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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04075929

Short or Long High Intensity Training

To compare the effects of short and long high intensity interval training (HIT) conducted with the same total accumulated duration on physiological- and performance parameters during a 4-week training period.

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Key information

Conditions

Sports Performance Cycling Well-trained Athletes

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Agder

Kristiansand, 4630, Norway

About this study

Studies among elite athletes have documented the importance of large amounts of training volume in order to perform at a high level in endurance sports. It is also well documented that both low intensity training (LIT), moderate intensity training (MIT) and high intensity training (HIT) should be included in the overall training efforts. It is well documented that HIT has a positive effect on the aerobic endurance among both elite athletes and recreational athletes.

Despite the fact that there is general agreement that HIT is an important part of the overall training, it is unclear how this part of the training should be organized in order to optimize the training effects. The adaptions of endurance performance seem to depend on both the intensity and the accumulated duration of the HIT sessions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of SI and LI training, including equal accumulated HIT duration, during a 4-week intervention period, conducted as 4x8-min with 2-min recovery periods, 4x(12x40/20-sec) with 2-min recovery periods and 4x(8x40/20-sec) with 2-min recovery periods, in different physiological- and performance parameters among well-trained cyclists.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • male < 40 years,
  • peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) > 55 ml.kg-1.min-1,
  • training volume >3 sessions per week (within cycling)
  • absence of disease and injuries.

Exclusion criteria

  • disease/injuries
  • frequent absence of HIT sessions during the period.

Treatment and study plan

Training effects on aerobic output

Other

The cyclists were allowed to perform ad libitum low intensity (LIT) in addition to high intensity (HIT) sessions that were determined to each group. The cyclists completed 12 supervised HIT sessions during the intervention period, three HIT sessions per week with at least 48 hours between each HIT-session. All HIT sessions were performed as supervised group training sessions. Each HIT session started with an individual 30 minutes' warm up at low intensity (55-70% HRmax) interspersed by freely chosen progressive sprints. For all groups the power output during the recovery periods was 50 % of the power output used during work intervals. The cyclists in all groups were instructed to perform each interval session at their maximal sustainable intensity. Each session ended with 15-20 minutes' cool down (55-70% HRmax). All HIT sessions were supervised and performed in groups on the University of Agder's (UiA) premises at Spicheren fitness center in Kristiansand.

Primary outcomes

  1. Maximal oxygen uptake

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    VO2max

Secondary outcomes

  1. Functional threshold power

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    FTP

  2. Peak power output

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    PPO

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Agder

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Aerobic Short or Long High Intensity Interval Training - Does it Matter

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
Sep 3, 2019
Registry last updated
Sep 3, 2019

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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