Mohr, M., Krustrup, P., Nielsen, J. J., Mybo, L., Rasmussen, K., Juel, C., & Bangsbo, J. (2005). Effect of two different training regimes on muscle adaptations and intermittent exercise performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 1518.

Males were divided into two groups. Both groups completed 33-37 high-intensity intermittent training sessions over eight weeks. A short-interval group (N = 6) performed short-duration activities (15 x 6-second runs at 95% of maximum running speed with one minute for recovery). A longer-interval group (N = 7) performed 8 x 30-second runs at ~130% VO2max with 1.5 minutes for recovery.

The longer-interval group had significantly higher blood and muscle lactates than the short-interval group. It also ran 29% longer in a performance test, which was significantly better than the short-interval group. The short-interval group improved significantly in peak sprint performance. Submaximal lactate concentrations declined in the longer-interval group but not in the short duration group.

Implication. Longer-duration training produced better adaptations in longer-duration intermittent anaerobic work. Short-duration training increased peak velocity performances but did not affect performances in longer-duration intermittent work. Both forms of work changed performances in exercises related to the form of training.

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