The impact of work-matched interval training on VO2peak and VO2 kinetics: diminishing returns with increasing intensity

High intensity interval training (HIIT) improves VO2peak and VO2 kinetics, however, it is unknown whether an optimal intensity of HIIT exists for eliciting improvements in these measures of whole body oxidative metabolism. The purpose of this study was to: 1) investigate the effect of interval intensity on training-induced adaptations in VO2peak and VO2 kinetics, and 2) examine the impact of interval intensity on the frequency of non-responders in VO2peak. 36 healthy men and women completed 3 weeks of cycle ergometer HIIT, consisting of intervals targeting 80% (LO), 115% (MID) or 150% (HI) of peak aerobic power. Total work performed per training session was matched across groups. A main effect of training (pThe accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author