The effect of an aerobic interval training program on intermittent anaerobic performance
Date
1993
Authors
Gaiga, Milena
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a nine week aerobic interval training program on high intensity, short duration work. Twenty-four recreationally active males were separated into a training group and a control group. The training group (TG) participated in a nine week aerobic interval training program which consisted of 3 minute intervals in a work to rest ratio of 1:1, repeated 5-10 times at a heart rate intensity corresponding to V0₂max. The control group (CG) continued with their regular activity program. Measurements of aerobic power (V0₂max) and intermittent anaerobic performance were recorded prior to the study and at completion of the training program. The anaerobic performance test (APT) involved four 30 second Wingate tests with by 3 minutes of recovery. Short-term peak power (SPP), short-term anaerobic capacity (SAC), intermediate-term peak power (IPP) and total work (TW) were measured during the four Wingate tests.
Relative and absolute values of aerobic power significantly increased from 51.7 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ and 3.7 L · min⁻¹ to 55.0 ml· kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ and 4.0L·min⁻¹ for the TG. No significant change was observed for the CG with values of 51.7 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ and 4.2L·min⁻¹ for the pre-test and 50.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ and 4.0L·min⁻¹ in the post-test. There was no significant difference in body mass (kg) between the two groups from pre to post-test. There were significant increases in all the four variables (SPP, SAC, IPP and TW) and across the four repeats for anaerobic performance (Tl-T4) in the TG whereas the CG demonstrated a significant increase only in SPP for Repeat 3. These data suggest that the type of interval training program used in the study increases aerobic power and also enhances performance in repeated high intensity, short duration work.