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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
Exercise intensity optimization for men with high cardiorespiratory fitness
Luciene F Azevedo1, Patrícia S Perlingeiro, Patricia C Brum
1Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology Unit, Heart Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. luciene.azevedo@usp.br
Optimal exercise intensity for highly fit men is 78-93% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) and 70-93% of heart rate reserve (HRR). These ranges, linked to ventilatory thresholds, remain consistent with advancing age.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Background:
- Exercise intensity prescription is crucial but optimal ranges for highly fit individuals are not well-defined.
- Understanding these ranges is vital for effective training and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine optimal heart rate (HR) ranges for men with high cardiorespiratory fitness.
- Identify HR ranges corresponding to ventilatory threshold (VT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP).
- Investigate the influence of aging on these exercise intensities.
Main Methods:
- Maximal cardiorespiratory testing was conducted on 210 trained men.
- Linear regression analyzed relationships between %HRmax/%VO(2max) and %HRR/%VO(2reserve).
- Calculated corresponding %HRmax and %HRR at VT and RCP.
Main Results:
- Optimal exercise intensity ranges were 78-93% of HRmax and 70-93% of HRR at VT and RCP.
- Absolute HR decreased with age, but %HRmax and %HRR at VT showed no age-related differences.
- Age did not influence exercise intensity ranges based on HRmax and HRR at VT.
Conclusions:
- For highly fit men, exercise intensity prescription should target 78-93% HRmax or 70-93% HRR for VT.
- These intensity ranges are reliable and not significantly affected by advancing age in this population.
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