Optimization of high-intensity-interval-training program intensity to improve aerobic performance in healthy active subjects

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two different intensities (100% MAV and 110% performances in healthy active subjects.METHODS: Twenty-nine male physical education students were assigned in randomized order to a control group (CG, N.=9, age=22.0 +/- 1.2 yrs), and two HIIT experimental groups (EG): intermittent exercise (IE) at 100% MAV (EG100, N.=10, age=21.4 +/- 1.1yrs) and IE at 110% MAV (EG110, N.=10, age=21.9 +/- 1.3 yrs). Participants performed 1500 meter running performance (1500-MRP), maximal-graded (MGT) and intermittent-exercise (IE) tests before and after 8-week HIIT program (three sessions per week). Blood samples were collected at rest, at the end of EI and after 15 min of recovery.RESULTS: The HIIT programs showed a significant improvement in 1500-MRP (P<0.001; d=0.57 [medium], d=1.11 [large]), MAV (P<0.001, d=0.59 [medium], d=0.67 [medium]) and V? O2max (P=0.003, P=0.002; d=0.43 [medium], d=0.49 [medium]) in both EG100 and EG110, respectively. After HIIT, EG110 showed significant higher performances in 1500-MRP (-11.5%; P=0.043; d=0.44 [medium]) and MAV (8.9%; P=0.031; d=0.45 [medium]) compared to EG100. In addition, result showed a significant increase (P<0.001) in time to exhaustion (tlim) for both EG100 (+32.5%; d=2.01 [very large]) and EG110 (+70.3%; d=4.02 [very large]) after HIIT. However, no significant change of physical performance in control group.CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of HIIT program at both 100% and 110% MAV intensities, had a significant effect to improve endurance performance (e.g., 1500-MRP, MAV and V? O2max). On the other hand training HIIT at 110% MAV intensity was more efficient to improve MAV and V? O2max. intensity-interval-training program intensity to improve aerobic performance in healthy active subjects. Med Sport

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the effect of different intensities of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on healthy active subjects. The results showed that an 8-week HIIT program significantly improved endurance performance, and training at 110% of maximum aerobic velocity (MAV) intensity was more effective in improving MAV and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).