EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TIMED RECOVERY INTERVENTIONS ON BLOOD LACTATE LEVELS DURING HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL EXERCISE IN COLLEGE AGED STUDENTS

Peter J Chomentowski 3rd, Cody J. Yates, Mark Flury, Luis Hernandez

Abstract

Aim: HIIT (Hit Intensity Interval Training) consists of low volume, but increased intensity in a short period of time followed by a relative recovery period, which can be active or passive. In addition, the implementation of rest recovery intervals between high intensity short duration activities is optimal for maintaining exercise functionality and has been shown to improve overall exercise performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a long and short rest recovery intervention on blood lactate accumulation between multiple sets of sprinting activities. Methods: Forty students aged 21.9 ± 0.3 years participated in the high intensity sprinting sessions. Subjects were randomly assigned into recovery conditions (modality x duration) which was one of four groups: active recovery for 10 minutes (AR10), active recovery for 5 minutes (AR5), passive recovery for 10 minutes (PR10), or passive recovery for 5 minutes (PR5). Blood lactate, heart rate, RPE, and sprint time were collected after each sprint (3-repeats) to assess performance changes. Differences in dependent variables were assessed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the AR10 and PR5 intervention groups for blood lactate concentrations at 5-minute post exercise (p = .034) and for the mean lactate values across trails (p = .031). Conclusions: Active recovery could be more beneficial for lactate clearance when compared to passive recovery during high-intensity interval training and longer recovery periods incorporating physical activity may have a greater benefit of optimizing exercise performance during high intensity power activities.

Pages: 192 - 197