The Effect of Training Intensity on VO2max in Young Healthy Adults: A Meta-Regression and Meta-Analysis

Trisha D Scribbans, Stephan Vecsey, Paul B Hankinson, William S Foster, Brendon J Gurd, Trisha D Scribbans, Stephan Vecsey, Paul B Hankinson, William S Foster, Brendon J Gurd

Abstract

Exercise training at a variety of intensities increases maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), the strongest predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The purpose of the present study was to perform a systematic review, meta-regression and meta-analysis of available literature to determine if a dose-response relationship exists between exercise intensity and training-induced increases in VO2max in young healthy adults. Twenty-eight studies involving human participants (Mean age: 23±1 yr; Mean VO2max: 3.4±0.8 l·min-1) were included in the meta-regression with exercise training intensity, session dose, baseline VO2max, and total training volume used as covariates. These studies were also divided into 3 tertiles based on intensity (tertile 1: ~60-70%; 2: ~80-92.5%; 3: ~100-250%VO2max), for comparison using separate meta-analyses. The fixed and random effects meta-regression models examining training intensity, session dose, baseline VO2max and total training volume was non-significant (Q4=1.36; p=0.85; R2=0.05). There was no significant difference between tertiles in mean change in VO2max (tertile 1:+0.29±0.15 l/min, ES (effect size) =0.77; 2:+0.26±0.10 l/min, ES=0.68; 3:+0.35±0.17 l/min, ES=0.80), despite significant (p<0.05) reductions in session dose and total training volume as training intensity increased. These data suggest that exercise training intensity has no effect on the magnitude of training-induced increases in maximal oxygen uptake in young healthy human participants, but similar adaptations can be achieved in low training doses at higher exercise intensities than higher training doses of lower intensity (endurance training).

Keywords: Maximal oxygen uptake; exercise intensity; exercise training; intensity dose-response; training dose; training volume; young adults.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study Selection Flow Diagram. Flow chart demonstrating the process of study selection. Studies included in quantitative analysis refers to the number of publications from which study groups (n=40) were extracted.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Funnel plot of Cohen’s d effect sizes and standard error for the 40 study groups included. Mean effect size represented by the solid bar with upper and lower 95% confidence intervals represented by the dashed lines.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot of mean difference in absolute oxygen consumption (VO2max) with 95% credibility intervals (CI’s) for each study (filled circles) and the total for all studies (open circle) included in the meta-regression and -analysis. Training intensity (% of VO2max), pooled standard deviation (SDP), and Cohen’s effect sizes (Cohen’s d) are also shown for each individual, and all studies included. Interventions are organized by ascending order of training intensity with studies assigned to tertile one, two and three, represented by light, medium, and dark grey, respectively. Note: l, liters; min, minutes.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Weighted change in VO2max and population effects for each tertile. (A) Weighted mean change and pooled SEM in absolute oxygen consumption (VO2max) for each tertile (Tertile 1: 60–70% of VO2max; 2: 80–92.5% of VO2max; 3: 100–250% of VO2max). (B) Forest plot of population effects for each tertile with 95% CI’s. Note: CI, credibility interval; l, liters; min, minutes; SEM, standard error of measurement.

References

    1. Allemeier CA, Fry AC, Johnson P, Hikida RS, Hagerman FC, Staron RS. Effects of sprint cycle training on human skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol. 1994;77:2385–90.
    1. Bacon AP, Carter RE, Ogle EA, Joyner MJ. VO2max Trainability and High Intensity Interval Training in Humans: A Meta-Analysis. PLoS ONE. 2013;8:e73182.
    1. Ben Abderrahman A, Zouhal H, Chamari K, Thevenet D, Mullenheim P-Y, Gastinger S, et al. Effects of recovery mode (active vs. passive) on performance during a short high-intensity interval training program: a longitudinal study. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;113:1373–83.
    1. Boyd JC, Simpson CA, Jung ME, Gurd BJ. Reducing the Intensity and Volume of Interval Training Diminishes Cardiovascular Adaptation but Not Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Overweight/Obese Men. PLoS ONE. 2013;8:e68091.
    1. Burgomaster KA, Howarth KR, Phillips SM, Rakobowchuk M, MacDonald MJ, McGee SL, et al. Similar metabolic adaptations during exercise after low volume sprint interval and traditional endurance training in humans. J Physiol. 2008;586:151–60.
    1. Burke J, Thayer R, Belcamino M. Comparison of effects of two interval-training programmes on lactate and ventilatory thresholds. Br J Sports Med. 1994;28:18–21.
    1. Clark JE. The use of an 8-week mixed-intensity interval endurance-training program improves the aerobic fitness of female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24:1773–81.
    1. Cocks M, Shaw CS, Shepherd SO, Fisher JP, Ranasinghe AM, Barker TA, et al. Sprint interval and endurance training are equally effective in increasing muscle microvascular density and eNOS content in sedentary males. J Physiol. 2013;591:641–56.
    1. Cohen J. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences. Second edition. Psychology Press; 1988.
    1. Colley RCR, Garriguet DD, Janssen II, Craig CLC, Clarke JJ, Tremblay MSM. Physical activity of Canadian adults: accelerometer results from the 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Health Rep. 2011;22:7–14.
    1. Connolly DAJ, Henkin JA, Tyzbir RS. Changes in selected fitness parameters following six weeks of snowshoe training. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2002;42:14–8.
    1. Daussin FN, Ponsot E, Dufour SP, Lonsdorfer-Wolf E, Doutreleau S, Geny B, et al. Improvement of VO2max by cardiac output and oxygen extraction adaptation during intermittent versus continuous endurance training. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2007;101:377–83.
    1. Daussin FN, Zoll J, Dufour SP, Ponsot E, Lonsdorfer-Wolf E, Doutreleau S, et al. Effect of interval versus continuous training on cardiorespiratory and mitochondrial functions: relationship to aerobic performance improvements in sedentary subjects. Appl J Physiol Reg Integr Comp. 2008;295:R264–72.
    1. Duffield R, Edge J, Bishop D. Effects of high-intensity interval training on the response during severe exercise. J Sci Med Sport. 2006;9:249–55.
    1. Dunham C, Harms CA. Effects of high-intensity interval training on pulmonary function. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112:3061–8.
    1. Eddy DO, Sparks KL, Adelizi DA. The effects of continuous and interval training in women and men. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1977;37:83–92.
    1. Edgett BA, Foster WS, Hankinson PB, Simpson CA, Little JP, Graham RB, et al. Dissociation of Increases in PGC-1α and Its Regulators from Exercise Intensity and Muscle Activation Following Acute Exercise. PLoS ONE. 2013;8:e71623.
    1. Emonson DL, Aminuddin AH, Wight RL, Scroop GC, Gore CJ. Training-induced increases in sea level VO2max and endurance are not enhanced by acute hypobaric exposure. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1997;76:8–12.
    1. Field A. Discovering Statistics Using SPSS. Third Edition. [Introducing Statistical Method]. Sage Publications Ltd; 2009.
    1. Field AP, Gillett R. How to do a meta-analysis. British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology. 2010;63:665–94.
    1. Gaesser GA, Rich RG. Effects of high- and low-intensity exercise training on aerobic capacity and blood lipids. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 1984;16:269–74.
    1. Gibala MJ, McGee SL. Metabolic adaptations to short-term high-intensity interval training: a little pain for a lot of gain? Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2008;36:58–63.
    1. Gist NH, Fedewa MV, Dishman RK, Cureton KJ. Sprint Interval Training Effects on Aerobic Capacity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine. 2013;44:269–79.
    1. Gollnick PD, Armstrong RB, Saltin B, Saubert CW, Sembrowich WL, Shepherd RE. Effect of training on enzyme activity and fiber composition of human skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol. 1973;34:107–11.
    1. Gormley SE, Swain DP, HIgh R, Spina RJ, Dowling EA, Kotipalli US, et al. Effect of Intensity of Aerobic Training on VO2max. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 2008;40:1336–43.
    1. Gorostiaga EM, Walter CB, Foster C, Hickson RC. Uniqueness of interval and continuous training at the same maintained exercise intensity. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1991;63:101–7.
    1. Hautala A, Martinmaki K, Kiviniemi A, Kinnunen H, Virtanen P, Jaatinen J, et al. Effects of habitual physical activity on response to endurance training. J Sports Sci. 2012;30:563–9.
    1. Helgerud J, Engen LC, Wisloff U, Hoff J. Aerobic endurance training improves soccer performance. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 2001;33:1925–31.
    1. Helgerud J, Ydal KH, Wang E, Karlsen T, Berg PL, Bjerkaas M, et al. Aerobic High-Intensity Intervals Improve VO2max More Than Moderate Training. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 2007;39:665–71.
    1. Kaminsky LA, Arena R, Beckie TM, Brubaker PH, Church TS, Forman DE, et al. The Importance of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the United States: The Need for a National Registry: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2013;127:652–62.
    1. Kargotich S, Keast D, Goodman C, Bhagat C, Joske D, Dawson B, et al. Monitoring 6 Weeks of Progressive Endurance Training with Plasma Glutamine. Int J Sports Med. 2007;28:211–6.
    1. Keteyian SJ, Brawner CA, Savage PD, Ehrman JK, Schairer J, Divine G, et al. Peak aerobic capacity predicts prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease. Am Heart J. 2008;156:292–300.
    1. Kim J, Lee N, Trilk J, Kim EJ, Kim SY, Lee M, et al. Effects of Sprint Interval Training on Elite Judoists. Int J Sports Med. 2011;32:929–34.
    1. Lipsey MW, Wilson DB. Practical Meta-Analysis. SAGE Publications; 2001.
    1. MacPherson REK, Hazell TJ, Olver TD, Paterson DH, Lemon PWR. Run Sprint Interval Training Improves Aerobic Performance but Not Maximal Cardiac Output. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 2011;43:115–22.
    1. Marles A, Legrand R, Blondel N, Mucci P, Betbeder D, Prieur F. Effect of high-intensity interval training and detraining on extra VO2 and on the VO2 slow component. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2007;99:633–40.
    1. McMillan K. Physiological adaptations to soccer specific endurance training in professional youth soccer players. Br J Sports Med. 2005;39:273–7.
    1. McRae G, Payne A, Zelt JGE, Scribbans TD, Jung ME, Little JP, et al. Extremely low volume, whole-body aerobic-resistance training improves aerobic fitness and muscular endurance in females. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012
    1. Mendes TT, Fonseca TR, Ramos GP, Wilke CF, Cabido CET, Barros CLM, et al. Six weeks of aerobic training improves VO2max and MLSS but does not improve the time to fatigue at the MLSS. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013;113:965–73.
    1. Metcalfe RS, Babraj JA, Fawkner SG, Vollaard NBJ. Towards the minimal amount of exercise for improving metabolic health: beneficial effects of reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112:2767–75.
    1. Mucci P, Baquet G, Nourry C, Deruelle F, Berthoin S, Fabre C. Exercise testing in children: Comparison in ventilatory thresholds changes with interval-training. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012;48:809–16.
    1. Myers J, Prakash M, Froelicher V, Do D, Partington S, Atwood JE. Exercise capacity and mortality among men referred for exercise testing. N Engl J Med. 2002;346:793–801.
    1. Perry CGR, Heigenhauser GJF, Bonen A, Spriet LL. High-intensity aerobic interval training increases fat and carbohydrate metabolic capacities in human skeletal muscle. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008;33:1112–23.
    1. Pigott T. Advances in Meta-Analysis. Springer; 2012.
    1. Poole DCD, Ward SAS, Whipp BJB. The effects of training on the metabolic and respiratory profile of high-intensity cycle ergometer exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1990;59:421–9.
    1. Prieur F, Benoit H, Busso T, Castells J, Denis C. Effect of Endurance Training on the VO2-Work Rate Relationship in Normoxia and Hypoxia. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 2005;37:664–9.
    1. Sloth M, Sloth D, Overgaard K, Dalgas U. Effects of sprint interval training on VO 2maxand aerobic exercise performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2013;23:e341–52.
    1. Sugawara J, Murakami H, Maeda S, Kuno S, Matsuda M. Change in post-exercise vagal reactivation with exercise training and detraining in young men. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2001;85:259–63.
    1. Swart J, Lamberts RP, Derman W, Lambert MI. Effects of High-Intensity Training by Heart Rate or Power in Well-Trained Cyclists. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23:619–25.
    1. Tabata I, Nishimura K, Kouzaki M, Hirai Y, Ogita F, Miyachi M, et al. Effects of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent training on anaerobic capacity and VO2max. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 1996;28:1327–30.
    1. Tjønna AE, Lee SJ, Rognmo Ø, Stølen TO, Bye A, Haram PM, et al. Aerobic interval training versus continuous moderate exercise as a treatment for the metabolic syndrome: a pilot study. Circulation. 2008;118:346–54.
    1. Tjønna AE, Leinan IM, Bartnes AT, Jenssen BM, Gibala MJ, Winett RA, et al. Low- and High-Volume of Intensive Endurance Training Significantly Improves Maximal Oxygen Uptake after 10-Weeks of Training in Healthy Men. PLoS ONE. 2013;8:e65382.
    1. Tremblay A, Simoneau JA, Bouchard C. Impact of exercise intensity on body fatness and skeletal muscle metabolism. Metabolism. 1994;43:814–8.
    1. Trilk JL, Singhal A, Bigelman KA, Cureton KJ. Effect of sprint interval training on circulatory function during exercise in sedentary, overweight/obese women. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010;111:1591–7.
    1. Tucker JM, Welk GJ, Beyler NK. Physical Activity in US Adults AMEPRE. 2011;40:454–61.
    1. Weston KS, Wisløff U, Coombes JS. High-intensity interval training in patients with lifestyle-induced cardiometabolic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2014;48:1227–1234.
    1. Williams AM, Paterson DH, Kowalchuk JM. High-intensity interval training speeds the adjustment of pulmonary O2 uptake, but not muscle deoxygenation, during moderate-intensity exercise transitions initiated from low and elevated baseline metabolic rates. J Appl Physiol. 2013;114:1550–62.
    1. Wilson DB. Meta-analysis macros for SAS, SPSS, and Stata [Internet] 2010. Available from: .
    1. Ziemann E, Grzywacz T, Łuszczyk M, Laskowski R, Olek RA, Gibson AL. Aerobic and anaerobic changes with high-intensity interval training in active college-aged men. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25:1104–12.

Source: PubMed

Sponsor e collaboratori

Condizioni mediche

Interventi farmacologici

3
Sottoscrivi