Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025
Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2019
Improvements in Maximal Oxygen Uptake After Sprint-Interval Training Coincide with Increases in Central Hemodynamic
Mirko Mandić1, Björn Hansson1, Alen Lovrić1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SWEDEN.
Introduction:
Sprint-interval training has been shown to improve maximal oxygen uptake, in part through peripheral muscle adaptations that increase oxygen utilization. In contrast, the adaptations of central hemodynamic factors in this context remain unexplored.
Purpose:
The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of sprint-interval training on maximal oxygen uptake and central hemodynamic factors.
Methods:
Healthy men and women (n = 29; mean age, 27 ± 5 yr; height, 175 ± 8 cm; body mass, 72.5 ± 12.0 kg) performed 6 wk of sprint-interval training consisting of three weekly sessions of 10-min low-intensity cycling interspersed with 3 × 30-s all-out sprints. Maximal oxygen uptake, total blood volume, and maximal cardiac output were measured before and after the intervention.
Results:
Maximal oxygen uptake increased by 10.3% (P < 0.001). Simultaneously, plasma volume, blood volume, total hemoglobin mass, and cardiac output increased by 8.1% (276 ± 234 mL; P < 0.001), 6.8% (382 ± 325 mL; P < 0.001), 5.7% (42 ± 41 g; P < 0.001), and 8.5% (1.0 ± 0.9 L·min-1; P < 0.001), respectively. Increased total hemoglobin mass along with measures of body surface area had a significant impact on the improvements in maximal oxygen uptake.
Conclusions:
Six weeks of sprint-interval training results in significant increases in hemoglobin mass, blood volume, and cardiac output. Because these changes were associated with marked improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, we conclude that central hemodynamic adaptations contribute to the improvement in maximal oxygen uptake during sprint-interval training.
More Related Videos
08:27A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
09:04Skeletal Muscle Neurovascular Coupling, Oxidative Capacity, and Microvascular Function with 'One Stop Shop' Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Published on: February 20, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:29Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance