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Acute Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Decreasing-Distance Versus Constant-Distance HIIT in Elite Male Speed
Zhonghe Yang1,2,3, Fan Peng1,2,3, Junlei Lin1,2,3
1School of Strength and Conditioning Training, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Decreasing-distance high-intensity interval training (D-HIIT) offers faster completion and lower velocity drop in elite speed skaters compared to constant-distance HIIT. D-HIIT also induced higher physiological stress with lower perceived exertion.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Performance Analysis
Background:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is crucial for endurance athletes.
- Optimizing HIIT protocols is essential for maximizing training benefits.
- Understanding the physiological and perceptual responses to different HIIT structures is key for elite performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the acute effects of decreasing-distance HIIT (D-HIIT) versus constant-distance HIIT (C-HIIT) on elite male speed skaters.
- To evaluate endurance performance, physiological markers, and perceived exertion between D-HIIT and C-HIIT protocols.
- To determine if D-HIIT offers advantages in terms of speed, physiological load, and perceived effort.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen elite male speed skaters were randomized into D-HIIT or C-HIIT groups.
- Both groups completed 4,800 meters of high-intensity interval training.
- D-HIIT involved decreasing interval distances (1600, 1200, 1200, 800m), while C-HIIT used constant 1200m intervals.
- Key metrics monitored included velocity drop rate (VDR), heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
Main Results:
- D-HIIT resulted in significantly shorter total completion time (381.89s vs. 393.11s) and a lower VDR (2.10% vs. 3.72%) compared to C-HIIT.
- Peak blood lactate levels were higher in the final bout of D-HIIT (11.81 mmol·L⁻¹ vs. 9.31 mmol·L⁻¹).
- Terminal RPE was lower in the D-HIIT group (17.22 vs. 18.22), despite higher physiological stress.
Conclusions:
- D-HIIT provides a faster, more efficient training stimulus with reduced velocity degradation compared to C-HIIT in elite speed skaters.
- The D-HIIT protocol elicits a greater peak physiological response (higher BLa) while potentially managing perceived exertion more effectively.
- While D-HIIT shows promise for acute training sessions, further research is needed to explore its long-term training adaptations and underlying mechanisms.
