Large Inter-individual Differences in Responses to a Block of High Intensity Aerobic Interval Training: a Case Series in National-level Cyclists and Triathletes

Authors

Solfrid Bratland-Sanda, University of South-Eastern NorwayFollow
Frank G. Pedersen, University of South-Eastern NorwayFollow
Marius N. Haave, University of South-Eastern NorwayFollow
Jan Helgerud, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Øyvind Støren, University of South-Eastern NorwayFollow

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(2): 480-487, 2020. The aim was to investigate individual responses on VO_2maxand performance to a block of high intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT) in national-level endurance athletes. METHODS: National-level cyclists and triathletes (five men and two women, 31 ± 3.3 years, VO_2max65.1 ± 3.3 ml·kg^-1·min^-1) conducted 14 HIIT sessions (4x4 min uphill running at 90-95% maximal heart rate) in nine days during preseason. VO_2maxin running and cycling, lactate threshold (LT) in cycling, oxygen cost of cycling (C_C), and a cycling time-trial (TT) were tested two days pre and seven days post intervention. Feasibility was determined using attendance rates, adherence (defined as completing all sessions), and reported adverse events. RESULTS: The results showed that adherence was 100% with 100% attendance rate. No adverse events were reported. TT (-75.6 ± 50.8 seconds, p< 0.0001)but not VO_2maxcycling (-0.2 ± 4.6 ml×kg^-1×min^-1, p= 0.53) or running (0.2 ± 1.2ml×kg^-1×min^-1, p= 0.85) was improved on group level. The individual responses varied from -8.2% to +14.5% change in VO_2max, and -7.5% to +0.8% in TT. CONCLUSIONS: The large inter-individual differences in responses call for tailor-making HIIT blocks, mapping of biomarkers to avoid overtraining, and studying the effects of such blocks with longer follow-up than seven days.

Recommended Citation

Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid; Pedersen, Frank G.; Haave, Marius N.; Helgerud, Jan; and Støren, Øyvind (2020) "Large Inter-individual Differences in Responses to a Block of High Intensity Aerobic Interval Training: a Case Series in National-level Cyclists and Triathletes," International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 13 : Iss. 2, Pages 480 - 487.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijes/vol13/iss2/14