Similar metabolic response to lower- versus upper-body interval exercise or endurance exercise
Monique E Francois1, Matthew J Graham1, Evelyn B Parr1
1School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|February 11, 2017
Summary
Sprint exercise, whether using legs or arms, leads to comparable 24-hour energy expenditure. However, leg sprints increase fat metabolism, while arm sprints boost carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting both are beneficial for metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Health
- Sports Science
Background:
- Understanding the metabolic impact of different exercise modalities is crucial for optimizing training and health outcomes.
- Sprint interval training (SIT) and endurance exercise elicit distinct physiological responses.
- The 24-hour energy expenditure and substrate utilization following upper-body versus lower-body sprints are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare 24-hour energy expenditure and substrate partitioning between repeated lower-body sprints (SITLegs), upper-body sprints (SITArms), and continuous endurance exercise (END).
Main Methods:
- Twelve untrained males completed three randomized trials: SITLegs (cycle ergometer), END (continuous cycling), and SITArms (arm-crank ergometer).
- Respiratory gas exchange was measured during exercise and at eight recovery points over 22 hours.
- Total 24-hour energy use and substrate utilization (fat and carbohydrate) were calculated.
Main Results:
- Total 24-hour energy expenditure was similar across all three exercise conditions (SITLegs, SITArms, END).
- 24-hour fat utilization was significantly higher following SITLegs compared to both END and SITArms.
- 24-hour carbohydrate utilization was higher following SITArms compared to SITLegs.
Conclusions:
- Despite differences in acute energy cost, 24-hour energy expenditure is comparable between sprint and endurance exercise.
- Sprint exercise, particularly using the legs, enhances fat metabolism over 24 hours.
- Both upper-body and lower-body sprint protocols may serve as valuable adjuncts for improving metabolic health.
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