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

PMID: 41994354
Journal: Biology of Sport
Published: 2025-11-24
Authors: 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.

## Population

- Young male middle-distance runners.
- Sample size: 33
- Age: 19.6 +/- 2.3 years
- Sex: Male only
- Fitness level: Trained athletes, 5-6 sessions/week
- Health status: Healthy, injury-free runners

## Methodology

- Randomized crossover repeated-measures acute exercise study
- Three weekly experimental sessions with follow-up to 48 hours after each session
- Outdoor track sessions in small groups
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Repeated sprint training.
- Modality: Track running.
- Work intervals: 20 m all-out sprint.
- Recovery: 20 seconds jogging between sprints; 5 minutes between sets.
- Sets or repetitions: 4 sets of 6 sprints.
- Intensity: All-out.
- Session duration: Not reported as a single total duration.
- Frequency: One experimental session.
- Program length: Acute session within 3-week crossover.
- Progression: None.
- Short-HIIT and long-HIIT.
- Modality: Track running.
- Work intervals: Short-HIIT: 200 m; long-HIIT: 1000 m.
- Recovery: 3 minutes between repetitions.
- Sets or repetitions: Short-HIIT: 12 reps; long-HIIT: 4 reps.
- Intensity: Short-HIIT at 120% vVO2max; long-HIIT at 95% vVO2max.
- Session duration: Not reported as a single total duration.
- Frequency: One experimental session per modality.
- Program length: 3-week crossover.
- Progression: None.

## Outcomes

### RPE
Status: worse/safety concern
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.

### Fatigue
Status: worse/safety concern
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.

### Soreness
Status: worse/safety concern
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.

### IL-6
Status: worse/safety concern
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.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

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

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41994354/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.156227) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081156/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.