Affiliations: [a] Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland | [b] Polish Cycling Federation, Pruszkow, Poland
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Paulina Hebisz, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education, 35 J.I. Paderewski Avenue, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland. Tel.: +48 507548737; Fax: +48 713473036; E-mail:paulinahebisz@interia.pl
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: While interval training is considered an effective
modality for improving physical performance, it is still unclear how to
monitor and determine optimal training load. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to identify differences in power, heart
rate, and acid-base balance in response to a single interval training
session in cyclists. METHODS: The research involved 21 mountain cyclists experienced and
inexperienced with interval training. The interval training test consisted
of several sets (4-6, until exhaustion) of maximal intensity exercise on a
cycle-ergometer. Each set comprised four 30-s repetitions interspersed with
90-s recovery periods. Peak power, work output, heart rate, hydrogen and
lactate ion concentrations were measured. RESULTS: The cyclists experienced with interval training performed
significantly more (p< 0.01) sets than inexperienced cyclists (5.6 ±
1.0 vs. 4.5 ± 0.8 sets, respectively). Power and work output decreased
in the last completed set only in the inexperienced group (660.5 ± 53.6
vs. 659.9 ± 71.3 W and 666.6 ± 63.3 vs. 633.7 ± 86.8 W in the
first and last sets for the experienced and inexperienced cyclists,
respectively). The experienced group showed a decrease in hydrogen ion
accumulation in the fourth set; in the inexperienced group this occurred in
the second set. The experienced group showed lower heart-rate recovery times
after the last set. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclists experienced with interval training could
perform more repeated bouts of exercise with a disrupted acid-base balance
at a similar performance level than inexperienced cyclists.
