Can Popular High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Models Lead to Impossible Training Sessions?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Cycling Performance

Background:

• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a popular training method for athletes.
• Existing models like Skiba and Coggan are widely used for prescribing HIIT cycling sessions.
• The difficulty and feasibility of HIIT sessions can be influenced by various training parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and explain limitations within the Skiba and Coggan models for HIIT prescription in cycling.
• To analyze the potential for impossible training sessions generated by these models.
• To assess the impact of athlete profiles on the feasibility of prescribed HIIT sessions.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of 6198 unique HIIT sessions leading to exhaustion.
• Utilized the Skiba and Coggan-Modified models for session generation.
• Employed three distinct fictitious athlete profiles: Time-Trialist, All-Rounder, and Sprinter.

Main Results:

• Identified 'impossible' HIIT sessions where athletes exceed maximal power output.
• These impossible sessions were characterized by short, high-intensity intervals with long recoveries.
• The Skiba model generated impossible sessions in 4.4–22.9% of cases, while the Coggan-Modified model generated 0.6–3.2%.

Conclusions:

• The Skiba and Coggan models have inherent limitations that can lead to unachievable HIIT prescriptions.
• Understanding the mathematical assumptions and limitations of these models is vital for practitioners.
• Accurate HIIT prescription requires careful consideration of model constraints and individual athlete characteristics.