PMID 30974768

Research
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Low and high volume sprint interval training combined with resistance training: dose-response effects and short-term training cessation in inactive males

O'Connor D, Malone JK

Question

Do low- and high-volume sprint interval training programs combined with resistance training differ in aerobic, metabolic, perceptual, and detraining responses in inactive men?

Summary

In a small study of inactive men, 6 weeks of low- or higher-volume cycling sprint intervals plus weekly resistance training improved VO2peak, with no clear advantage of higher volume immediately after training. After 3 weeks without training, the higher-volume group appeared to maintain VO2peak better, but the sample was very small and resistance training confounded pure SIT effects.

Methodology

  • Healthy inactive males completing low-dose or high-dose SIT plus resistance training.
  • 19 participants.
  • Cycle ergometer sprint intervals plus weekly resistance training.
  • Work intervals: 6 seconds.
  • Recovery: 18 seconds unloaded cycling between sprints; 2 minutes between sets.
  • Intensity: All-out against 7.5% body weight resistance.
  • SIT session included 2 minute warm-up, sprint sets, and 2 minute cooldown.
  • 2 SIT sessions and 1 resistance session per week.
  • 6 weeks.
  • Between-groups intervention with control, training, and cessation phases
  • VO2peak, Time to exhaustion, Blood pressure and lipids, and RPE and enjoyment were tracked.

Outcomes

VO2peak

Both low- and high-dose groups improved VO2peak after 6 weeks.

Group x time p=0.013; LDG +16%, 32.3 to 37.6, p<0.001; HDG +11%, 34.4 to 38.1, p<0.001; no between-group difference at post p=0.381.

Improved

Cessation VO2peak

VO2peak declined after cessation in the low-dose group but was maintained in the high-dose group.

3POST: LDG -11%, 37.6 to 33.4, p=0.03; HDG +3%, 38.1 to 39.2, p=0.09; between-group p=0.002.

Mixed

RPE and enjoyment

Perceived exertion decreased and enjoyment increased across training.

RPE session 1 to 12: LDG 18 to 15, p=0.017; HDG 17 to 14, p=0.023. Enjoyment: LDG 5 to 7, p=0.039; HDG 6 to 7, p<0.001.

Improved

Blood pressure

Diastolic blood pressure decreased after training in both groups.

DBP at post: LDG -9%, p=0.006; HDG -5%, p=0.02; SBP no significant change.

Improved

Insights

  • Very short 6-second all-out cycling sprints can improve VO2peak when combined with weekly resistance training.
  • Higher volume did not clearly increase immediate VO2peak gains but may support retention after short cessation.
  • Because resistance training was included, the study is not pure SIT evidence.

Limitations

  • Very small final sample of 13.
  • About 30% attrition before completion.
  • Male-only inactive sample.
  • Concurrent resistance training confounds SIT-specific effects.
  • No fully nontraining randomized control during the intervention phase.

Safety

  • Six of 19 recruited participants withdrew before completion due to illness or time constraints.
  • The discussion reported withdrawals were not due to protocol intolerability.
  • No specific adverse events were reported.