Background
Time spent at or near \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2max is a key stimulus for improving aerobic capacity. This study compared the time spent above 90% and 95% of \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2max during four work-matched cycling interval exercise protocols that varied in work rate distribution and recovery type.
Methods
After an incremental test to determine \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2max and peak power output, ten healthy male participants (27.6 ± 5.0 years; \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2max: 48.4 ± 8.1 mL · kg−1 · min−1) performed four interval exercise sessions consisting of 8 × 60 s efforts interspersed with 60 s of passive or active recovery at 80% of lactate threshold intensity. Work intervals were either constant (100% of peak power output) or decreased linearly (from 110% to 90% of peak power output). The measured variables included time spent above 90% and 95% of \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2max, time above 90% and 95% of maximal heart rate, peak and recovery \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion.
Results
Active recovery significantly (p < 0.01) increased the time spent above 90% of \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2max with a constant (274 ± 132 s) or decreasing workload manipulation (310 ± 113 s) compared to passive recovery with a constant (152 ± 72 s) or decreasing strategy (157 ± 82 s). Peak and averaged recovery \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2 were higher in the active recovery conditions. There were no differences in blood lactate concentration or rating of perceived exertion among all sessions.
Conclusion
Active recovery enhances time spent near \(\dot {\mathrm{V}}\) O2max regardless of work rate distribution, supporting its use in short-duration cycling interval exercise to maximize physiological stimulus.
