High‐intensity interval training improves performance in young and older individuals by increasing mechanical efficiency. Issue 7 (5th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jabbour, Georges; Iancu, Horia‐Daniel; Mauriège, Pascale; Joanisse, Denis R.; Martin, Luc J.
• Is Part Of: Physiological reports. Volume 5:Issue 7(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-04-05
• Subjects: Energy expenditure -- mechanical efficiency -- power -- ratings of perceived‐exertion -- ventilator thresholds 1 -- ventilator thresholds 2; Physiology -- Periodicals; 571
• DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13232
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-817X

Abstract

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of 6 weeks of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on mechanical efficiency (ME) in young and older groups. Seventeen healthy young adults [26.2(2.4) year], and thirteen healthy older adults [54.5(2.3) year] completed a 6‐week HIIT intervention (three sessions per week) on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer. Each HIIT session contained six repetitions of supramaximal exercise intervals (6 seconds each) with 2 min of passive recovery between each repetition. ME (%) were computed in net terms across stages corresponding to ventilator thresholds 1 (VT1) and 2 (VT2) and at 100% of maximal oxygen consumption ( V O2 max) of an incremental maximal cycling test. After 6 weeks, the ME values did not differ between the two groups and were significantly higher than the ones at baseline ( P < 0.01). In this study, the multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated the increases in maximal power (Pmax) contributed significantly to ME increases over 6 weeks at VT1, VT2 and at 100% of VO2max . This model accounted respectively for 28, 38, and 42%, of the increases. In older adults, ME determined during incremental maximal cycling test increases at VT1, VT2 and at 100% over 6‐week HIIT intervention, and the increment appeared to be related to increases in Pmax. HIIT can be recommended as a strategy aimed at improving muscle efficiency among older adults. Abstract : At lower intensity the mechanical efficiency values did not differ among older and younger adults. At higher intensities mechanical efficiency values were significantly lower in older than in younger adults. High‐intensity interval improves muscle efficiency.