Effect of three different periodization of endurance training on ventilatory threshold

This study aimed to compare the effect of aerobic training with different progressions of intensity on ventilatory threshold (VO₂VT) and VO₂peak. 48 men were divided into groups: incremental progression (INC), undulatory (UND) and stepped (STEP), and evaluated before and after 13 weeks of training, performed three times a week for 30 minutes. The lower and upper limit of the intensity were equal in all groups (65-90% HRmax.), but the progression was structured differently, making the training loads were distinct. There was an increase in both, VT (UND 29 ± 4 vs. 32 ± 4; INC 30 ± 4.6 vs. 34 ± 5.7; STEP 32.8 ± 4.6 vs. 35.7 ± 5. mL.kg^-1. min^-1) and VO₂peak (UND 52.6 ± 7 vs. 57.8 ± 10; INC 53 ± 10 vs. 57.7 ± 10; STEP 54 ± 8 vs. 61.5 ± 9 mL.kg^-1.min^-1) in the three groups, with no differences between them. The three protocols were effective in increasing the VT and VO₂peak despite differences in training loads.

Anaerobic threshold; Oxygen consumption; Exercise; Physical fitness