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

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 O (p O) followed by matched-duration passive recovery on a cycle ergometer.

RESULTS

Absolute mean O (p = 0.0257) and relative mean O (p = 0.0275) were higher in 15 s than 30 s HIIT. Total time at > 90% O 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 O at a lower perceived exertion and with smaller reductions in peak muscle force after exercise.