Modelling inter-individual variability in acute and adaptive responses to interval training: insights into exercise...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Training Adaptation

Background:

• Interval training is a common exercise modality.
• Normalizing exercise intensity is crucial for consistent training outcomes.
• Understanding individual responses to training is key for personalized exercise prescription.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of two exercise intensity normalization methods on interval training responses.
• To investigate the influence of normalization on acute and adaptive responses in cyclists.
• To assess intra- and inter-individual variability in response to interval training.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen cyclists were divided into two groups based on intensity normalization: % maximal work rate (% $$ _max) vs. maximal sustainable work rate (% $$ _max-SP).
• Training completion rates, perceived exertion, heart rate, and adaptive responses were measured.
• Testing was conducted before, during, and after the intervention to assess variability.

Main Results:

• The % $$ _max-SP group achieved 100% training completion, versus 88.8% for the % $$ _max group due to exhaustion.
• Perceived exertion and heart rate showed similar inter-individual variability between groups.
• Adaptive responses, including maximal oxygen uptake and self-paced performance, showed individual variability but similar average responses and inter-individual variability between groups.

Conclusions:

• Using maximal sustainable work rate (% $$ _max-SP) enhances interval training completion rates.
• Variability in adaptive responses may not directly correlate with exercise intensity normalization methods.
• Identifying true inter-individual variability in adaptation can be challenging when intra-individual variability is controlled.