Aerobic high-intensity intervals improve V̇O2max more than supramaximal sprint intervals in females, similar to males

Abstract

Introduction: Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O_2max ) is a pivotal factor for aerobic endurance performance. Recently, aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was documented to be superior to sprint interval training (SIT) in improving V̇O_2max in well-trained males. However, as mounting evidence suggests that physiological responses to training are sex-dependent, examining the effects of HIIT versus SIT on V̇O_2max , anaerobic capacity, and endurance performance in females is warranted.

Methods: We randomized 81 aerobically well-trained females (22 ± 2 years, 51.8 ± 3.6 mL∙kg^-1 ∙min^-1 V̇O_2max ), training three times weekly for 8 weeks, to well-established protocols: (1) HIIT 4 × 4 min at ~95% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), with 3 min active recovery (2) SIT 8 × 20 s at ~150% of MAS, with 10 s passive recovery (3) SIT 10 × 30 s at ~175% of MAS, with 3.5 min active recovery.

Results: Only HIIT 4 × 4 min increased V̇O_2max (7.3 ± 3.1%), different from both SIT groups (all p < 0.001). Anaerobic capacity (maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) increased following SIT 8 × 20 s (6.5 ± 10.5%, p < 0.05), SIT 10 × 30 s (14.4 ± 13.7%, p < 0.05; different from HIIT 4 × 4 min, p < 0.05). SIT 10 × 30 s resulted in eight training-induced injuries, different from no injuries following HIIT 4 × 4 min and SIT 8 × 20 s (p < 0.001). All groups improved long-distance (3000-meter) and sprint (300-meter) running performance (all p < 0.001). SIT protocols improved sprint performance more than HIIT 4 × 4 min (p < 0.05). Compared to previous male results, no increase in V̇O_2max following SIT 8 × 20 s (p < 0.01), and a higher injury rate for SIT 10 × 30 s (p < 0.001), were evident.

Conclusions: In aerobically well-trained women, HIIT is superior to SIT in increasing V̇O_2max while all-out treadmill running SIT is potentially more harmful.

Keywords: HIIT; SIT; aerobic power; anaerobic capacity; hamstring strain; maximal oxygen uptake; muscular strain; sex-differences.