Comparison of intensity and post-effort response in three interval trainings in young tennis players: running interval, specific interval, and specific intermittent training
Introduction: In recent years, considerable interest has been shown in adapting training to the specific characteristics of tennis. The use of intermittent exercise seems to adapt better to the sport’s work/recovery structure and using specific movements allows for local adaptations and complex work. Nevertheless, we need to achieve a level of intensity that is at least similar to what is achieved when continuous running is used. The ability to recover between points is also a decisive factor in terms of performance. Our hypothesis is that recovery depends on stimulus type, which means the most suitable stimuli must be chosen to improve this capacity. Material and method: Our study’s goal was to compare the intensity and post-effort behaviour triggered by three types of exercise: continuous running with 2-minute intervals (GIT), rallies with 2-minute intervals (SIT) and intermittent rallies (SIIT). We measured heart rate (HR) and blood lactate levels during the three exercises, as well as the recovery to 130 beats and in the first 10 and 20 seconds post-effort. Results: Heart rate intensity was significantly higher in SIT than in GIT and lactate levels were higher in both SIT and SIIT compared to GIT. Heart rate recovery is significantly slower in both specific exercises, increasing in the first 10 and 20 seconds with SIIT. Discussion: We have reached the conclusion that specific training led to greater intensity in the specific exercises. Post-effort response is slower in the specific trainings and paradoxical in the initial seconds of intermittent training.