Effects of high-intensity interval training and resistance training on physiological parameters and performance of well-trained runners: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to verify the effects of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), heavy (HRT) and explosive (ERT) resistance training on aerobic, anaerobic and neuromuscular parameters and performance of well-trained runners. Twenty-six male athletes were divided into HIIT (n = 10), HRT (n = 7) and ERT (n = 9) groups. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the corresponding velocity (vVO2max), anaerobic threshold (AT), running economy (RE), oxygen uptake kinetics, lower-body strength (1RM) and power (CMJ), and the 1500m and 5000m time-trial (TT) were determined. Improvements were observed in vVO2max (mean difference (Δ) 2.6%; effect size (ES) 0.63) with HIIT, while AT was incresead in ERT (Δ 4.3%; ES 0.73) and HRT (Δ 6.9%; ES 0.72) groups. The CMJ performance was increased in ERT (Δ 13.8%; ES 1.03), HRT (Δ 6.9%; ES 0.55) and HIIT (Δ 5.4%; ES 0.34), whereas 1RM increase in HRT (Δ 38.1%; ES 1.21) and ERT (Δ 49.2%; ES 0.96) groups. HIIT improved the 1500m (Δ -2.3%; ES -0.62) and both HRT (Δ -1.6%; ES -0.32) and ERT (Δ -1.7%; ES -0.31) the 5000m TT. Despite performance adaptations were dependent on the training characteristics, both RT and HIIT model constitute an alternative for training periodization.