PMID 41994354

Research
All papers

Repeated sprint training induces prolonged residual fatigue compared to other high-intensity interval training modalities in middle-distance runners

Yang K, Xia Y, Filipa AS

Question

Do different high-intensity interval modalities create different acute fatigue and recovery profiles in trained middle-distance runners?

Summary

In 33 male middle-distance runners, a repeated-sprint session caused more soreness, inflammation, perceived fatigue, and neuromuscular impairment than short- or long-interval HIIT. Most measures recovered by 48 hours, but soreness and perceived recovery remained worse after repeated sprints.

Methodology

  • Young male middle-distance runners.
  • 33 participants.
  • Track running.
  • Work intervals: 20 m all-out sprint.
  • Recovery: 20 seconds jogging between sprints; 5 minutes between sets.
  • Intensity: All-out.
  • Not reported as a single total duration.
  • One experimental session.
  • Acute session within 3-week crossover.
  • Randomized crossover repeated-measures acute exercise study
  • Neuromuscular performance, Inflammation, and Soreness and recovery were tracked.

Outcomes

RPE

Repeated sprint training produced the highest RPE, followed by short-HIIT and then long-HIIT.

RST 8.94 +/- 0.37; short-HIIT 8.18 +/- 0.43; long-HIIT 7.42 +/- 0.38; p<0.001.

Safety concern

Fatigue

Repeated sprint training caused the greatest immediate and 24-hour decrements in CMJ and IMTP.

Abstract reported immediate RST declines of 9.6% for CMJ and 6.7% for IMTP.

Safety concern

Soreness

DOMS peaked at 24 hours and remained higher at 48 hours after repeated sprint training.

RST median DOMS at 24 h was 4.0 versus about 3.4 for short/long HIIT; 48 h RST 2.4 versus 1.8-1.9.

Safety concern

IL-6

IL-6 increased after all modalities, with the highest and most persistent response after repeated sprint training.

Time, modality, and interaction effects reported as significant; RST exceeded comparators post-session and at follow-up.

Safety concern

Insights

  • All-out repeated sprint sessions should be programmed with longer recovery than aerobic interval sessions.
  • A 24-hour recovery window may be insufficient after repeated sprint training in trained runners.
  • Soreness and perceived recovery can remain impaired even when performance is nearly recovered.

Limitations

  • Male-only athlete sample.
  • Only acute responses through 48 hours were measured.
  • Diet, sleep, and recovery behaviors were not strictly controlled.
  • Salivary IL-6 was the only inflammatory marker.
  • Regular training between weekly modalities could have residual effects.

Safety

  • No injuries or adverse events were specifically reported.
  • Repeated sprint training produced more soreness and perceived fatigue.