High-intensity intermittent cycle ergometer exercise: effect of recovery duration and resistive force selection on performance.

The purpose of this study was to compare the exercise performance and postexercise recovery of 8 male subjects using four different maximal high-intensity intermittent cycle ergometry protocols. Resistive forces were calculated by multiplying fat-free mass (FFM) or total-body mass (TBM) by 0.75 g.kg(-1). Rest periods between successive sprints were 30 s (R30) or 60 s (R60) duration. Higher pedal velocities were recorded using FFM as opposed to TBM (P<0.05). Rest intervals of R60 (P<0.05) influenced the peak power output values (903.88 +/- 184.01 W; TBM/R30 vs. 852.98 +/- 209.68 W; FFM/R30 vs. 965.64 +/- 177.48 W; TBM/R60 vs. 968.66 +/- 173.70 W; FFM/R60). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was lower than resting values (P < 0.05) postexercise in all protocols. These findings demonstrate that power outputs rely on resistive force selection and recovery duration, and that high-intensity exercise may provide an alternative to aerobic activity in the management of hypertension.