A comparison of interval and continuous running on the aerobic capacities of young men

A controversy exists among contempory coaches and physiologists relative to the effectiveness of interval vs. continuous running. The purpose of this study was to compare interval and continuous running on the aerobic capacities of young men. Twelve college age men were divided into two groups, matched according to V02 max (ml/kg-min). One group trained on a short distance (110-660 yards) interval program, while the other group trained on long, steady, continuous runs. Both groups were tested, trained, and re-examined. The testing periods consisted of one all out run to exhaustion and at least two submaximal runs, all on thetreadmill. Variables recorded were V02 (ml/kg-min), V02 (1/min), VE , and heart rate. It was found that both training methods significantly increased the aerobic capacity in terms of V02 max (ml/kg-min); however, neither method was superior. In addition, it was noted that both training methods reduced the cost of running in terms of V02 (1/min) and heart rate but neither method was more effective.Thesis (M.A.