Similar metabolic response to lower- versus upper-body interval exercise or endurance exercise.
OBJECTIVE
To compare energy use and substrate partitioning arising from repeated lower- versus upper-body sprints, or endurance exercise, across a 24-h period.


METHODS
Twelve untrained males (24±4 y) completed three trials in randomized order: (1) repeated sprints (five 30-s Wingate, 4.5-min recovery) on a cycle ergometer (SITLegs); (2) 50-min continuous cycling at 65% V̇O2max (END); (3) repeated sprints on an arm-crank ergometer (SITArms). Respiratory gas exchange was assessed before and during exercise, and at eight points across 22h of recovery.


RESULTS
Metabolic rate was elevated to greater extent in the first 8h after SITLegsthan SITArms(by 0.8±1.1kJ/min, p=0.03), and tended to be greater than END (by 0.7±1.3kJ/min, p=0.08). Total 24-h energy use (exercise+recovery) was equivalent between SITLegsand END (p = 0.55), and SITLegsand SITArms(p=0.13), but 24-h fat use was higher with SITLegsthan END (by 26±38g, p=0.04) and SITArms(by 27±43g, p=0.05), whereas carbohydrate use was higher with SITArmsthan SITLegs(by 32±51g, p=0.05). Plasma volume-corrected post-exercise and fasting glucose and lipid concentrations were unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite much lower energy use during five sprints than 50-min continuous exercise, 24-h energy use was not reliably different. However, (i) fat metabolism was greater after sprints, and (ii) carbohydrate metabolism was greater in the hours after sprints with arms than legs, while 24-h energy usage was comparable. Thus, sprints using arms or legs may be an important adjunct exercise mode for metabolic health.
School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Monique E
ME
Francois
School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Matthew J
MJ
Graham
School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Evelyn B
EB
Parr
School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Nancy J
NJ
Rehrer
Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Samuel J E
SJE
Lucas
Willamette University, Oregon, USA.
Stasinos
S
Stavrianeas
School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Electronic address: jim.cotter@otago.ac.nz.
James D
JD
Cotter
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids
Blood lipids; Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption; Fat metabolism; Insulin sensitivity; Metabolic rate