The acute physiological and perceptual effects of recovery interval intensity during cycling-based high-intensity interval training

Purpose The current study sought to investigate the role of recovery intensity on the physiological and perceptual responses during cycling-based aerobic high-intensity interval training. Methods Fourteen well-trained cyclists ((V)over dotO(2peak) : 62 +/- 9 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) completed seven laboratory visits. At visit 1, the participants' peak oxygen consumption ((V)over dotO(2peak)) and lactate thresholds were determined. At visits 2-7, participants completed either a 6 x 4 min or 3 x 8 min high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol with one of three recovery intensity prescriptions: passive (PA) recovery, active recovery at 80% of lactate threshold (80A) or active recovery at 110% of lactate threshold (110A). Results The time spent at > 80%, > 90% and > 95% of maximal minute power during the work intervals was significantly increased with PA recovery, when compared to both 80A and 110A, during both HIIT protocols (all P <= 0.001). However, recovery intensity had no effect on the time spent at > 90% (V)over dotO(2peak) (P = 0.11) or > 95% (V)over dotO(2peak) (P = 0.50) during the work intervals of both HIIT protocols. Session RPE was significantly higher following the 110A recovery, when compared to the PA and 80A recovery during both HIIT protocols (P < 0.001). Conclusion Passive recovery facilitates a higher work interval PO and similar internal stress for a lower sRPE when compared to active recovery and therefore may be the efficacious recovery intensity prescription.