Physiological and metabolic effects of using interval training loads by athletes specializing in race walking in different training periods

Abstract

Purpose: to evaluate the efficiency of using interval training loads by athletes specializing in race walking in different training periods using biochemical and physiological indicators.
 Material and methods. The study included 22 athletes specializing in race walking aged 19-30 years with 6-15 years of sports experience and qualifications of Master of Sports (MS) and International Master of Sports (ICMS). The athletes performed physical tests - 500m x 20 times and 1000m x 12 times. The study was conducted both at rest and during the recovery period after performing the physical tests. Physiological and biochemical control with the determination of lactate content in the blood, heart rate, and sports performance was used to assess the direction and effectiveness of the training process in different periods of athletes' training.
 Results. Used interval loads confirm the correct choice of the training load program, which has shown its effectiveness in the competitive period of training compared to the preparatory period: it contributed to the improvement of test results, speed capabilities and high-speed endurance of athletes. It has been established that the use of interval training, accompanied by the accumulation of lactate up to 12 mmol·l-1 in the blood and an increase in heart rate over 180 min-1, leads to an improvement in sports performance.
 Conclusions. The used interval training loads contributed to the improvement of sports result in the competitive period in comparison with the preparatory period when overcoming series of 500 m distance by 2,08s, and 1000 m distance - by 6,56s, that testifies to the improvement of motor qualities - speed and high-speed endurance of sportsmen in the competitive period in comparison with the preparatory period.