Year of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science Option)

Department or School/College

Department of Health and Human Performance

Committee Chair

Steven E. Gaskill

Commitee Members

Arthur H. Woods, Charles Palmer

Keywords

interval training, time trial, training study, ventilatory threshold, VO2peak

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Interval training intensities are typically based on percentages of VO2max, heart rate max, or lactate threshold. Interval training based on current race pace has not been evaluated. PURPOSE: This study examined intervals at 95% VO2peak compared to race pace intervals on VO2peak, ventilatory threshold, time trial performance, peak power output, and vertical jump height in recreationally active subjects. METHODS: 34 subjects were randomly assigned to one of four training groups (TM-95%, Cycle-95%, TM-RP, Cycle-RP). Pre- and post- study, all subjects performed a ramped protocol test to exhaustion on a treadmill or electronically braked cycle ergometer for determination of VO2peak and ventilatory threshold and a 2.5 mile treadmill time trial or a 20 kilometer cycle time trial. The training intervention for the 95% groups was 4 x 4 minute intervals at 95% of VO2peak with 2 minute rest periods. The RP groups performed intervals with 2 minute rest periods at speeds 1% faster than their average time trial speed and increased 2% each week. All groups were matched for total work in ml/kg/min. Lab controlled interval sessions were three times per week for eight weeks. A-priori contrasts (1 tailed, dependent) were used to evaluate changes by interval type, mode of training, and gender. A two-way mixed design ANOVAs (time by group) were calculated to measure between group interactions (alpha p < 0.05). Results are presented as mean ± standard error (SE). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between any of the four groups from pre to post in all dependent variables. However within groups, all subjects significantly improved in VO2peak, VT, time trial performance, and vertical jump height. No group was significantly able to increase peak power output. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that RP intervals were just as effective at improving VO2peak, ventilatory threshold, and time trial performance as 95%VO2peak intervals independent of gender and exercise mode. These data provide athletes with another option for training. Further research is needed to evaluate race pace intervals efficacy on physiological function, performance, and long term use.

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© Copyright 2008 Laura Young