Differential control of respiratory frequency and tidal volume during high-intensity interval training

What is the central question of this study? By manipulating recovery intensity and exercise duration during high-intensity interval training (HIIT), we tested the hypothesis that fast inputs contribute more than metabolic stimuli to respiratory frequency (f_R ) regulation. What is the main finding and its importance? Respiratory frequency, but not tidal volume, responded rapidly and in proportion to changes in workload during HIIT, and was dissociated from some markers of metabolic stimuli in response to both experimental manipulations, suggesting that fast inputs contribute more than metabolic stimuli to f_R regulation. Differentiating between f_R and tidal volume may help to unravel the mechanisms underlying exercise hyperpnoea. Given that respiratory frequency (f_R ) has been proposed as a good marker of physical effort, furthering the understanding of how f_R is regulated during exercise is of great importance. We manipulated recovery intensity and exercise duration during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to test the hypothesis that fast inputs (including central command) contribute more than metabolic stimuli to f_R regulation. Seven male cyclists performed an incremental test, a 10 and a 20 min continuous time trial (TT) as preliminary tests. Subsequently, recovery intensity and exercise duration were manipulated during HIIT (30 s work and 30 s active recovery) by performing four 10 min and one 20 min trial (recovery intensities of 85, 70, 55 and 30% of the 10 min TT mean workload; and 85% of the 20 min TT mean workload). The work intensity of the HIIT sessions was self-paced by participants to achieve the best performance possible. When manipulating recovery intensity, f_R , but not tidal volume (V_T ), showed a fast response to the alternation of the work and recovery phases, proportional to the extent of workload variations. No association between f_R and gas exchange responses was observed. When manipulating exercise duration, f_R and rating of perceived exertion were dissociated from V_T , carbon dioxide output and oxygen uptake responses. Overall, the rating of perceived exertion was strongly correlated with f_R (r = 0.87; P < 0.001) but not with V_T . These findings may reveal a differential control of f_R and V_T during HIIT, with fast inputs appearing to contribute more than metabolic stimuli to f_R regulation. Differentiating between f_R and V_T may help to unravel the mechanisms underlying exercise hyperpnoea.