Interval exercise induces milder respiratory responses compared to continuous exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the respiratory response of acute interval and continuous exercise of low and high intensity. Fourteen recreational athletes (7 men and 7 women; VO 2 max= 35.7 ± 6.1 ml/kg/min) performed a bout of continuous and a bout of interval exercise both consisted of 5 min cycling at low intensity [80% of the power output (W) of the predetermined gas exchange threshold (GET) (80%W GET)] and 5 min cycling at high intensity {W GET plus the work rate corresponding to 50% of the difference between peak power output (PPO) at oxygen uptake (VO 2max) test and the W GET [W GET + 0.50 Δ(PPO-W GET)]}. Continuous exercise compared to interval exercise induced significant higher heart rate and ventilation as well as significant higher levels of mouth occlusion pressure for 0.1 sec (P 0.1) (P<0.05) during low and high intensities. Our results indicate that continuous exercise stimulates respiration more than interval exercise when the exercise is performed at the same relative intensity.