Physiological Responses to an Acute Bout of Sprint Interval Cycling

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise 2012-05, Vol.44 (5S), p.554-554
• Main Authors: Freese, Eric C, Gist, Nicholas H, Cureton, Kirk J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0195-9131

To determine the oxygen uptake and related cardiorespiratory responses and associated energy expenditure during an acute bout of sprint interval cycling (SIC). Twelve healthy, college-aged subjects, 6 men and 6 women, completed 2 SIC sessions with at least 7 d between trials. SIC was performed on a mechanically-braked cycle ergometer and involved a 5-min warm-up followed by four 30-s all-out sprints with 4 min active recovery. Work performed was quantified using an optical sensor to measure flywheel revolutions. The average work performed decreased during the four sprints for males (19.3 + or - 2.7, 17.5 + or - 3.5, 16.2 + or - 4.0, and 14.3 + or - 6.0 kJ) and females (11.6 + or - 1.4, 11.1 + or - 1.5, 10.6 + or - 1.5, and 10.6 + or - 1.9 kJ). Percent fatigue increased from sprint 1 to sprint 4 (29.8 + or - 11.8, 34.6 + or - 15.8, 38.5 + or - 17.7, and 38.5 + or - 15.4). Peak oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min) during the 4 sprints was 35.3, 38.8, 38.8, and 36.8.