Inclusion of sprints during moderate-intensity continuous exercise enhances post-exercise fat oxidation in young males

Abstract

To assess the physiological demand of including high-intensity efforts during continuous exercise, we designed a randomized crossover study, where 12 physically active young males executed three different exercises in random order: FATmax - continuous exercise at the highest fat oxidation zone (FATmax); 2min-130% - FATmax interspersed by a 2-min bout at 130% of the maximal oxygen uptake associated intensity (iV̇O2max); and 20s:10s-170% - FATmax interspersed by four 20-s bouts at 170%iV̇O2max interpolated by 10s of passive recovery. We measured oxygen uptake (V̇O2), blood lactate concentration ([LAC]), respiratory exchange rate (RER), fat and carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation. For statistical analyses, repeated measures ANOVA was applied. Although no differences were found for average V̇O2 or carbohydrate oxidation rate, the post-exercise fat oxidation rate was 37.5% and 50% higher during 2min-130% and 20s:10s-170%, respectively, compared to FATmax, which also presented lower values of RER during exercise compared to 2min-130% and 20s:10s-170% (p<0.001 in both), and higher values post-exercise (p=0.04 and p=0.002, respectively). The [LAC] was higher during exercise when high-intensity bouts were applied (p<0.001 for both) and higher post-exercise on the intermittent one compared to FATmax (p=0.016). The inclusion of high-intensity efforts during moderate-intensity continuous exercise promoted higher physiological demand and post-exercise fat oxidation.Novelty bullets• The inclusion of 2-min efforts modifies continuous exercise demands• Maximal efforts can increase post-exercise fat oxidation• 2-min maximal efforts, continuous or intermittent, presents similar demands