interval training, sprint athletes, endurance athletes

A number of variables prescribe high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) but the principle of individuality has to be respected also. Regarding HIIE, the effect of training mode has received limited scientific interest so far. Therefore, the aim was to compare the acute ardiorespiratory and metabolic response to short and long HIIE in endurance and sprint trained athletes. All exercise tests produced similar values in E and S athletes for mean HR and mean VO2 (% VO2max). However, E athletes performed the exercise trials with lower RER even if the running speed was individually adjusted at the same relative level. This indicates the greater reliance of E athletes on oxidative metabolism pathway even during high-intensity exercise. Second, the short HIIE was performed fully aerobically. Third, unlike E athletes, S athletes performed the long HIIE mostly anaerobically Therefore, one needs to be cautious if the development of the glycolytic metabolic pathway is the main aim of such a training program.