Effects of interval training-based glycolytic capacity on physical fitness in recreational long-distance runners

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of 8-week-long interval training (targeting glycolytic capacity) on selected markers of physical fitness in amateur long-distance runners.MethodsThe study involved 17 amateur long-distance runners randomly divided into an experimental (<i>n</i> = 8) and control (<i>n</i> = 9) group. The control group performed three or four continuous training sessions per week whereas the experimental group performed two interval running training sessions and one continuous running training session. A graded treadmill exercise test and the 12-min Cooper test were performed pre- and post-training.ResultsVO<sub>2</sub>max and the rate of recovery increased in the experimental group. Relative oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, and heart rate speed decreased in low- (6 km/h) and medium-intensity (12 km/h) running.ConclusionsBoth training modalities showed similar results. However, the significant differences in training volume (4–8 min interval training vs. 40–150 min continuous training) indicates that the modalities targeting glycolytic capacity may be more efficient for amateur runners prepare for long-distance events.