Influence of Sprint Duration during Minimal Volume Exercise on Aerobic Capacity and Affect

Abstract

The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of reduced-exertion, high-intensity interval training (REHIT), comparing a novel shortened-sprint protocol (SSREHIT) against a traditional protocol (TREHIT), on perceptual responses and to determine if changes in peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak) are attenuated with shorter sprints. Twenty-four healthy men undertook 15 sessions of SSREHIT or TREHIT. V˙O2peak was determined at baseline and after completion of each exercise condition. Affective (pleasure-displeasure) responses and perceived exertion were assessed during exercise to capture peak responses. Enjoyment was recorded 5-min after cessation of exercise. Compared to baseline, V˙O2peak increased in both groups (6% for SSREHIT [d=− 0.36] and 9% for TREHIT [d=− 0.53], p=0.01). Affective responses were more favourable for SSREHIT (p=0.001, d=1.62), but both protocols avoided large negative peaks of displeasure. Peak ratings of perceived exertion were lower for SSREHIT (p=0.001, d=− 1.71), although there were no differences in enjoyment (d=0.25). The results demonstrate both exercise conditions can increase V˙O2peak without overly compromising perceptual responses. Decreased sprint duration might further circumvent negative perceptual responses but might also attenuate physiological adaptations.

The Influence of Acute Sprint Interval Training on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Younger Adults

“…In addition, we observed that the participants provided higher ratings on the FS (indicating more pleasure) in the control condition than in the SSREHIT condition (i.e., after exercise and at posttest). However, our ratings in the SSREHIT condition are comparable to other studies performing SSREHIT (up to 8 × 5-s “all-out” effort sprints; ~37 s recovery between sprints) in healthy younger adults [ 19 , 22 ] and middle-aged adults with nondiabetic hyperglycemia [ 21 ]. In this context, it should be noted that the mean ratings on the FS immediately after exercise and posttest remained positive (1.40 and 1.55—correspond to “fairly good”), suggesting that SSREHIT does not induce strong displeasure.…”

“…Collectively, the above-mentioned evidence suggest that shortened SIT protocols (e.g., 8 × 5 s), being termed as “shortened-sprint reduced exertion high-intensity training” (SSREHIT), are, from a psychological point of view, more suitable for an exercise intervention than the classical SIT protocol (i.e., Wingate protocol). Given the time-efficiency of SIT (as compared to continuous moderate-intensity exercises) in general and the better psychological characteristics of SSREHIT (as compared to classical SIT using the Wingate protocol) in particular, SSREHIT can be considered as a promising exercise modality being worth future investigations [ 19 , 21 , 22 ]. Interestingly, the current research has demonstrated that SSREHIT elicits substantial benefits in markers of cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic health in healthy people [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

“…Given the time-efficiency of SIT (as compared to continuous moderate-intensity exercises) in general and the better psychological characteristics of SSREHIT (as compared to classical SIT using the Wingate protocol) in particular, SSREHIT can be considered as a promising exercise modality being worth future investigations [ 19 , 21 , 22 ]. Interestingly, the current research has demonstrated that SSREHIT elicits substantial benefits in markers of cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic health in healthy people [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is, so far, no study available that has investigated the acute effect of SSREHIT on cognitive performance (e.g., attentional performance).…”

The Influence of Acute Sprint Interval Training on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Younger Adults

“…In addition, we observed that the participants provided higher ratings on the FS (indicating more pleasure) in the control condition than in the SIT condition (i.e., after exercise and at post-test) while our ratings in the SSREHIT condition are comparable to other SSREHIT studies [14,16,17]. In this context, it should be noted that the mean rating on the FS immediately after exercise and before post-test remained positive (1.40 and 1.55 -correspond to "fairly good") suggesting that SSREHIT does not induce strong displeasure.…”

“…Interestingly, the ndings of a recent study suggest that a reduction of the sprint time from 20 seconds to 5 seconds is favorable when psychological parameters such as affect, effort, and enjoyment were considered [14]. Given that psychological parameters such as enjoyment are important factors predicting long-term adherence to physical exercise interventions [15], it seems reasonable to assume that the investigation of the effects of SIT protocols with a shorter sprint time duration (termed as "shortenedsprint reduced exertion high-intensity training" [SSREHIT]) can be considered as a promising eld for future research [14,16,17].…”