Individualised training at different intensities, in untrained participants, results in similar physiological and performance benefits

Abstract

This study compared effects of training at moderate, high, or a combination of the two intensities (mixed) on performance and physiological adaptations, when training durations were individualised. Untrained participants (n = 34) were assigned to a moderate, high, or mixed group. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O_2max), power output at V̇O_2max (MAP), time-to-exhaustion and gross efficiency were recorded before and after four weeks of cycling training (four times per week). The moderate group cycled at 60% MAP in blocks of 5 min with 1 min recovery, and training duration was individualised to 100% of pre-training time-to-exhaustion. The high group cycled at 100% MAP for 2 min with 3 min recovery, and training duration was set as the maximum number of repetitions completed in the first training session. The mixed group completed two moderate- and two high-intensity sessions each week, on alternate days. V̇O_2max, MAP, and time-to-exhaustion increased after training (P < 0.05), but were not different between groups (P > 0.05). The mixed group improved their gross efficiency at 50% MAP more than the other two groups (P = 0.044) after training. When training is individualised for untrained participants, similar improvements in performance and physiological measures are found, despite marked differences in exercise intensity and total training duration.