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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06906393

Adaptations to 4-s Sprint Interval Training at Different Intensities

The purpose of this study is to investigate the chronic effects (i.e., 8 weeks, 3 times per week) of training at 50% and 75% of maximal power with 4-s sprint interval training on physiological adaptations. We previously examined the effect of training with an all-out intensity (i.e., 100% of maximal power) and reported increases in cardiorespiratory fitness. Now, we propose to examine the effects of a lower exercise intensity domains on cardiovascular fitness and its ability to stimulate the cardiorespiratory system. We hypothesize that training at 50% and 75% of maximal power will improve cardiorespiratory fitness similar to our previous findings while reducing the rate of perceived exertion during the exercise session. It is anticipated that the group engaged in training at 75% of maximal power will experience greater improvements in comparison to the group training at 50%.

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Key information

Conditions

Cardiovascular Fitness Behavior Motor Activity

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, the University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas, 78712, United States

About this study

Background Sprint interval training (SIT) is a well-established method for improving cardiovascular and anaerobic performance. While most research focuses on all-out efforts, less is known about the effects of submaximal sprint intensities on these adaptations. This study examined how training at 50%, 75%, and all-out (85%) of maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) influences aerobic capacity and anaerobic power over an 8-week training period.

Methods

Participants: 24 recreationally active adults (12 females, 12 males) were randomly assigned to one of three training groups:

50% Pmax

75% Pmax

All-out (85% Pmax)

Training Protocol: Participants completed three sessions per week for eight weeks. Each session consisted of thirty 4-second sprints on a cycling ergometer, totaling 10 minutes per session.

Measurements: Peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) and maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) were assessed before and after the training program.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Young (18-30),
  • Healthy,
  • Recreationally active, but untrained (not meeting ACSM's recommendations of 150 min/week of moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise)

Exclusion criteria

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Smoking
  • Subjects who were exercising regularly (>75 min/week) were excluded.

Treatment and study plan

Preventive treatment

Behavioral

4-second Sprint Interval Training (SIT) over 8 weeks to improve cardiovascular health.

Primary outcomes

  1. Peak oxygen consumption

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Maximal anaerobic power

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Texas at Austin

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Physiological Adaptations to 4-s Sprint Interval Training at Different Intensities of Maximal Power

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Apr 2, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 2, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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