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Performance and physiological responses to repeated-sprint exercise: a novel multiple-set approach
Fabio R Serpiello1, Michael J McKenna, Nigel K Stepto
1School of Sport and Exercise Science, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|October 20, 2010
Summary
Repeated-sprint training significantly enhances acceleration and intermittent running capacity in athletes. This short, 10-minute exercise regimen improves performance in multiple-set sprint protocols, mirroring team sports.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Repeated-sprint exercise (RSE) is crucial for team sports, but its effects on multiple sets are not fully understood.
- Assessing acute and chronic adaptations to multi-set RSE is vital for optimizing training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute and chronic effects of repeated-sprint training on performance and physiological responses during multiple sets of RSE.
- To evaluate changes in acceleration, intermittent running capacity, and recovery markers.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy adults completed baseline tests (Yo-Yo IR1, incremental test) and an RSE session (3 sets of 5x4s sprints).
- Participants underwent 10 repeated-sprint training sessions, followed by repeat testing.
- Measurements included sprint performance (acceleration, power, velocity), heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood lactate.
Main Results:
- Performance declined across sets during RSE, but training improved all performance indices, especially acceleration (up to 21.9%).
- Yo-Yo IR1 performance increased by 8% post-training.
- Training reduced lactate accumulation relative to work done and lowered recovery heart rate during RSE.
Conclusions:
- A 10-minute repeated-sprint training program effectively enhances performance in multi-set RSE, improving acceleration and intermittent running capacity.
- This training model simulates team-sport demands better than single-set protocols.
- Rapid improvements in acceleration have significant implications for athletic performance.
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