Hughes, S. C., Burgomaster, K. A., Heigenhauser, G. J., & Gibala, M. J. (2003). Six bouts of sprint interval training (SIT) improves intense aerobic cycling performance and peak anaerobic power. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1875.

This investigation studied the effect of six intense sprint interval training (SIT) sessions over two weeks on performance and physiological measures. Recreationally trained Ss (M = 6; F = 2) performed SIT (6 bouts of 4-8 Wingate 30-s tests with 4-min recovery between tests) six times with 1-2 days of rest between sessions over two weeks. Performance was measured by a ride to exhaustion at ~80% VO2peak. Physiological measures were taken.

VO2peak was unchanged over the training period. Maximum anaerobic work increased by 14% and cycle time to exhaustion increased ~101%. Lactate measures were unchanged as a result of the training.

Implication. Judiciously applied sprint interval training and recovery resulted in improved intense aerobic work and to a lesser extent, anaerobic work.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.