Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of three different high-intensity interval training (HIT) regimens on endurance performance in highly trained endurance athletes. Methods: Before, and after 2 and 4 wk of training, 38 cyclists and triathletes (mean ± SD; age = 25 ± 6 yr; mass = 75 ± 7 kg; V̇O 2peak = 64.5 ± 5.2 mL.kg -1 ·min -1 ) performed: I) a progressive cycle test to measure peak oxygen consumption (V̇O 2peak ) and peak aerobic power output (PPO), 2) a time to exhaustion test (T max ) at their V̇O 2peak power output (P max ), as well as 3) a 40-km time-trial (TT 40 ). Subjects were matched and assigned to one of four training groups (G 1 , N = 8, 8 × 60% T max at P max , 1:2 work:recovery ratio; G 2 , N = 9, 8 × 60% T max at P max , recovery at 65% HR max ; G 3 , N = 10, 12 × 30 s at 175% PPO, 4.5-min recovery; G CON , N = 11). In addition to G 1 , G 2 , and G 3 performing HIT twice per week, all athletes maintained their regular low-intensity training throughout the experimental period. Results: All HIT groups improved TT 40 performance (+4.4 to +5.8%) and PPO (+3.0 to +6.2%) significantly more than G CON (-0.9 to + 1.1%; P < 0.05). Furthermore, G 1 (+5.4%) and G 2 (+8.1%) improved their V̇O 2peak significantly more than G CON (+1.0%; P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study has shown that when HIT incorporates P max as the interval intensity and 60% of T max as the interval duration, already highly trained cyclists can significantly improve their 40-km time trial performance. Moreover, the present data confirm prior research, in that repeated supramaximal HIT can significantly improve 40-km time trial performance.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Psychology
Research Group:	Applied and developmental psychology
Research Field:	Sport and exercise psychology
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Other health
Objective Field:	Other health not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Shing, CM (Dr Cecilia Kitic)
ID Code:	47078
Year Published:	2002
Web of Science® Times Cited:	180
Deposited By:	Health Sciences A
Deposited On:	2007-09-11
Last Modified:	2007-09-11
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