Perspectives and Determinants for Training-Intensity Distribution in Elite Endurance Athletes

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1151-1156
Author(s):  
Jan G. Bourgois ◽  
Gil Bourgois ◽  
Jan Boone

Training-intensity distribution (TID), or the intensity of training and its distribution over time, has been considered an important determinant of the outcome of a training program in elite endurance athletes. The polarized and pyramidal TID, both characterized by a high amount of low-intensity training (below the first lactate or ventilatory threshold), but with different contributions of threshold training (between the first and second lactate or ventilatory threshold) and high-intensity training (above the second lactate or ventilatory threshold), have been reported most frequently in elite endurance athletes. However, the choice between these 2 TIDs is not straightforward. This article describes the historical, evolutionary, and physiological perspectives of the success of the polarized and pyramidal TID and proposes determinants that should be taken into account when choosing the most appropriate TID.

Author(s):  
Rune K. Talsnes ◽  
Roland van den Tillaar ◽  
Øyvind Sandbakk

Purpose: To compare the effects of increased load of low- versus high-intensity endurance training on performance and physiological adaptations in well-trained endurance athletes. Methods: Following an 8-week preintervention period, 51 (36 men and 15 women) junior cross-country skiers and biathletes were randomly allocated into a low-intensity (LIG, n = 26) or high-intensity training group (HIG, n = 25) for an 8-week intervention period, load balanced using the overall training impulse score. Both groups performed an uphill running time trial and were assessed for laboratory performance and physiological profiling in treadmill running and roller-ski skating preintervention and postintervention. Results: Preintervention to postintervention changes in running time trial did not differ between groups (P = .44), with significant improvements in HIG (−2.3% [3.2%], P = .01) but not in LIG (−1.5% [2.9%], P = .20). There were no differences between groups in peak speed changes when incremental running and roller-ski skating to exhaustion (P = .30 and P = .20, respectively), with both modes being significantly improved in HIG (2.2% [3.1%] and 2.5% [3.4%], both P < .01) and in roller-ski skating for LIG (1.5% [2.4%], P < .01). There was a between-group difference in running maximal oxygen uptake changes (P = .04), tending to improve in HIG (3.0% [6.4%], P = .09) but not in LIG (−0.7% [4.6%], P = .25). Changes in roller-ski skating peak oxygen uptake differed between groups (P = .02), with significant improvements in HIG (3.6% [5.4%], P = .01) but not in LIG (−0.1% [0.17%], P = .62). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in performance adaptations between increased load of low- versus high-intensity training in well-trained endurance athletes, although both methods improved performance. However, increased load of high-intensity training elicited better maximal oxygen uptake adaptations compared to increased load of low-intensity training.


2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Seiler

Successful endurance training involves the manipulation of training intensity, duration, and frequency, with the implicit goals of maximizing performance, minimizing risk of negative training outcomes, and timing peak fitness and performances to be achieved when they matter most. Numerous descriptive studies of the training characteristics of nationally or internationally competitive endurance athletes training 10 to 13 times per week seem to converge on a typical intensity distribution in which about 80% of training sessions are performed at low intensity (2 mM blood lactate), with about 20% dominated by periods of high-intensity work, such as interval training at approx. 90% VO2max. Endurance athletes appear to self-organize toward a high-volume training approach with careful application of high-intensity training incorporated throughout the training cycle. Training intensification studies performed on already well-trained athletes do not provide any convincing evidence that a greater emphasis on high-intensity interval training in this highly trained athlete population gives long-term performance gains. The predominance of low-intensity, long-duration training, in combination with fewer, highly intensive bouts may be complementary in terms of optimizing adaptive signaling and technical mastery at an acceptable level of stress.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1026-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Plews ◽  
Paul B. Laursen ◽  
Andrew E. Kilding ◽  
Martin Buchheit

Purpose:Elite endurance athletes may train in a polarized fashion, such that their training-intensity distribution preserves autonomic balance. However, field data supporting this are limited.Methods:The authors examined the relationship between heart-rate variability and training-intensity distribution in 9 elite rowers during the 26-wk build-up to the 2012 Olympic Games (2 won gold and 2 won bronze medals). Weekly averaged log-transformed square root of the mean sum of the squared differences between R-R intervals (Ln rMSSD) was examined, with respect to changes in total training time (TTT) and training time below the first lactate threshold (>LT1), above the second lactate threshold (LT2), and between LT1 and LT2 (LT1–LT2).Results:After substantial increases in training time in a particular training zone or load, standardized changes in Ln rMSSD were +0.13 (unclear) for TTT, +0.20 (51% chance increase) for time >LT1, –0.02 (trivial) for time LT1–LT2, and –0.20 (53% chance decrease) for time >LT2. Correlations (±90% confidence limits) for Ln rMSSD were small vs TTT (r = .37 ± .80), moderate vs time >LT1 (r = .43 ± .10), unclear vs LT1–LT2 (r = .01 ± .17), and small vs >LT2 (r = –.22 ± .50).Conclusion:These data provide supportive rationale for the polarized model of training, showing that training phases with increased time spent at high intensity suppress parasympathetic activity, while low-intensity training preserves and increases it. As such, periodized low-intensity training may be beneficial for optimal training programming.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
Tiberiu Puta ◽  
Alexandra Mihaela Stănilă ◽  
Remus Datcu

AbstractIntroduction: The blood flow restriction method is a training method that is based on the partial occlusion of circulation during a workout. This technique combines low-intensity exercise with the occlusion of the bloodstream which produces results similar to high-intensity training.Aim: We aimed to identify the areas in which this method is applicable, its potential benefits and effects, recommendations regarding the rules of use for maximal effects (dosage, intensity, etc.), and also possible contraindications or warnings regarding the use of this method.Methods: We have analyzed a number of 20 articles on this topic from the field literature of the last 10 years, using ”google academic” as a search engine.Results: After this study we concluded that blood flow restriction is a method with wide applicability in the field of sports training, but also in the recovery process; however, it requires attention in choosing the necessary equipment. For healthy individuals, best training adaptations occur when combining low-load blood flow restriction resistance exercise with traditional high-load resistance exercise.Conclusion: Low-intensity resistance exercise with blood flow restriction is as effective as high-intensity training (for strength and muscle mass gains), but only the high-intensity protocol promotes significant hypotensive responses after exercise.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 343-346
Author(s):  
Adenilson Targino de Araújo Júnior ◽  
Maria do Socorro Cirilo-Sousa ◽  
Gabriel Rodrigues Neto ◽  
Rodrigo Poderoso ◽  
Geraldo Veloso Neto ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction: The literature has shown that a gap is identified regarding the acute effects of blood flow restriction training on aerobic variables. Objective: to analyze oxygen consumption (VO2) during and after two resistance training sessions: traditional high intensity and low intensity with blood flow restriction. Methods: After one-repetition maximum tests, eight male participants (25.7±3 years) completed the two experimental protocols, separated by 72 hours, in a randomized order: a) high intensity training at 80% of 1RM (HIRE) and b) low intensity training at 20% of 1RM combined with blood flow restriction (LIRE + BFR). Three sets of four exercises (bench press, squat, barbell bent-over row and deadlift) were performed. Oxygen consumption and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption were measured. Results: the data showed statistically significant differences between the traditional high intensity training and low intensity training with blood flow restriction, with higher values for traditional training sessions, except for the last five minutes of the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. Oxygen consumption measured during training was higher (p = 0.001) for the HIRE (20.32 ± 1.46 mL·kg-1·min-1) compared to the LIRE + BFR (15.65 ± 1.14 mL·kg-1·min-1). Conclusion: Oxygen uptakes rates during and after the exercise sessions were higher for the high intensity training methodology. However, when taking into account the volume of training provided by both methods, these differences were attenuated. Level of Evidence III - Non-consecutive studies, or studies without consistently applied reference stand.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila TC de Lira ◽  
Marcos AM dos Santos ◽  
Priscyla P Gomes ◽  
Yara L Fidelix ◽  
Ana CO dos Santos ◽  
...  

Background: Despite the positive effects of high-intensity training on weight management and health-related outcomes, it is postulated that high-intensity training may also induce oxidative stress, increasing hepatic damage. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of low versus high-intensity training on biomarkers related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents with obesity. Methods: For this study 107 adolescents (15 ± 1 years) with obesity (BMI = 34.7 ± 4.1 kg/m2) were randomized into High-Intensity Training (HIT, n = 31), Low-Intensity Training (LIT, n = 31) or Control Group (CG, n = 45). Adolescents from HIT and LIT received nutritional, psychological and clinical counseling. Blood lipids, Castelli risk index, glucose, insulin and hepatic enzymes were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Castelli risk index 1 was reduced in all groups ( p < 0.001) with moderate effect size ( d) for HIT ( d = 0.62) and LIT ( d = 0.66). Castelli risk index 2 also decreased ( p < 0.001 for all groups; HIT d = 0.65; LIT d = 0.79). High-density lipoprotein increased in all groups ( d = 0.25 and d = 0.18 in HIT and LIT), while alanine aminotransferase tended to reduce ( p = 0.062) in HIT ( d = 0.34) and LIT ( d = 0.73) and aspartate aminotransferase decreased ( p = 0.024) in both HIT ( d = 0.24) and LIT ( d = 0.45). There were no changes in glucose, insulin and insulin resistance. Conclusion: Both high and low-intensity training improved biomarkers related to NAFLD. Thus, high-intensity training can be a safe and effective alternative to prevent and treat NAFLD in adolescents with obesity.


Author(s):  
Matias Yoma ◽  
Lee Herrington ◽  
Tanya Anne Mackenzie ◽  
Timothy Alejandro Almond

Context Shoulder pain is the main cause of missed or modified training in competitive swimmers. Shoulder musculoskeletal maladaptations occur to some extent as a consequence of training loads during swimming that may increase the risk of shoulder injury. Further evidence is needed to understand the training intensities at which these maladaptations occur. Objective To determine the acute effect of training intensity on the shoulder musculoskeletal physical qualities associated with shoulder injury in competitive swimmers. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Indoor swimming pool. Patients or Other Participants Sixteen asymptomatic national- and regional-level swimmers (7 females, 9 males; age = 14.6 ± 3.9 years, height = 160.5 ± 12.7 cm, mass = 55.3 ± 12.5 kg). Main Outcome Measure(s) Bilateral active shoulder-rotation range of motion (ROM), joint position sense, latissimus dorsi length, combined elevation test, and shoulder-rotation isometric peak torque and handgrip peak force normalized to body weight were measured before and immediately after low- and high-intensity swim-training sessions. The intensity of the sessions was determined by the distance swum over or at the pace threshold and confirmed by the swimmer's rating of perceived exertion. Results After the high-intensity training session, shoulder external-rotation ROM (dominant side: P &lt; .001, change = −7.8°; d = 1.10; nondominant side: P = .002, change = −6.5°, d = 1.02), internal-rotator isometric peak torque (dominant side: P &lt; .001, change = −11.4%, d = 0.42; nondominant side: P = .03, change = −6.6%, d = 0.20), and external-rotator isometric peak torque (dominant side: P = .004, change = −8.7%, d = 0.27; nondominant side: P = .02, change = −7.6%, d = 0.25) were reduced. No changes were found in any of the outcome measures after the low-intensity session. Conclusions Shoulder active external-rotation ROM and rotation isometric peak torque were decreased immediately after a high-intensity training session, possibly increasing the risk of injury during subsequent training. Monitoring these variables may help practitioners adjust and manage training loads to decrease the risk of shoulder injury.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wagner Luiz Prado ◽  
Mara Cristina Lofrano-Prado ◽  
Lila Missae Oyama ◽  
Michelle Cardel ◽  
Priscyla Praxedes Gomes ◽  
...  

Little is known about how the intensity of aerobic training influences appetite-regulating hormones in obese adolescents. Our goal was to assess the effect of low and high intensity aerobic trainings on food intake and appetite-regulating hormones in obese adolescents. Forty three obese adolescents (age: 13–18y, BMI: 34.48 ± 3.94 kg/m2) were randomized into high intensity training (HIT; n = 20) or low intensity training (LIT; n = 23) groups for 12 weeks. All participants also received the same nutritional, psychological and clinical counseling. Pre- and postintervention energy intake (EI) and circulating levels of insulin, leptin, peptide YY3–36 (PYY3–36) and ghrelin were measured. Adolescents in the HIT showed a reduction in total EI and an increase in PYY3–36 (p < .05). Aerobic exercise training performed at ventilatory threshold 1 intensity, reduced EI and augmented PYY3–36 in obese adolescents, compared with LIT. The data suggest that HIT and LIT have differential effects in the regulation of appetite signals and subsequent EI in obese adolescents.


Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Vasilios Kalapotharakos ◽  
Dimitrios Serenidis ◽  
Savvas Tokmakidis

Aim: Soccer is characterized as an intense intermittent team sport. Heart rate (HR) is used to monitor the players’ training response, as well as to quantify microcycle and mesocycle training intensity during preseason and in-season periods. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the preseason training intensity distribution in elite soccer players and then examine the relationship between HR distribution and changes in aerobic fitness. Material & Method: Sixteen elite professional soccer players (age, 26.8 ± 3.8 years; weight, 77.8 ± 7.7 kg; height, 1.79 ± 0.06 m; mean ± SD) participated in the study. Aerobic fitness was evaluated with VO2max, running velocity at VO2max (v-VO2max) during a laboratory incremental aerobic test and with the distance completed during an interval shuttle run test (ISRT), before and after preseason. HR of each player was measured using a short-range telemetry HR transmitter strap at 5-s intervals during all training sessions of the preseason. The absolute (min) and relative (%) time spent in high-intensity HR zone (90–100% of HRmax) during the preseason period was calculated for each player. Results: VO2max and distances completed during ISRT improved significantly (p < 0.05) by 3.3 ± 2.1% and 29 ± 16%, respectively. The time (%) players spent in high-intensity training was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with the changes (%) in distance completed during ISRT. Conclusions: These results provide useful information about the HR quantification during preseason in elite soccer players. Additionally, coaches have to take into consideration the time soccer players spend in high-intensity training for optimal endurance responses when planning and implementing the preseason training period.


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