Physiological, perceptual and neuromuscular responses of team sport athletes to short duration high intensity interval training using cycling

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the acute physiological, perceptual and neuromuscular responses of team sport athletes to two volume-matched cycling high intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions with short work bouts (< 60 s). Methods: Using and randomised crossover design, 16 male team sport players completed 2 × 6 min (with 5 min between sets) repeated efforts of 15 s or 30 s exercising at 120% power at V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 max (pV˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 max) followed by matched-duration passive recovery on a cycle ergometer. Results: Absolute mean V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 (p = 0.0257) and relative mean V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 (p = 0.0275) were higher in 15 s than 30 s HIIT. Total time at > 90% V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 max during the HIIT was higher for 15 s compared to 30 s HIIT (p = 0.0257). Heart rate remained the same between trials (p = 0.805) as did oxygen pulse (p = 0.1161). B[La] was lower in 15 s compared to 30 s HIIT (p = 0.0257). Differences in dRPE-L (p = 0.0495), dRPE-B (p = 0.0495) and dRPE-O (p = 0.1837) suggested lower perceived exertion in 15 s compared to 30 s HIIT. Maximal isometric knee extension force revealed a greater reduction after 30 s HIIT (p = 0.0495). Conclusion: Team sport athletes using short duration cycling-based HIIT should use 15 s work intervals to elicit greater time working near V˙$$\dot{\text{V}}$$O2 max at a lower perceived exertion and with smaller reductions in peak muscle force after exercise.