Cycling Federation, Pruszków, Poland.
Rafał
R
Hebisz
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 35 J.I. Paderewski Avenue, 51-612, Wroclaw, Poland.
Marek
M
Zatoń
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 35 J.I. Paderewski Avenue, 51-612, Wroclaw, Poland.
Bartosz
B
Ochmann
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 35 J.I. Paderewski Avenue, 51-612, Wroclaw, Poland.
Natalia
N
Mielnik
D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D000072696:High-Intensity Interval Training / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology
Cycling; Interval training; Maximal oxygen uptake