Relationship between maximal incremental and high-intensity interval exercise performance in elite athletes

Chang SC, Adami A, Lin HC, Lin YC, Chen CPC, Fu TC, Hsu CC, Huang SC

Question

Which maximal incremental test variables relate to high-intensity interval exercise tolerance in female athletes and moderately active women?

Summary

This was a testing study, not a training program. Female athletes tolerated more 1-minute supramaximal treadmill intervals than moderately active women, and performance related to recovery kinetics and muscle oxygenation.

Methodology

Female athletes and moderately active women.
47 participants.
Treadmill running.
Work intervals: 1 min at 120% maximal incremental velocity.
Recovery: 1 min passive recovery.
Intensity: 120% of highest incremental-test velocity.
Until exhaustion.
Single test.
Acute testing.
Descriptive laboratory testing study
HIIT tolerance, and Recovery kinetics were tracked.

Outcomes

Tolerance

Athletes completed more supramaximal intervals than moderately active women.

7.8 +/- 2.3 vs 4.2 +/- 1.4 repetitions, p<0.05.

Improved

Predictors

VO2 recovery, HR recovery, tissue saturation at exhaustion, and age related to interval tolerance.

Regression R=0.644; age adjusted r=-0.518, p<0.0001.

Mixed

Insights

Recovery capacity helps explain interval tolerance.
Testing protocols should not be repackaged as unsupervised workouts.

Limitations

Acute testing only
All female sample
Athletes were younger than moderately active participants
Menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive use not controlled
NIRS and fixed-intensity prescription limitations

Safety

No adverse events were reported.
The protocol involved maximal and supramaximal treadmill testing to voluntary exhaustion with 12-lead ECG, gas exchange, HR, and NIRS monitoring.
No dropouts were reported; participants received risk explanation and gave informed consent.