Interval training during concurrent training optimizes cardiorespiratory adaptations in women

Exercício intervalado durante o treinamento concorrente otimiza as adaptações cardiorrespiratórias em mulheres

Abstract

This study compared the effects of using continuous and interval aerobic exercise during concurrent training on cardiorespiratory adaptations in women. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned into one of the following groups: continuous running and resistance training (C-RUN, n = 10), interval running and resistance training (I-RUN, n = 11), or control group that performed resistance training only (RT, n = 11). Each group trained twice a week during 11 weeks. Oxygen uptake corresponding to the first ventilatory threshold (VO_2VT1), second ventilatory threshold (VO_2VT2) and maximal effort (VO_2max) was measured in a maximal incremental test performed before and after training. Significant increases in VO_2VT1, VO_2VT2 and VO_2max were observed in all training groups. VO_2VT2 and VO_2max presented time-group interactions, indicating that the magnitude of the increase in these variables was dependent on the training group (VO_2VT2: C-Run = 6.6%, I-Run = 15.7%, RT = 1.7%; VO_2max: C-Run = 7.2%, I-Run = 14.3%, RT = 2.7%). The effect size observed for post-training values comparing C-RUN and RT groups was d = 0.566 for VO_2VT2 and d = 0.442 for VO_2max. On the other hand, values of d = 0.949 for VO_2VT2 and d = 1.189 for VO_2max were verified between I-RUN and RT groups. In conclusion, the use of continuous and interval aerobic exercise during concurrent training improved different cardiorespiratory parameters in women, but in a greater magnitude when interval aerobic exercise was performed simultaneously to resistance training.

Key words
Cardiology; Exercise; Physical fitness; Oxygen uptake; Running