Influence of different training types on spiroergometric and hemodynamic parameters in young elite athletes

Hintergrund: In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden die Auswirkungen eines moderaten kontinuierlichen Ausdauertrainings (MKT) und einer Kombination aus MKT und hochintensivem Intervalltraining (HIIT) auf die Ausdauerleistungsfähigkeit sowie ausgewählte hämodynamische Parameter bei Nachwuchssportlern untersucht. Methoden: 17 männliche Ruderer (15,1 ± 1,2 Jahren) wurden in eine Interventionsgruppe (IG) (n = 10) und eine Kontrollgruppe (KG) (n = 7) randomisiert. Während einer achtwöchigen Interventionsphase führte die IG zusätzlich zum normalen Training auf dem Ruderergometer 3 x MKT/Woche (70 – 90 Min., ≈ 70 % der maximalen Herzfrequenz (HFmax) + 2 x zusätzlich Krafttraining/Woche) zweimal wöchentlich ein HIIT auf dem Ruderergometer durch (2 x 4 x 2 Min. ≈ 95 % HFmax, 60 Sek. passive Pause). Die KG absolvierte (neben den drei MKT- und zwei Krafttrainingseinheiten) statt der zwei HIIT-Einheiten zwei weitere MKT-Einheiten pro Woche. Vor und nach der Intervention wurde in beiden Gruppen ein 2000m - Rudertest sowie eine spiroergometrische Untersuchung (Stufentest) durchgeführt. Zusätzlich wurden verschiedene hämodynamische Parameter nicht-invasiv erfasst. Ergebnisse: Signifikante Verbesserungen wurden in der IG hinsichtlich der absoluten VO2max. (p = 0,04), der relativen VO2max (p = 0,02), des systolischen (p = 0,01) und diastolischen (p = 0,05) peripheren Blutdrucks (BD), des systolischen (p = 0,05) und diastolischen (p = 0,03) zentralen BDs und der Pulswellengeschwindigkeit (PWV) (p = 0,05) gemessen. Die Analyse der Interventionseffekte ergab signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen beim zentralen diastolischen BD (p = 0,05), beim Augmentationsdruck (AD) (p = 0,02) und beim Augmentationsindex (AIx) (p = 0,006) zugunsten der IG. Ferner zeigte sich durch das HIIT eine signifikante Verbesserung hinsichtlich der absoluten Ruderzeit im Stufentest (p = 0,001) sowie der 2000m - Zeit (p = 0,003). In der KG waren hingegen keine signifikanten Veränderungen dieser Parameter nach der Intervention nachweisbar. Schlussfolgerung: Die Integration eines HIITs zeigte nicht nur begünstigende Effekte auf die Ausdauerleistungsfähigkeit, sondern auch auf verschiedene hämodynamische Parameter. Das HIIT erwies sich in der vorliegenden Untersuchung als eine zeitökonomische Alternative bzw. effektive Ergänzung zum reinen MKT bei Nachwuchssportlern im Ruderleistungssport.Background: The present study assessed the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and a combination of MICT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on rowing performance, VO2peak and hemodynamic parameters in young athletes. Methods: Seventeen well-trained rowers (aged 15 ± 1.2 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention (IG) (n = 10) and control group (CG) (n = 7). During an eight–week intervention, both groups participated in the regular rowing training (3 x /week MICT, 70–90 min, 65–70% of HRpeak + 2 x /week resistance training). The IG completed an additional high-intensity interval training twice weekly (2 x 4 x 2 min. at 95% of HRpeak, 60 sec. passiv rest). Instead of the HIIT, the CG completed two more MICT sessions (70–90 min., 65–70% of HRpeak). Before and after the intervention hemodynamic parameters were recorded non-invasively, a 2000m time trial and an exercise test were performed in both groups. Results: After the intervention, there were a significant decrease in peripheral systolic (p = 0,01) and diastolic (p = 0,05) blood pressure (BP), as well as in central systolic (p = 0,05) and diastolic BP (p = 0,03) in the IG. Furthermore, pulse wave velocity (PWV) (p = 0,05) was significantly reduced. Analysis of intervention effects revealed significant between group differences in central diastolic BP (p = 0,05), in augmentation pressure (AP) (p = 0,02), and in augmentation index (AIx) (p = 0,006) favoring IG. The IG showed a significant improvement regarding the absolute rowing time in the graded exercise test (p = 0,001), a significant increase in relative VO2peak (p = 0,02), a significant increase in absolute VO2peak (p = 0,04), a significant increase in graded exercise test (GXT) (p = 0,001), and a significant improvement in the 2000m time trail (p = 0,003). The CG showed no significant changes in the respected parameters after the intervention. Conclusion: A mixed-intensity training, including HIIT, showed positive effects on rowing performance, VO2peak, on peripheral and central BP as well as on PWV, AP and AIx in highly trained athletes

Effects of Moderate- versus Mixed-Intensity Training on VO2peak in Young Well-Trained Rowers

The effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and a combination of MICT and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on rowing performance and VO2peak were investigated in young athletes. Seventeen well-trained rowers (aged 15 ± 1.3 years) were randomly allocated to an intervention (IG) (n = 10) and control group (CG) (n = 7). During 8 weeks, both groups took part in the regular rowing training (3×/week MICT, 70–90 min, 65–70% of HRpeak + 2×/week resistance training). The IG completed an additional high-intensity interval training twice weekly (2 × 4 × 2 min at ≈95% of HRpeak, 60 s rest). Instead of the HIIT, the CG completed two more MICT sessions (70–90 min, 65–70% of HRpeak). Before and after the intervention, a 2000 m time trial and an exercise test were performed. The IG showed a significant improvement (p = 0.001) regarding the absolute rowing time in the graded exercise test. Furthermore, the intervention group showed a significant increase in relative VO2peak (p = 0.023), a significant increase in absolute VO2peak (p = 0.036), and a significant improvement in the 2000 m time trail (p = 0.003). No significant changes could be detected in the CG. The interaction effects were not significant. A mixed-intensity training, including HIIT, was beneficial on rowing performance and VO2peak in highly trained athletes

Hemodynamics in young athletes following high-intensity interval or moderate-intensity continuous training

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on blood pressure (BP) and parameters of arterial stiffness in young athletes. Methods: Seventeen rowers (aged 15±1.3 years) were randomized into an intervention group (IG, N.=10) and the control group (CG, N.=7). During an 8-week intervention period, the IG completed a HIIT on the rowing ergometer twice-weekly (2×4×2 min at ≈95% of maximum heart rate [HRmax], 60 s rest) in addition to the regular rowing training (3×/week MICT 70-90 min, ≈70% HRmax). The CG completed the regular normal rowing training and, instead of the HIIT units, two additional MICT units (70-90 min, ≈70% HRmax). Before and after the intervention period, hemodynamic parameters were recorded non-invasively in both groups. Results: After the intervention period, there was a significant decrease in peripheral systolic (P=0.01) and diastolic (P=0.05) BP, as well as in central systolic (P=0.05) and diastolic BP (P=0.03) in the IG. Furthermore, pulse wave velocity (PWV) (P=0.05) was significantly reduced. Analysis of intervention effects revealed significant between-group differences in central diastolic BP (P=0.05), in augmentation pressure (P=0.02), and in augmentation index (P=0.006) favoring IG. The CG showed no significant changes in the respected parameters throughout the intervention. Conclusions: Already in adolescent athletes, a HIIT intervention has beneficial effects on peripheral and central BP as well as on PWV, augmentation pressure, and augmentation index