Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption after reduced exertion high-intensity interval training on the cycle...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Metabolic Responses

Background:

• Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training (REHIT) is an emerging training modality.
• Understanding the physiological responses to different REHIT modalities is crucial for optimizing training protocols.
• Comparing REHIT on cycle and rowing ergometers provides insights into modality-specific adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physiological responses, including oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation (VE), excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), energy expenditure (EE), and blood lactate concentration (BLa), between REHIT performed on cycle and rowing ergometers.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen active participants completed maximal oxygen uptake assessments.
• Participants performed REHIT protocols on both cycle (REHIT-CE) and rowing (REHIT-RE) ergometers, each involving three 20-second 'all-out' sprints.
• Gas exchange and BLa were measured during a 60-minute rest period post-exercise.

Main Results:

• Both REHIT-CE and REHIT-RE significantly increased VO2 compared to rest.
• REHIT-RE elicited significantly greater VO2 and EE during exercise compared to REHIT-CE.
• REHIT-CE resulted in significantly higher EPOC and BLa compared to REHIT-RE.

Conclusions:

• Rowing-based REHIT demonstrates higher during-exercise oxygen consumption and energy expenditure.
• Cycling-based REHIT induces a greater excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and blood lactate accumulation.
• Further research is needed to determine if rowing REHIT enhances fat loss.