PMID 27746738

Research
All papers

The Physiological Mechanisms of Performance Enhancement with Sprint Interval Training Differ between the Upper and Lower Extremities in Humans

Zinner C, Morales-Alamo D, Ørtenblad N, Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Willis SJ, Gelabert-Rebato M, Perez-Valera M, Boushel R, Calbet JA, Holmberg HC

Question

Do short-term sprint interval training adaptations differ between upper- and lower-extremity exercise in healthy men?

Summary

In 16 healthy recreationally active men, a short supervised sprint interval program improved both arm-cranking and leg-cycling performance. Arm performance gains appeared to rely more on increased oxygen use during sprints and improved efficiency, while leg gains were accompanied by muscle oxidative and capillary adaptations.

Methodology

  • Sixteen healthy recreationally active men.
  • 16 participants.
  • Arm-crank ergometry and cycle ergometry.
  • Work intervals: 30 seconds all-out.
  • Recovery: 4 minutes unloaded pedaling/cranking.
  • Intensity: All-out Wingate-style sprint.
  • Not fully reported; sprint and recovery block at least 16-26 minutes per limb session.
  • Repeated sessions over 11 days.
  • 11 days plus additional session.
  • Within-subject pre-post sprint interval training study comparing arm cranking and leg cycling adaptations
  • VO2peak, Sprint performance, and Muscle adaptations were tracked.

Outcomes

VO2peak

VO2peak increased in arms and legs.

Arms +9.8%, legs +6.1%; p=0.03

Improved

5-min power

Time-trial mean power improved similarly in both limbs.

Arms +14.5%, legs +13.9%

Improved

Mechanisms

Arm gains aligned with oxygen-use and efficiency changes; leg gains aligned with capillary and enzyme changes.

Arm Wingate VO2 +52% vs leg +6%; leg CS +20% and HAD +16%

Mixed

Insights

  • Short all-out sprint blocks can produce rapid performance gains in trained limbs.
  • Upper- and lower-limb sprint adaptations may require different programming expectations.
  • Arm-crank HIIT may be an alternative when leg training is limited.

Limitations

  • Small all-male healthy sample.
  • No non-exercise control group.
  • No direct cardiac output, limb blood flow, or oxygen delivery measures.
  • Laboratory ergometer findings may not directly transfer to app-based bodyweight HIIT.

Safety

  • The full text did not report adverse events or injuries.
  • All sessions were supervised and all participants completed the prescribed sprints.
  • The authors note stationary cycling has minimal eccentric contraction and may minimize injury and discomfort, but this was not an adverse-event analysis.