Prescription of High-intensity Aerobic Interval Training Based on Oxygen Uptake Kinetics

Abstract

Endurance training results in diverse adaptations that lead to increased performance and health benefits. A commonly measured training response is the analysis of oxygen uptake kinetics, representing the demand of a determined load (speed/work) on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems, providing useful information for the prescription of constant load or interval-type aerobic exercise. There is evidence that during high-intensity aerobic exercise some interventions prescribe brief interval times (<1-min), which may lead to a dissociation between the load prescribed and the oxygen uptake demanded, potentially affecting training outcomes. Therefore, this review explored the time to achieve a close association between the speed/work prescribed and the oxygen uptake demanded after the onset of high-intensity aerobic exercise. The evidence assessed revealed that at least 80% of the oxygen uptake amplitude is reached when phase II of oxygen uptake kinetics is completed (1-2 minutes after the onset of exercise, depending on the training status). We propose that the minimum work-time during high-intensity aerobic interval training sessions should be at least 1 minute for athletes and 2 minutes for non-athletes. This suggestion could be used by coaches, physical trainers, clinicians, and sports or health scientists for the prescription of high-intensity aerobic interval training

Upper-limb intervalversusconstant-load exercise in patients with COPD: a physiological crossover study

“…Our constant load protocol sustained at 70% PWR is commonly used to assess the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and also to compare interval vs. continuous training in the lower limb on exercise tolerance in patients with COPD [46]. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude the possibility that different protocols may give different results as previously shown in several studies conducted in healthy people and athletes [47]. Different interval exercise protocols such as shorter working phases or longer periods of active rest might yield different results.…”

Next steps to advance general physical activity recommendations towards physical exercise prescription: a narrative review

“…According to current guidelines, MICT (low-intensity training in the three-zone model)20 can be prescribed in bouts of any duration,1 yet longer continuous bouts of 10 min or more may be more beneficial 36 37. Regarding interval training during moderate-intensity to high-intensity exercise, we recently proposed that long intervals (ie, ≥1 to 2 min) with ≥1 min recovery period should be prescribed for greater adaptations 38. Certainly, more evidence is needed regarding aerobic exercise programming and the use of the TID model in physically inactive subjects or with health complications; however, we believe it is essential to include more details regarding aerobic exercise programming in future WHO guidelines.…”