Effect of two interval training programs on lactate threshold, ventilatory threshold and oxygen kinetics at the onset of exercise in females

Abstract

The primary purpose of the present study was to measure the effects of two different forms of high intensity aerobic interval training. These modes were a) training at a 1:1 work/rest ratio, using 30 seconds work and 30 seconds rest and b) training at a 1:1 work/rest ratio, using two minutes work and two minutes rest on lactate threshold, ventilatory threshold, and the transient oxygen uptake response of female subjects at the onset of exercise. Twenty-four female subjects (18-26 years) were matched in terms of their V02max and randomly assigned into one of two groups; (a) training at 30s, or (b) 2 minutes with a 1:1 work/relief ratio before embarking on a 7 week training program starting at 85% V02inax and increased 5% every two weeks (85%, 90%, and 95%) until completion of the training program. The subjects trained to exhaustion 4 times/week. Results showed significant increases with training in V02max, ventilatory threshold and lactate threshold (p<0.01) and significant decreases in half-time transient oxygen response (p<0.01). There were no significant group differences on any dependent measure. It was concluded that both forms of interval training produced strong training effects for O2 kinetics at the onset of exercise.