Effects of a 6-Week Upper Extremity Low-Volume, High-Intensity Interval Training Program on Oxygen Uptake, Peak Power...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Background:

• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular training method.
• Upper extremity (UE) training is crucial for various populations.
• Comparing HIIT and continuous training (CT) for UE aerobic adaptations is important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of a 6-week UE HIIT program versus UE CT program on oxygen uptake, peak power output, and total exercise time.
• To determine if HIIT is a more time-efficient method for improving aerobic capacity.

Main Methods:

• Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either a HIIT or CT group.
• Both groups underwent 6 weeks of UE training, 2 sessions per week.
• Pre- and post-training graded exercise tests (GXT) using arm cranking were performed.

Main Results:

• The HIIT group showed significantly greater improvements in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak compared to the CT group.
• Total exercise time during the posttest GXT was significantly improved in the HIIT group.
• Both groups improved peak power output, with no significant difference between them.

Conclusions:

• UE HIIT is a time-efficient alternative to UE CT for improving cardiopulmonary capacity.
• HIIT demonstrated superior improvements in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and exercise duration compared to CT.
• Further research can explore optimal HIIT protocols for different populations.