Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the consistency of physiological adaptations and inter-individual variability in response to three distinct high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols—anaerobic power reserve (APR), maximal aerobic power (MAP), and sprint interval training (SIT)—among elit...

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Main Authors: Yu Tongwu, Zhong Jinghui, Ding Chuanwei, Zhang Zijian, Xu Yuxiong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Physiology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1516268/full
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author Yu Tongwu
Zhong Jinghui
Ding Chuanwei
Zhang Zijian
Xu Yuxiong
author_facet Yu Tongwu
Zhong Jinghui
Ding Chuanwei
Zhang Zijian
Xu Yuxiong
author_sort Yu Tongwu
collection DOAJ
description ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the consistency of physiological adaptations and inter-individual variability in response to three distinct high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols—anaerobic power reserve (APR), maximal aerobic power (MAP), and sprint interval training (SIT)—among elite male rowers. By exploring the impact of individualized intensity prescriptions, we sought to identify the most effective protocol for enhancing training consistency, as well as improving both aerobic and anaerobic performance while minimizing variability in individual responses.MethodsThirty well-trained male rowers (mean age: 24.9 ± 3.1 years; height: 185 ± 4.4 cm; body mass: 86 ± 7.9 kg; body fat: 12.5% ± 2.4%) participated in the study. All participants were members of a national rowing team with an average of 6 years of competitive experience and regular participation in national and international championships. The intervention involved 6 weeks of individualized HIIT, performed three times per week, with pre- and post-tests assessing VO2max, cardiovascular efficiency (Qmax), anaerobic power (MSP, CP), and 2,000-m rowing performance.ResultsAll interventions resulted in significant improvements in VO2max, Qmax, MSP, and 2,000-m rowing time trial performance (p < 0.05). The SIT group exhibited the largest relative improvements, with VO2max increasing by 6.3% (from 51.9 ± 3.2 to 55.2 ± 3.3 mL·kg-1·min-1, Cohen’s d = 1.05, 95% CI [0.57, 1.53]), Qmax by 6.4% (Cohen’s d = 1.15, 95% CI [0.66, 1.64]), and a 3.7% reduction in 2,000-m time (Cohen’s d = 0.86, 95% CI [0.39, 1.33]). Notably, SIT demonstrated the lowest variability across all measured outcomes, as evidenced by reduced coefficients of variation and narrower confidence intervals.ConclusionThe SIT protocol, emphasizing maximal exertion, led to the most consistent adaptations and the greatest improvements across key performance metrics, including VO2max, Qmax, and 2,000-m rowing performance. These results suggest that SIT may be the optimal approach for improving performance consistency and maximizing physiological adaptations in elite rowers. Future research should explore the long-term applicability and potential integration of SIT with other training modalities to further enhance rowing performance.
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spelling doaj-art-b2a89c659e4f4df0b5652cec907d40c22025-08-20T09:45:12ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Physiology1664-042X2025-03-011610.3389/fphys.2025.15162681516268Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowersYu Tongwu0Zhong Jinghui1Ding Chuanwei2Zhang Zijian3Xu Yuxiong4Anhui Communications Vocational and Technical College, Hefei, ChinaCapital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, ChinaCapital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, ChinaCapital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, ChinaCapital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, ChinaObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the consistency of physiological adaptations and inter-individual variability in response to three distinct high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols—anaerobic power reserve (APR), maximal aerobic power (MAP), and sprint interval training (SIT)—among elite male rowers. By exploring the impact of individualized intensity prescriptions, we sought to identify the most effective protocol for enhancing training consistency, as well as improving both aerobic and anaerobic performance while minimizing variability in individual responses.MethodsThirty well-trained male rowers (mean age: 24.9 ± 3.1 years; height: 185 ± 4.4 cm; body mass: 86 ± 7.9 kg; body fat: 12.5% ± 2.4%) participated in the study. All participants were members of a national rowing team with an average of 6 years of competitive experience and regular participation in national and international championships. The intervention involved 6 weeks of individualized HIIT, performed three times per week, with pre- and post-tests assessing VO2max, cardiovascular efficiency (Qmax), anaerobic power (MSP, CP), and 2,000-m rowing performance.ResultsAll interventions resulted in significant improvements in VO2max, Qmax, MSP, and 2,000-m rowing time trial performance (p < 0.05). The SIT group exhibited the largest relative improvements, with VO2max increasing by 6.3% (from 51.9 ± 3.2 to 55.2 ± 3.3 mL·kg-1·min-1, Cohen’s d = 1.05, 95% CI [0.57, 1.53]), Qmax by 6.4% (Cohen’s d = 1.15, 95% CI [0.66, 1.64]), and a 3.7% reduction in 2,000-m time (Cohen’s d = 0.86, 95% CI [0.39, 1.33]). Notably, SIT demonstrated the lowest variability across all measured outcomes, as evidenced by reduced coefficients of variation and narrower confidence intervals.ConclusionThe SIT protocol, emphasizing maximal exertion, led to the most consistent adaptations and the greatest improvements across key performance metrics, including VO2max, Qmax, and 2,000-m rowing performance. These results suggest that SIT may be the optimal approach for improving performance consistency and maximizing physiological adaptations in elite rowers. Future research should explore the long-term applicability and potential integration of SIT with other training modalities to further enhance rowing performance.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1516268/fullhigh-intensity interval trainingsprint interval trainingaerobic fitnessanaerobic powerperformance variabilityrowing
spellingShingle Yu Tongwu
Zhong Jinghui
Ding Chuanwei
Zhang Zijian
Xu Yuxiong
Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers
Frontiers in Physiology
high-intensity interval training
sprint interval training
aerobic fitness
anaerobic power
performance variability
rowing
title Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers
title_full Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers
title_fullStr Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers
title_full_unstemmed Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers
title_short Supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers
title_sort supramaximal interval training using anaerobic speed reserve or sprint interval training in rowers
topic high-intensity interval training
sprint interval training
aerobic fitness
anaerobic power
performance variability
rowing
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1516268/full
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