PMID 40213147

Research
All papers

Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers

Tongwu Y, Jinghui Z, Chuanwei D, Zijian Z, Yuxiong X

Question

Which individualized HIIT protocol produces the most consistent physiological and performance adaptations in elite male rowers?

Summary

In 30 elite male rowers, 6 weeks of individualized rowing HIIT improved VO2max, cardiac-output measures, anaerobic power, and 2,000 m time-trial performance across APR, MAP, and all-out SIT groups. SIT showed the largest and most consistent improvements, but the NXML contains some protocol-description inconsistencies and a correction note.

Methodology

  • Elite male national-team rowers.
  • 30 participants.
  • Rowing ergometer.
  • Work intervals: 1 min maximal effort.
  • Recovery: 1 min between intervals; 3 min between sets.
  • Intensity: Maximal all-out effort.
  • Not fully consistent in NXML; included 10 min warm-up and repeated 1 min intervals.
  • 3 sessions/week.
  • 6 weeks.
  • Randomized controlled training trial
  • VO2max, Cardiac output, Anaerobic power, and 2,000 m time trial were tracked.

Outcomes

VO2max

All groups improved VO2max, with SIT showing the largest relative gain.

SIT 51.9 +/- 3.2 to 55.2 +/- 3.3 mL/kg/min, +6.3%, p=0.001, d=1.05.

Improved

Cardiac output

Qmax and SVmax improved in all groups; SIT had a large Qmax improvement.

SIT Qmax +6.4%, d=1.15, 95% CI [0.66, 1.64].

Improved

2,000 m time

2,000 m time trial performance improved in all groups and most in SIT.

SIT 385.9 +/- 6.2 s to 372.1 +/- 5.6 s, -3.7%, p=0.002, d=0.86.

Improved

Adaptation variability

SIT showed the lowest variability across many measured outcomes.

Authors reported reduced coefficients of variation and narrower confidence intervals for SIT.

Improved

Insights

  • For elite rowers, all-out rowing SIT may be a simple way to standardize high effort across athletes.
  • Because protocol descriptions conflict in the NXML, use the intervention details cautiously until the correction is reviewed.

Limitations

  • Elite male athletes only
  • Short intervention
  • Intensity control challenges
  • Potential fatigue and motivation effects in SIT
  • Protocol description inconsistencies
  • Correction note present

Safety

  • No adverse events or injuries were reported in the extracted NXML.
  • The authors noted maintaining consistent intensity was challenging, especially in SIT where fatigue and motivation vary.