Influence of high-intensity interval training on adaptations in well-trained cyclists

Authors

Paul B. Laursen, Edith Cowan University
Cecilia M. Shing
Jonathan M. Peake
Jeff S Coombes
David G. Jenkins

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science

RAS ID

3074

Comments

Laursen, P. B., Shing, C. M., Peake, J. M., Coombes, J. S., & Jenkins, D. G. (2005). Influence of high-intensity interval training on adaptations in well-trained cyclists. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(3), 527. Available here

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of 3 different high-intensity interval training regimens on the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT₁ and VT₂), anaerobic capacity (ANC), and plasma volume (PV) in well-trained endurance cyclists. Before and after 2 and 4 weeks of training, 38 well-trained cyclists (V̇ _O2peak = 64.5 ± 5.2 ml·kg^-1·min ^-1) performed (a) a progressive cycle test to measure V̇_O2peak, peak power output (PPO), VT₁, and VT ₂; (b) a time to exhaustion test (T_max) at their V̇_O2peak power output (P_max); and (c) a 40-km time-trial (TT₄₀). Subjects were assigned to 1 of 4 training groups (group 1: n = 8, 8 X 60% T_max at P_max, 1:2 work-recovery ratio; group 2: n = 9, 8 X 60% T_max at P_max, recovery at 65% maximum heart rate; group 3: n = 10, 12 x 30 seconds at 175% PPO, 4.5-minute recovery; control group: n = 11). The TT₄₀ performance, V̇_O2peak, VT₁, VT₂, and ANC were all significantly increased in groups 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.05) but not in the control group. However, PV did not change in response to the 4-week training program. Changes in TT₄₀ performance were modestly related to the changes in V̇_O2peak, VT₁, VT₂, and ANC (r = 0.41, 0.34, 0.42, and 0.40, respectively; all p < 0.05). In conclusion, the improvements in TT₄₀ performance were related to significant increases in V̇_O2peak, VT₁, VT₂, and ANC but were not accompanied by significant changes in PV. Thus, peripheral adaptations rather than central adaptations are likely responsible for the improved performances witnessed in well-trained endurance athletes following various forms of high-intensity interval training programs.

DOI

10.1519/15964.1