Comparison of Acute Responses to Two Different Cycling Sprint Interval Exercise Protocols with Different Recovery Durations

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of acute responses to different sprint interval exercise (SIE) helps to implement new training programs. The aim of this study was to compare the acute physiological, metabolic and perceptual responses to two different SIE cycling protocols with different recovery durations. Methods: Twelve healthy, active male participants took part in this study and completed four testing sessions in the laboratory separated by a minimum of 72h. Two SIE protocols were applied in randomized order: SIE_6×10"/4'-six "all-out" repeated 10-s bouts, interspersed with 4-min recovery; and SIE_SERIES-two series of three "all-out" repeated 10-s bouts, separated by 30-s recovery and 18-min recovery between series. Protocols were matched for the total work time (1 min) and recovery (20 min). Results: In SIE_SERIES, peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate were significantly higher (p < 0.05), without differences in peak blood lactate concentration and mean rating of perceived exertion compared to SIE_6×10"/4'. There were no differences in peak power output, peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate between both series in SIE_SERIES. Conclusions: Two series composed of three 10-s "all-out" bouts in SIE_SERIES protocol evoked higher cardiorespiratory responses, which can provide higher stimulus to improve aerobic fitness in regular training.

Keywords: blood lactate; cardiorespiratory responses; peak oxygen uptake; perceptual responses; sprint interval exercise.

Figure 1

Cycling sprint interval exercise protocols split (SIE_SERIES) or not (SIE_{6×10”/4’}) into series.

Figure 2

Changes in peak power output for each bout between both sprint interval exercise protocols. ^a—statistically significant difference between PPO related to first bout in SERIES I (p < 0.05), ^b—statistically significant difference between PPO related to first bout in SERIES II (p < 0.05).

Figure 3

Related values (%max from incremental exercise test) of oxygen uptake and heart rate during and after the SIE_SERIES and SIE_{6×10”/4’}.

Figure 4

Pearson’s correlation of total work SIE_SERIES and SIE_{6×10”/4’} with maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) determined in incremental exercise test.

Figure 5

Pearson’s correlation of total work SIE_SERIES and SIE_{6×10”/4’} with maximal aerobic power (MAP) determined in incremental exercise test.