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Exercise training comprising of single 20-s cycle sprints does not provide a sufficient stimulus for improving maximal aerobic capacity in sedentary individuals

P. Songsorn, A. Lambeth-Mansell, J. L. Mair, M. Haggett, B. L. Fitzpatrick, J. Ruffino, A. Holliday, R. S. Metcalfe, N. B. J. Vollaard, Richard Metcalfe Orcid Logo

European Journal of Applied Physiology, Volume: 116, Issue: 8, Pages: 1511 - 1517

Swansea University Author: Richard Metcalfe Orcid Logo

Abstract

PurposeSprint interval training (SIT) provides a potent stimulus for improving maximal aerobic capacity ( V˙O2maxV˙O2max), which is among the strongest markers for future cardiovascular health and premature mortality. Cycling-based SIT protocols involving six or more ‘all-out’ 30-s Wingate sprints p...

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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology
ISSN: 1439-6319 1439-6327
Published: 2016
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa35659
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Abstract: PurposeSprint interval training (SIT) provides a potent stimulus for improving maximal aerobic capacity ( V˙O2maxV˙O2max), which is among the strongest markers for future cardiovascular health and premature mortality. Cycling-based SIT protocols involving six or more ‘all-out’ 30-s Wingate sprints per training session improve V˙O2maxV˙O2max, but we have recently demonstrated that similar improvements in V˙O2maxV˙O2max can be achieved with as few as two 20-s sprints. This suggests that the volume of sprint exercise has limited influence on subsequent training adaptations. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine whether a single 20-s cycle sprint per training session can provide a sufficient stimulus for improving V˙O2maxV˙O2max.MethodsThirty sedentary or recreationally active participants (10 men/20 women; mean ± SD age: 24 ± 6 years, BMI: 22.6 ± 4.0 kg m−2, V˙O2maxV˙O2max: 33 ± 7 mL kg−1 min−1) were randomised to a training group or a no-intervention control group. Training involved three exercise sessions per week for 4 weeks, consisting of a single 20-s Wingate sprint (no warm-up or cool-down). V˙O2maxV˙O2max was determined prior to training and 3 days following the final training session.ResultsMean V˙O2maxV˙O2max did not significantly change in the training group (2.15 ± 0.62 vs. 2.22 ± 0.64 L min−1) or the control group (2.07 ± 0.69 vs. 2.08 ± 0.68 L min−1; effect of time: P = 0.17; group × time interaction effect: P = 0.26).ConclusionAlthough we have previously demonstrated that regularly performing two repeated 20-s ‘all-out’ cycle sprints provides a sufficient training stimulus for a robust increase in V˙O2maxV˙O2max, our present study suggests that this is not the case when training sessions are limited to a single sprint.
Keywords: V˙O2 max, High-intensity interval training, SIT, Wingate sprint, Sprint interval
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Issue: 8
Start Page: 1511
End Page: 1517