Abstract
We determined the effect of concurrent training incorporating either high-intensity interval training (HIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on maximal strength, counter-movement jump (CMJ) performance, and body composition adaptations, compared with single-mode resistance training (RT). Twenty-three recreationally-active males (mean ± SD: age, 29.6 ± 5.5 y; , 44 ± 11 mL kg−1·min−1) underwent 8 weeks (3 sessions·wk−1) of either: (1) HIT combined with RT (HIT+RT group, n = 8), (2) work-matched MICT combined with RT (MICT+RT group, n = 7), or (3) RT performed alone (RT group, n = 8). Measures of aerobic capacity, maximal (1-RM) strength, CMJ performance and body composition (DXA) were obtained before (PRE), mid-way (MID), and after (POST) training. Maximal (one-repetition maximum [1-RM]) leg press strength was improved from PRE to POST for RT (mean change ± 90% confidence interval; 38.5 ± 8.5%; effect size [ES] ± 90% confidence interval; 1.26 ± 0.24; P < 0.001), HIT+RT (28.7 ± 5.3%; ES, 1.17 ± 0.19; P < 0.001), and MICT+RT (27.5 ± 4.6%, ES, 0.81 ± 0.12; P < 0.001); however, the magnitude of this change was greater for RT vs. both HIT+RT (7.4 ± 8.7%; ES, 0.40 ± 0.40) and MICT+RT (8.2 ± 9.9%; ES, 0.60 ± 0.45). There were no substantial between-group differences in 1-RM bench press strength gain. RT induced greater changes in peak CMJ force vs. HIT+RT (6.8 ± 4.5%; ES, 0.41 ± 0.28) and MICT+RT (9.9 ± 11.2%; ES, 0.54 ± 0.65), and greater improvements in maximal CMJ rate of force development (RFD) vs. HIT+RT (24.1 ± 26.1%; ES, 0.72 ± 0.88). Lower-body lean mass was similarly increased for RT (4.1 ± 2.0%; ES; 0.33 ± 0.16; P = 0.023) and MICT+RT (3.6 ± 2.4%; ES; 0.45 ± 0.30; P = 0.052); however, this change was attenuated for HIT+RT (1.8 ± 1.6%; ES; 0.13 ± 0.12; P = 0.069). We conclude that concurrent training incorporating either HIT or work-matched MICT similarly attenuates improvements in maximal lower-body strength and indices of CMJ performance compared with RT performed alone. This suggests endurance training intensity is not a critical mediator of interference to maximal strength gain during short-term concurrent training.
Highlights
Incorporating both endurance and resistance training (RT) into a periodised exercise program is termed concurrent training
Average heart rate (HR) was higher during high-intensity interval training (HIT) compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) during the first training session conducted in weeks 1, 4, and 5
Average rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was higher for HIT compared with MICT during the first training session conducted in weeks 1, 4, 5, and 8 (2 ± 1 to 3 ± 2 AU; ES, 0.98 ± 0.86 to 1.49 ± 0.90; P ≤ 0.067)
Summary
Incorporating both endurance and resistance training (RT) into a periodised exercise program is termed concurrent training. Endurance training intensity is a relevant practical consideration, given that high-intensity interval training (HIT) can be more effective for enhancing aerobic capacity (Milanovic et al, 2015), and reducing cardiometabolic risk factors (Wisløff et al, 2007; Tjønna et al, 2008), compared with traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Evidence suggests that HIT protocols involving brief work intervals (∼2–4 min) interspersed with periods of active or passive recovery (∼1–3 min) are perceived as more enjoyable compared with MICT (Bartlett et al, 2011), and are well-tolerated in clinical populations (Wisløff et al, 2007; Tjønna et al, 2008). HIT represents an attractive exercise strategy for both athletic and clinical populations, with promising implications for exercise adherence
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