The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training, in Conjunction with Functional Training Equipment, on VO2max and Peak Power in Recreationally Trained Individuals

Authors

Christopher Sataray, Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas A & M University - CommerceFollow
Vipa Bernhardt, Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas A & M University - CommerceFollow

Abstract

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a training style requiring maximal effort for a short duration of time followed by an even smaller period of minimal intensity exercise. High intensity interval training using functional training (HIIT-FT) equipment is an alternative mode of exercise than traditional workouts performed at a health club which is not only time saving, but also cost effective and can be performed without leaving home. It was hypothesized that a 6-week HIIT-FT exercise program would significantly increase maximal oxygen uptake and PP in recreationally active, college-aged adults compared to those who did not participate in this particular form of exercise. Twenty-five subjects (13W/12M, 23 ± 3 yr, 165.6 ± 8.7 cm, 72.8 ± 17.6 kg, VO₂max: 3.1 ± 0.9 L/min, PP: 1132.4 ± 356.2 W) were recruited and randomized into two groups: The HIIT-FT group (n = 13, 6W/7M) and a control group (n = 12, 7W/5M), who maintained their current level of recreational activity throughout the study period. All participants completed a VO₂max test on a treadmill (TrueOne 2400, Parvo Medics) and a Wingate test for PP (Velotron, RacerMate) before and after the intervention. The HIIT-FT group trained for 40 ± 8 min per session (including warm-up and cool-down), 3 times per week for a total of 18 sessions. Total exercise time per session was 11 ± 3 min. There were significant improvements (p = 0.002) after the training protocol in the HIIT-FT group in VO₂max (3.4 L/min, 7.7%), but not the control group (2.9L/min, -3.8%). PP increased in the HIIT-FT group (1194 W, 3.8%) and in the control group (1112 W, 2.4%) with no significant changes following the training protocol or between groups (p = 0.538). The results of the current study agree with other similar HIIT studies regarding VO₂max; however, the current study failed to demonstrate increases in PP. HIIT-FT is an effective method to improve aerobic fitness that is time-efficient, cheaper than traditional training programs, and can be performed without ever leaving home.

Recommended Citation

Sataray, Christopher and Bernhardt, Vipa (2016) "The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training, in Conjunction with Functional Training Equipment, on VO2max and Peak Power in Recreationally Trained Individuals," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 8, Article 47.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss8/47