Short-term interval training at both lower and higher intensities in the severe exercise domain result in improvements in V̇O₂ on-kinetics.

Purpose: Although high-intensity interval training (HIT) seems to promote greater improvements in aerobic parameters than continuous training, the influence of exercise intensity on [Formula: see text] on-kinetics remains under investigation.

Methods: After an incremental test, twenty-one recreationally trained cyclists performed several time-to-exhaustion tests to determine critical power (CP), and the highest intensity (I HIGH), and the lowest exercise duration (T LOW) at which [Formula: see text] is attained during constant exercise. Subjects also completed a series of step transitions to moderate- and heavy-intensity work rates to determine pulmonary [Formula: see text] on-kinetics. Surface electromyography (EMG) of vastus lateralis muscle and blood lactate accumulation (∆BLC) was measured during heavy exercise. Subjects were assigned to one of two 4-week work-matched training groups: the lower [105 % CP: n = 11; 4 × 5 min at 105 % CP (218 ± 39 W), 1 min recovery] or the upper [I HIGH: n = 10; 8 × 100 % I HIGH (355 ± 60 W), 1:2 work:recovery ratio] intensity of the severe exercise domain.

Results: The two interventions were similarly effective in reducing the phase II [Formula: see text] time constant during moderate (105 % CP: 34 ± 13 to 25 ± 8 s; I HIGH: 31 ± 9 to 23 ± 6 s) and heavy exercise (105 % CP: 25 ± 7 to 18 ± 5 s; I HIGH: 27 ± 7 to 16 ± 5 s) and in reducing the amplitude of [Formula: see text] slow component, EMG amplitude, and ∆BLC during heavy exercise.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the short-term adjustments in response to step transitions to moderate and heavy exercise were independent of training intensity within the severe exercise domain.