Training Load in Constant Load and Interval Running Exercises

Abstract

Training load (TL) in constant velocity exercises depends on both exercise intensity and duration and in interval exercises the recovery time between the running bouts is also an important factor. Furthermore, individual training history and performance profile affect TL. Based on exercise intensity, duration and individual performance profile a new TL and TL recovery model was developed for running. PURPOSE: To test a new model to determine TL and recovery in constant velocity and interval exercises in running. METHODS: Seventeen untrained men and women performed five different constant load exercise (3.5 km at 50%, 63% and 74% of vVO2max, 7 km at 50% and 63% at vVO2max) and 13 male recreational runners performed three different constant load exercises (3 km at 60% and 85% of vVO2max and 14 km at 60% of vVO2max) and three different interval exercises (12×250m at 85% and 105% of vVO2max and 6×500m at 85% of vVO2max) on a treadmill. In order to test the validity of the new TL model, Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), heart rate, blood lactate concentration (BLa) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured from all the exercises. Furthermore, endurance performance characteristics were measured by a graded treadmill test and a questionnaire for training history and performance profile was filled by the subjects. RESULTS: The new TL model ranked the analyzed exercises in the same order as EPOC, RPE and BLa in both untrained subjects and recreational runners. When all the subjects and exercise data were pooled, a significant correlation (P < 0.001) was observed between the calculated TL and EPOC, RPE and BLa (r = 0.56, 0.60 and 0.66, respectively). Similar correlations were also observed when untrained subjects and recreational runners were analyzed separately. Significant correlations between TL and EPOC, RPE and BLa were also observed when both constant load and interval exercises were pooled in recreational runners (r = 0.6 - 0.8, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that the new TL model can be used to compare training load of different constant load and interval exercises in subjects with different training history and performance profile. More study is needed to assess whether the new TL model is useful for monitoring the training in running.