Zacharogiannis, E., Tziortzis, S., & Paradisis, G. (2003). Effects of continuous, interval, and speed training on anaerobic capacity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 2066.

This investigation assessed the trainability of maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) after continuous, interval, and speed training. Active men and women were assigned to three training or a control group: continuous training (N = 10; 70% VO2max for 30-50 minutes), interval training (N = 10; 85-100% VO2max 16-35 minutes), speed training (N = 10; 100% maximal speed in 20-50 m intervals for 300-400 m total distance per session), and control (N = 8). Training was for three days per week and lasted for eight weeks.

Only speed training increased MAOD. It remained unchanged in the other two forms of training.

Implication. Moderate interval intensity training and continuous training mainly change aerobic power in exercise. Only supramaximal sprint training stimulates improvement in MAOD.

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