title: HIIT enhances endurance performance and aerobic characteristics more than high-volume training in trained rowers.
abstract: This study compared the effects of long slow distance training (LSD) with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in rowers. Nineteen well-trained rowers performed three tests before and after an 8-week training intervention: (1) 2000 m time trial; (2) seven-stage incremental step test to determine maximum oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2max), power output at [Formula: see text]O2max(W[Formula: see text]O2max), peak power output (PPO), rowing economy and blood lactate indices and (3) seven-stroke power-output test to determine maximal power output (Wmax) and force (Fmax). After baseline testing, participants were randomly assigned either to a HIIT or LSD group. The LSD comprised 10 weekly aerobic sessions. The HIIT also comprised 10 weekly sessions: 8 aerobic and 2 HIIT. The HIIT sessions comprised 6-8 × 2.5 min intervals at 100% PPO with recovery time based on heart rate (HR) returning to 70% HRmax. Results demonstrated that the HIIT produced greater improvement in 2000 m time trial performance than the LSD (effect size (ES) = 0.25). Moreover, the HIIT produced greater improvements in [Formula: see text]O2max(ES = 0.95, P = 0.035) and power output at lactate threshold (WLT) (ES = 1.15, P = 0.008). Eight weeks of HIIT performed at 100% PPO is more effective than LSD in improving performance and aerobic characteristics in well-trained rowers.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Life and Physical Science , Athlone Institute of Technology , Athlone , Ireland.|b Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences , University of Limerick , Limerick , Ireland.
authors.forename: Niamh J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Ní Chéilleachair
authors.affiliation: b Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences , University of Limerick , Limerick , Ireland.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.affiliation: b Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences , University of Limerick , Limerick , Ireland.
authors.forename: Giles D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Warrington
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D000072696:High-Intensity Interval Training; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid
keywords: High-intensity interval training; VO2max; athletic performance; rowing