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A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
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Muscle activation and heart rate responses to a side-step interval exercise
Robert S Thiebaud1, Takashi Abe2, Jonathan C Bravo1
1Department of Kinesiology, Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
|February 17, 2017
Summary
Side-step interval exercise effectively elevates heart rate and muscle activation, particularly at faster tempos. This suggests its potential for improving cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The side-step test is a common measure of agility.
- Side-step interval exercise may enhance cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness.
- Acute physiological responses to side-step interval exercise are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute heart rate response to side-step interval exercise at different tempos.
- To examine the muscle activation patterns of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis during side-step interval exercise.
- To compare the physiological demands of slow versus fast tempo side-step interval exercise.
Main Methods:
- Ten participants underwent VO2 max testing.
- Participants performed 4x1-minute side-step intervals with 1-minute rest.
- Exercise was conducted at slow (84 bpm) and fast (112 bpm) tempos.
- Heart rate and muscle activation (EMGmax) of vastus lateralis and medialis were recorded.
Main Results:
- Fast tempo elicited higher muscle activation: vastus lateralis (53-65% EMGmax), vastus medialis (64-76% EMGmax).
- Slow tempo showed lower activation: vastus lateralis (45-48% EMGmax), vastus medialis (51-54% EMGmax).
- Heart rates reached 80-84% HRmax at fast tempo and 67-72% HRmax at slow tempo.
Conclusions:
- Side-step interval exercise, especially at faster tempos, achieves significant exercise intensity.
- The findings support the use of side-step interval exercise for improving cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness.
- Tempo is a critical factor influencing physiological responses during side-step interval exercise.
Keywords:
acutecardiorespiratory fitnesselectromyographyhigh-intensity interval trainingmuscular fitnessMore Related Videos
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