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Adaptations to 4-s Sprint Interval Training at Different Intensities

The Physiological Adaptations to 4-s Sprint Interval Training at Different Intensities of Maximal Power

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06906393
Enrollment
24
Registered
2025-04-02
Start date
2023-10-30
Completion date
2024-10-02
Last updated
2025-04-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cardiovascular Fitness

Keywords

exercise, cardiovascular fitness, sprint, interval training

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the chronic effects (i.e., 8 weeks, 3 times per week) of training at 50% and 75% of maximal power with 4-s sprint interval training on physiological adaptations. We previously examined the effect of training with an all-out intensity (i.e., 100% of maximal power) and reported increases in cardiorespiratory fitness. Now, we propose to examine the effects of a lower exercise intensity domains on cardiovascular fitness and its ability to stimulate the cardiorespiratory system. We hypothesize that training at 50% and 75% of maximal power will improve cardiorespiratory fitness similar to our previous findings while reducing the rate of perceived exertion during the exercise session. It is anticipated that the group engaged in training at 75% of maximal power will experience greater improvements in comparison to the group training at 50%.

Detailed description

Background Sprint interval training (SIT) is a well-established method for improving cardiovascular and anaerobic performance. While most research focuses on all-out efforts, less is known about the effects of submaximal sprint intensities on these adaptations. This study examined how training at 50%, 75%, and all-out (85%) of maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) influences aerobic capacity and anaerobic power over an 8-week training period. Methods Participants: 24 recreationally active adults (12 females, 12 males) were randomly assigned to one of three training groups: 50% Pmax 75% Pmax All-out (85% Pmax) Training Protocol: Participants completed three sessions per week for eight weeks. Each session consisted of thirty 4-second sprints on a cycling ergometer, totaling 10 minutes per session. Measurements: Peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) and maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) were assessed before and after the training program.

Interventions

4-second Sprint Interval Training (SIT) over 8 weeks to improve cardiovascular health.

Sponsors

University of Texas at Austin
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Young (18-30), * Healthy, * Recreationally active, but untrained (not meeting ACSM's recommendations of 150 min/week of moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise)

Exclusion criteria

* Cardiovascular disease * Smoking * Subjects who were exercising regularly (\>75 min/week) were excluded.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
Peak oxygen consumptionFrom enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Secondary

MeasureTime frame
Maximal anaerobic powerFrom enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026