The Effects of Two Different Methods of Interval Training on Maximal Oxygen Uptake

Athanasios Zalavras, Dimitrios Soulas, Vasileios Voutselas, Alexandros Kritikos, & Stelios Daskalakis

Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Hellas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of two different methods of interval training, short (30s) and intermediate (½Tlimit) duration interval training, with regard to cardiorespiratory adaptations (VO2max and vVO2max). Eleven moderately trained sports science male students (VO2max 51.63 ± 7.14 ml/kg/min) were separated into two groups (Α and Β) and performed two different methods of interval training during a four week period. Subjects in both groups had three training sessions per week. Two interval training session and one continues running (30min at 70% of vVO2max) session. Group’s a interval training sessions were 30: 30s (work: rest) at 100% work and 50% of vVO2max (rest). Group’s Β interval training sessions were ½Tlimit: ½Tlimit (work:rest) at 100% (work) and 50% of vVO2max (rest). The total duration of work bouts in both groups in interval training was two times the Tlimit. Our study showed a significant increase (p>.05) in group Α and Β in VO2max (11.1% and 17.8%, respectively) and vVO2max (4.9% and 11.4%, respectively). To conclude, intermediate duration interval training (½Tlimit) has a tendency to be more effective than short duration interval training (30s) concerning the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (vVO2 max). 

Keywords: Ιnterval training, maximal oxygen uptake, velocity at maximal oxygen uptake