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Interval training at VO2max: effects on aerobic performance and overtraining markers
V L Billat1, B Flechet, B Petit
1Sport Science Laboratory, Université Lille 2, Centre de Médicine du Sport C.C.A.S., Paris, France.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|February 2, 1999
Summary
Intensive interval training at the minimal velocity associated with VO2max (vVO2max) did not improve aerobic performance in athletes. Despite increased plasma noradrenaline, key performance metrics and VO2max remained unchanged after training.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Endurance Training
Background:
- Determining optimal training intensity and duration is crucial for athletic performance, balancing insufficient and excessive training loads.
- Interval training at the minimal velocity associated with VO2max (vVO2max) is a method to maximize time spent at VO2max.
- The impact of increased training volume at vVO2max on aerobic performance, noradrenaline levels, and heart rate requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of a defined increase in training volume at vVO2max on aerobic performance.
- To assess the effects of this training regimen on plasma noradrenaline levels and heart rate.
- To determine if intensive training at vVO2max alters key physiological markers of aerobic capacity.
Main Methods:
- Eight subjects underwent 4 weeks of normal training (NT) with one vVO2max session weekly.
- Subjects then completed 4 weeks of overload training (OT) with three vVO2max sessions weekly.
- Measurements included VO2max, running economy, time to exhaustion, heart rate, lactate threshold, and plasma noradrenaline.
Main Results:
- Normal training improved velocity at VO2max and running economy, but not VO2max itself.
- Neither normal nor overload training significantly altered time to exhaustion or distance performance at vVO2max.
- Submaximal heart rate at 14 km/h decreased post-training, while maximal heart rate and resting noradrenaline remained unchanged.
- Plasma noradrenaline significantly increased post-vVO2max testing, but not resting levels.
Conclusions:
- Four weeks of intensive interval training at vVO2max did not enhance aerobic performance or associated physiological factors.
- Despite elevated plasma noradrenaline during exercise, performance adaptations were not observed.
- The study suggests that current training volumes and intensities at vVO2max may not be sufficient to elicit further performance improvements.