Interval training at VO2max:: effects on aerobic performance and overtraining markers

Purpose: Between inefficient training and overtraining, an appropriate training stimulus tin terms of intensity and duration) has to be determined in accordance with individual capacities. Interval training at the minimal velocity associated with (V) over dot O-2max (v(V) over dot O-2max) allows an athlete to run for as long as possible at (V) over dot O-2max. Nevertheless, we don't know the influence of a defined increase in training volume at v(V) over dot O-2max on aerobic performance, noradrenaline, and heart rate, Methods: Eight subjects performed 4 wk of normal training (NT) with one session per week at v(V) over dot O-2max, i.e., five repetitions run at 50% of the time limit at v(V) over dot O-2max, with recovery of the same duration at 60% v(V) over dot O-2max. They then performed 4 wk of overload training (OT) with three interval training sessions at v(V) over dot O-2max. Results: Normal training significantly improved their velocity associated with (V) over dot O-2max (20.5 +/- 0.7 vs 21.1 +/- 0.8 km.h(-1), P = 0.02). As a result of improved running economy (50.6 +/- 3.5 vs 47.5 +/- 2.4 mL.min(-1).kg(-1), P = 0.02), (V) over dot O-2max was not Significantly different (71.6 +/- 4.8 vs 72.7 +/- 4.8 mL.min(-1).kg(-1)). Time to exhaustion at v(V) over dot O-2max was not significantly different (301 +/- 56 vs 283 +/- 41 s) as was performance (i.e., distance limit run at v(V) over dot O-2max: 2052.2 +/- 331 vs 1986.2 +/- 252.9 m). Heart rate at 14 km.h(-1) decreased significantly after NT (162 +/- 16 vs 155 +/- 18 bpm, P < 0.01). Lactate threshold remained the same after normal training (84.1 +/- 4.88 v(V) over dot O-2max). Overload training changed neither the performance nor the factors concerning performance. However, the submaximal heart rate measured at 14 km h-L decreased after overload training (155 +/- 18 vs 150 +/- 15 bpm). The maximal heart rate was not significantly different after NT and OT (199 +/- 9.5, 198 +/- 11, 194 +/- 10.4, P = 0.1). Resting plasma norepinephrine (veinous blood sample measured by high pressure liquid chromatography), was unchanged (2.6 vs 2.4 nm.L-1, P = 0.8). However, plasma norepinephrine measured at the end of the v(V) over dot O-2max test increased significantly (11.1 vs 26.0 nm.L-1, P = 0.002). Conclusion: Performance and aerobic factors associated with the performance were not altered by the 4 wk of intensive training at v(V) over dot O-2max despite the increase of plasma noradrenaline.