Sex-specific responses to self-paced, high-intensity interval training with variable recovery periods Article

Laurent, CM, Vervaecke, LS, Kutz, MR et al. (2014). Sex-specific responses to self-paced, high-intensity interval training with variable recovery periods . JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH, 28(4), 920-927. 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182a1f574

cited authors

  • Laurent, CM; Vervaecke, LS; Kutz, MR; Green, JM

authors

abstract

  • Laurent, CM, Vervaecke, LS, Kutz, MR, and Green, JM. Sexspecific responses to self-paced, high-intensity interval training with variable recovery periods. J Strength Cond Res 28(4): 920-927, 2014-This study examined sex-specific responses during self-paced, high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Sixteen (8 men and 8 women) individuals completed a peak oxygen uptake test and 3 treadmill HIIT sessions on separate days. The HIIT sessions consisted of six 4-minute intervals performed at the highest self-selected intensity individuals felt they could maintain. Recovery between intervals was counterbalanced and consisted of 1-, 2-, or 4-minute recovery during each trial. Relative measures of intensity, including percentage of velocity at Vo2peak (vVo 2peak), %Vo2peak, %HRmax, and blood lactate concentration ([La]), were observed during the trials. Perceived readiness was recorded immediately before and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded at the end of each interval with session RPE recorded after each trial. Results revealed a significant effect of sex on %vVo2peak (p < 0.01) and %HRmax (p < 0.01). Data show that across trials, men selfselect higher %vVo2peak (84.5 vs. 80.7%), whereas women produce higher %HRmax (96.9 vs. 92.1%) and %Vo2peak (89.6 vs. 86.1%) with no difference in [La] or perceptual responses. These findings support the notion that women may demonstrate improved recovery during high-intensity exercise, as they will self-select intensities resulting in greater cardiovascular strain. Moreover, results confirm previous findings suggesting that a 2:1 work-to-rest ratio is optimal during HIIT for both men and women. © 2014 National Strength and Conditioning Association.

publication date

  • January 1, 2014

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 920

end page

  • 927

volume

  • 28

issue

  • 4