HIIT VS MODERATE INTENSITY ENDURANCE TRAINING: IMPACT ON AEROBIC PARAMETERS IN YOUNG ADULT MEN

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training such as Billat 30s-30s training (HIIT) vs moderate intensity endurance training (CT+HIIT) on aerobic parameters in young adults men. The study involved 40 young adults men (20,15 +/- 0,56 years) who were randomly divided into the two training groups: Billat 30s working at 100% of vVO(2)max and 30s recovery of 50% of vVO(2)max (HIIT; N=20); and the moderate intensity endurance training (CT+HIIT; N=20). The training programs have lasted 4 weeks, three times per week. The measurement was carried out at two time points at Cosmed treadmill (model T 150) gas analysers (Quark b2) breath-by-breath method. Participants were tested for each of the following parameters: relative maximum oxygen consumption (rVO(2max)); absolute maximum oxygen consumption (aVO(2max)); minimum speed that athletes run when they reach VO2max (vVO(2)) and maximum heart rate (HRmax). To determine difference between effect of trainings, we used a Mixed factorial analysis of variance. Results indicated there was effect from time in rVO(2max), aVO(2max) and vVO(2max) (p<0,05) and effect from group in variable vVO(2max) (p<0,05). There was a significant effect interaction group x time in rVO(2max) and vVO(2max). In conclusion HIIT and CT+HIIT both elicit significant improvements in the aerobic parameters after 4 weeks. However, HIIT was more effective for improving rVO(2max) and vVO(2max) than CT+HIIT in healthy, young adults.