Effects of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent training on anaerobic capacity and VO2max

Effects of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent
training on anaerobic capacity and VO2max.

Tabata, I.; Nishimura, k.; Kouzaki, M.; Hirai, Y.; Ogita, F.; Miyachi, M.; Yamamoto,
K., Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Oct 1996: Vol. 28 Issue 10.
p. 1327-1330

Abstract: This study consists of two training experiments using a
mechanically braked cycle ergometer. First, the effect of 6 wk of
moderate-intensity endurance training (intensity: 70 percent of maximal
oxygen uptake (VO2max), 60 min.d-1, 5 d.wk-1) on the anaerobic capacity
(the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) and VO2max was evaluated. After
the training, the anaerobic capacity did not increase significantly (P
greater than 0.10), while VO2max increased from 53 plus/minus 5
ml.kg-1.min-1 to 58 plus/minus ml.kg-1.min-1 (P less than 0.01) (mean
plus/minus SD). Second, to quantify the effect of high-intensity
intermittent training on energy release, seven subjects performed an
intermittent training exercise 5 d.wk-1 for 6 wk. The exhaustive
intermittent training consisted of seven to eight sets of 20-s exercise
at an intensity of about 170 percent of VO2max with a 10-s rest between
each bout. After the training period, VO2max increased by 7
ml.kg-1.min-1, while the anaerobic capacity increased by 28 percent. In
conclusion, this study showed that moderate-intensity aerobic training
that improves the maximal aerobic power does not change anaerobic
capacity and that adequate high-intensity intermittent training may
improve both anaerobic and aerobic energy supplying systems
significantly, probably through imposing intensive stimuli on both systems.