Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(9): 781-786
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-837438
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Improving Aerobic Power in Primary School Boys: A Comparison of Continuous and Interval Training

A. M. McManus1 , C. H. Cheng1 , M. P. Leung2 , T. C. Yung2 , D. J. Macfarlane1
  • 1Institute of Human Performance, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
  • 2Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Grantham Hospital, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: November 3, 2004

Publication Date:
15 March 2005 (online)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the magnitude of change in aerobic power was different in boys (mean age 10.25 ± 0.50 y) who followed a high-intensity interval training protocol, compared to those who followed a moderate-intensity continuous training protocol. Boys were assigned to either a control group (n = 15), a continuous training group (n = 10), or an interval training group (n = 10). They completed peak oxygen uptake tests at baseline and following an 8-week training period. The control group continued with normal activity habits, whilst the continuous training group followed a 20-minute steady-state cycle protocol at 80 - 85 % of the maximal heart rate, and the interval training group completed 30-s sprints on a cycle ergometer, interspersed with active rest periods. The two training protocols were designed to incur similar cardiovascular work over the 20 minutes of each training session. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in peak oxygen uptake were noted for both the interval and continuous training groups. The interval training group showed marked pre- to post-increases in both peak oxygen pulse, oxygen pulse at the ventilatory threshold, and ventilatory threshold that were not apparent in the continuous group boys. It would appear that a high-intensity interval protocol confers a different training effect in comparison to continuous steady-state training in boys. Possible mechanisms that underpin these adaptations may include increased blood volume and a concomitant adjustment in stroke volume.

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A. M. McManus

Institute of Human Performance, University of Hong Kong

Pokfulam Road

Pokfulam

Hong Kong

Phone: + 85225890582

Email: alimac@hku.hk