Supramaximal training and postexercise parasympathetic reactivation in adolescents

Authors

Martin Buchheit
Gregoire P. Millet
Arnaud Parisy
Samuel Pourchez
Paul B. Laursen, Edith Cowan University
Said Ahmaidi

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research

RAS ID

5737

Comments

Buchheit, M., Millet, G. P., Parisy, A., Pourchez, S., Laursen, P. B., & Ahmaidi, S. (2008). Supramaximal training and postexercise parasympathetic reactivation in adolescents. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 40(2), 362-371. Available here

Abstract

Repeated supramaximal exercise training is an efficient means of improving both aerobic and anaerobic energy system capacities. However, the influence of different levels of supramaximal training on parasympathetic function is unknown.

Purpose: To compare the effects of repeated-sprint (RS) versus high-intensity intermittent training (HIT) on performance and postexercise parasympathetic reactivation in trained adolescents.

Methods: Fifteen male adolescents (15.6 ± 0.8 yr) were divided into two groups that performed 9 wk of either RS (repeated all-out 6-s shuttle sprints; 14-20 s of recovery; N = 8) or HIT (15- to 20-s runs at 95% of the speed reached at the end of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (V _IFT); 15-20 s of recovery; N = 7). Groups performed intervals twice per week and maintained similar external training programs. Before and after training, performance was assessed by the V _IFT, countermovement jump (CMJ), 10-m sprint time (10 m), mean RS ability time (RSA_mean), and heart rate (HR_sub) level during a 6-min submaximal (60% V _IFT) exercise test, where parasympathetic reactivation was assessed during the recovery phase (i.e., HR recovery time constant (HRRτ) and HR variability (HRV)).

Results: Parasympathetic function, V _IFT, and RSA_mean were improved with HIT but not RS training. In contrast, changes in CMJ and HR_sub were similar in both groups. A significant relationship was shown between the decrease in HRRτ and RSA_mean (r = 0.62, P < 0.05; N = 15).

Conclusion: HIT was more effective than RS training at improving postexercise parasympathetic function and physical performance. In addition, HRRτ, which was more sensitive to training than HRV indices, seems to be a useful performance-related measurement.

DOI

10.1249/mss.0b013e31815aa2ee

Access Rights

free_to_read