Acute Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Interval versus Continuous Threshold Training in Middle-Distance Athletes
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study compared the acute physiological and perceptual responses to two threshold-based running formats in trained male middle-distance athletes. Twenty male 800-1500 m specialists completed a randomized crossover field protocol consisting of continuous threshold training (CTT; 32 min continuous running at individual second lactate-threshold velocity) and interval threshold training (ITT; 4 × 8 min at the same velocity with 2-min jog recoveries). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([BLa]), Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session-RPE (sRPE), affective valence, and 30-min total quality recovery (TQR) were recorded. Paired-samples tests compared session outcomes, repeated-measures ANOVA examined time-course responses, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. ITT elicited higher mean HR (177.8 ± 6.3 vs. 170.3 ± 5.3 beats·min−1), greater time above 90% HRmax (19.5 ± 6.4 vs. 13.7 ± 3.5 min), higher post-session [BLa] (5.12 ± 1.31 vs. 4.12 ± 1.10 mmol·L−1), higher end-session Borg RPE (16.2 ± 1.3 vs. 15.3 ± 1.3), and greater sRPE (6.6 ± 1.0 vs. 5.8 ± 1.0) than CTT (all p < 0.05). The [BLa] and HR time courses showed significant condition × time interactions, indicating progressive divergence between formats during the main work period. When the work duration and intensity thresholds were matched, the interval format produced greater cardiometabolic and perceptual load than continuous-threshold running. Coaches should therefore avoid assuming that interval and continuous threshold sessions are interchangeable merely because they share the same nominal threshold speed and work duration.
Article Details
Issue
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
References
1. L. J. Brandon, “Physiological factors associated with middle distance running performance,” Sports Medicine, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 268-277, 1995, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199519040-00004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199519040-00004
2. M. R. Spencer and P. B. Gastin, “Energy system contribution during 200- to 1500-m running in highly trained athletes,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 157-162, 2001, https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200101000-00024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200101000-00024
3. R. Duffield, B. Dawson, and C. Goodman, “Energy system contribution to 1500- and 3000-meter track running,” Journal of Sports Sciences, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 993-1002, 2005, https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410400021963. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410400021963
4. D. W. Hill, “Energy system contributions in middle-distance running events,” Journal of Sports Sciences, vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 477-483, 1999, https://doi.org/10.1080/026404199365786. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/026404199365786
5. J. R. Lacour, E. Bouvat, and J. C. Barthelemy, “Post-competition blood lactate concentrations as indicators of anaerobic energy expenditure during 400-m and 800-m races,” European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, vol. 61, no. 3-4, pp. 172-176, 1990, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00357594. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00357594
6. L. V. Billat, “Interval training for performance: a scientific and empirical practice. Special recommendations for middle- and long-distance running. Part I: aerobic interval training,” Sports Medicine, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 13-31, 2001, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131010-00002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131010-00002
7. L. V. Billat, “Interval training for performance: a scientific and empirical practice. Special recommendations for middle- and long-distance running. Part II: anaerobic interval training,” Sports Medicine, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 75-90, 2001, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131020-00001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131020-00001
8. P. B. Laursen and D. G. Jenkins, “The scientific basis for high-intensity interval training: optimizing training programs and maximizing performance in highly trained endurance athletes,” Sports Medicine, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 53-73, 2002, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200232010-00003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200232010-00003
9. M. Buchheit and P. B. Laursen, “High-intensity interval training, solutions to the programming puzzle. Part I: cardiopulmonary emphasis,” Sports Medicine, vol. 43, no. 5, pp. 313-338, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0029-x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0029-x
10. M. Buchheit and P. B. Laursen, “High-intensity interval training, solutions to the programming puzzle. Part II: anaerobic energy, neuromuscular load and practical applications,” Sports Medicine, vol. 43, no. 10, pp. 927-954, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0066-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0066-5
11. A. W. Midgley, L. R. McNaughton, and A. M. Jones, “Training to enhance the physiological determinants of long-distance running performance,” Sports Medicine, vol. 37, no. 10, pp. 857-880, 2007, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737100-00003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737100-00003
12. O. Faude, W. Kindermann, and T. Meyer, “Lactate threshold concepts: how valid are they?” Sports Medicine, vol. 39, no. 6, pp. 469-490, 2009, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200939060-00003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200939060-00003
13. R. Beneke, R. M. Leithauser, and O. Ochentel, “Blood lactate diagnostics in exercise testing and training,” International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 8-24, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.6.1.8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.6.1.8
14. V. L. Billat, P. Sirvent, G. Py, J.-P. Koralsztein, and J. Mercier, “The concept of maximal lactate steady state: a bridge between biochemistry, physiology and sport science,” Sports Medicine, vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 407-426, 2003, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200333060-00003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200333060-00003
15. H. Heck, A. Mader, G. Hess, S. Mucke, R. Muller, and W. Hollmann, “Justification of the 4-mmol/l lactate threshold,” International Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 117-130, 1985, https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1025824. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1025824
16. T. Meyer, A. Lucia, C. P. Earnest, and W. Kindermann, “A conceptual framework for performance diagnosis and training prescription from submaximal gas exchange parameters: theory and application,” International Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 26, suppl. 1, pp. S38-S48, 2005, https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-830514. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-830514
17. A. M. Jones and J. H. Doust, “A 1% treadmill grade most accurately reflects the energetic cost of outdoor running,” Journal of Sports Sciences, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 321-327, 1996, https://doi.org/10.1080/02640419608727717. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640419608727717
18. K. S. Seiler and G. O. Kjerland, “Quantifying training intensity distribution in elite endurance athletes: is there evidence for an optimal distribution?” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 49-56, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2004.00418.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2004.00418.x
19. S. Seiler, “What is best practice for training intensity and duration distribution in endurance athletes?” International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 276-291, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.5.3.276. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.5.3.276
20. J. Esteve-Lanao, C. Foster, S. Seiler, and A. Lucia, “Impact of training intensity distribution on performance in endurance athletes,” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 943-949, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200708000-00048. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200708000-00048
21. T. Stoggl and B. Sperlich, “Polarized training has greater impact on key endurance variables than threshold, high intensity, or high volume training,” Frontiers in Physiology, vol. 5, article 33, 2014, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2014.00033. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2014.00033
22. S. Seiler and J. E. Sjursen, “Effect of work duration on physiological and rating scale of perceived exertion responses during self-paced interval training,” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 318-325, 2004, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1600-0838.2003.00353.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1600-0838.2003.00353.x
23. S. Seiler and K. J. Hetlelid, “The impact of rest duration on work intensity and RPE during interval training,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 37, no. 9, pp. 1601-1607, 2005, https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000177560.18014.d8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000177560.18014.d8
24. S. Seiler, K. Joranson, B. V. Olesen, and K. J. Hetlelid, “Adaptations to aerobic interval training: interactive effects of exercise intensity and total work duration,” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 74-83, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01351.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01351.x
25. T. P. Smith, L. R. McNaughton, and K. J. Marshall, “Effects of 4-wk training using Vmax/Tmax on VO2max and performance in athletes,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 31, no. 6, pp. 892-896, 1999, https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199906000-00019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199906000-00019
26. B. S. Denadai, M. J. Ortiz, C. C. Greco, and M. T. de Mello, “Interval training at 95% and 100% of the velocity at VO2max: effects on aerobic physiological indexes and running performance,” Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, vol. 31, no. 6, pp. 737-743, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1139/h06-080. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/h06-080
27. B. R. Ronnestad, J. Hansen, and T. Ellefsen, “Block periodization of high-intensity aerobic intervals provides superior training effects in trained cyclists,” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 34-42, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2012.01485.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2012.01485.x
28. G. A. V. Borg, “Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 377-381, 1982, https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198205000-00012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198205000-00012
29. C. Foster, “Monitoring training in athletes with reference to overtraining syndrome,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 30, no. 7, pp. 1164-1168, 1998, https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199807000-00023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199807000-00023
30. C. Foster et al., “A new approach to monitoring exercise training,” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 109-115, 2001, https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200102000-00019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/00124278-200102000-00019
31. F. M. Impellizzeri, E. Rampinini, A. J. Coutts, A. Sassi, and S. M. Marcora, “Use of RPE-based training load in soccer,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 36, no. 6, pp. 1042-1047, 2004, https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000128199.23901.2F. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000128199.23901.2F
32. W. G. Hopkins, “Measures of reliability in sports medicine and science,” Sports Medicine, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 1-15, 2000, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200030010-00001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200030010-00001
33. G. Atkinson and A. M. Nevill, “Statistical methods for assessing measurement error (reliability) in variables relevant to sports medicine,” Sports Medicine, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 217-238, 1998, https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199826040-00002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199826040-00002
34. J. Cohen, “A power primer,” Psychological Bulletin, vol. 112, no. 1, pp. 155-159, 1992, https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.112.1.155. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.112.1.155
35. A. M. Batterham and W. G. Hopkins, “Making meaningful inferences about magnitudes,” International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 50-57, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.1.1.50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.1.1.50
36. W. G. Hopkins, S. W. Marshall, A. M. Batterham, and J. Hanin, “Progressive statistics for studies in sports medicine and exercise science,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 3-13, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31818cb278. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31818cb278
37. K. R. Barnes and A. E. Kilding, “Running economy: measurement, norms, and determining factors,” Sports Medicine - Open, vol. 1, article 8, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-015-0007-y. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-015-0007-y
38. D. C. Poole, M. Burnley, A. Vanhatalo, H. B. Rossiter, and A. M. Jones, “Critical power: an important fatigue threshold in exercise physiology,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 48, no 11, pp. 2320-2334, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000939. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000939