The Effect of Polarized Training (SIT, HIIT, and ET) on Muscle Thickness and Anaerobic Power in Trained Cyclists

Paulina Hebisz,Rafał Hebisz

doi:10.3390/ijerph18126547

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of two different concepts in a training program on muscle thickness and anaerobic power in trained cyclists. Twenty-six mountain bike cyclists participated in the study and were divided into an experimental group (E), which performed polarized training, comprising sprint interval training (SIT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and endurance training (ET), and a control group (C), which performed HIIT and ET. The experiment was conducted over the course of 9 weeks. Laboratory tests were performed immediately before and after the conducted experiment, including an ultrasound measurement of the quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and a sprint interval testing protocol (SITP). During the SITP, the cyclists performed 4 maximal repetitions, 30 s each, with a 90-s rest period between the repetitions. SITP was performed to measure maximal and mean anaerobic power. As a result of the applied training program, the muscle thickness decreased and the mean anaerobic power increased in the experimental group. By contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group. In conclusion, a decrease in muscle thickness with a concomitant increase in mean anaerobic power resulting from the polarized training program is beneficial in mountain bike cycling.

Highlights

Athletes practicing endurance sports, such as cross-country running, cycling, and cross-country skiing, use different concepts in their training programs to improve athletic performance [1,2]
A decrease in muscle thickness with a concomitant increase in mean anaerobic power resulting from the polarized training program is beneficial in mountain bike cycling
Each participant declared the following with regard to the three-year period prior to entering the experiment: (1) training for at least 10 h per week, (2) participating in a minimum of 15 cycling races per year, and (3) no regular trainings described as sprint interval training (SIT) below

Summary

Introduction

Athletes practicing endurance sports, such as cross-country running, cycling, and cross-country skiing, use different concepts in their training programs to improve athletic performance [1,2]. It has been proven that peak performance in endurance sports requires a high level of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), a common measure of aerobic capacity [3,4,5]. The development of maximal anaerobic power is accompanied by an increase in muscle thickness [8]. Significant increases in muscle thickness and mass in sports such as cycling, cross-country running, and cross-country skiing are not beneficial, as competitions usually take place in mountainous or hilly terrains. In light of the above, the effectiveness of various training programs concepts in endurance sports characterized by variable intensity is assessed

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Conclusion