Physiological, Perceptual, and Performance Responses to the 2-wk Block of High- versus Low-Intensity Endurance Training

Abstract

Purpose 

This study examined the physiological, perceptual, and performance responses to a 2-week block of increased training load and compared whether responses differ between high-intensity interval (HIIT) and low-intensity (LIT) endurance training.

Methods 

Thirty recreationally trained males and females performed a two-week block of 10 HIIT-sessions (INT, n = 15) or 70 % increased volume of LIT (VOL, n = 15). Running time in the 3000 m and basal serum and urine hormone concentrations were measured before (T1) and after the block (T2), and after a recovery week (T3). In addition, weekly averages of nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) and perceived recovery were compared to the baseline.

Results 

Both groups improved their running time in the 3000 m from T1 to T2 (INT -1.8 ± 1.6 %, p = 0.003; VOL -1.4 ± 1.7 %, p = 0.017) and T1 to T3 (INT -2.5 ± 1.6 %, p < 0.001; VOL -2.2 ± 1.9 %, p = 0.001). Resting norepinephrine concentration increased in INT from T1 to T2 (p = 0.01) and remained elevated at T3 (p = 0.018). The change in HRV from the baseline was different between the groups during the first week (INT -1.0 ± 2.0 % vs. VOL 1.8 ± 3.2 %, p = 0.008). Muscle soreness increased only in INT (p < 0.001) and the change was different compared to VOL across the block and recovery weeks (p < 0.05).

Conclusions 

HIIT and LIT blocks increased endurance performance in a short period of time. Although both protocols seemed to be tolerable for recreational athletes, a HIIT-block may induce some negative responses such as increased muscle soreness and decreased parasympathetic activity.