Effects of different high-intensity interval training modes of wattbike on anaerobic capacity in Chinese national alpine skiers

Objective This study compared the effects of two high-intensity interval training programs, one program based on speed endurance maintenance training(SEMT)vs. one program based on repeated sprint training (RST) on the anaerobic performance of Chinese national alpine skiers. Methods Eighteen Chinese national alpine skiers (age:19.8 ± 1.9 years old) were randomly assigned into two groups. One used RST (6 repetitions involving 10s sprint, 5s rest in each repetition, 5 sets, 180s recovery between each set), another used SEMT (5 sets, 60s sprint,180s recovery in each set). The training intervention lasted four weeks, 48 hours before (baseline) and after the intervention, the participants were assessed in the countermovement jump test (CMJ), 90s lateral box jump test, and 90s Wingate test. Both training interventions consisted of 12 sessions (3 sessions per week). Results The CMJ changed 2.77% (p = 0.017; d = 0.995) for the RST group, though no significance was found 0.73% (p = 0.424; d = 0.281) for the SEMT group. The 90s lateral box jump changes occurred both in the RST and SEMT group and amounted to 9.21% (p = 0.004; d = 1.347) and 7.52% (p = 0.000; d = 2.089) respectively. The 90s Wingate RPP changed 2.35% (p = 0.003; d = 1.384) for the RST group, though no significance was found − 0.09% (p = 0.972; d = 0.012) for the SEMT group. The 90s Wingate RMP changed 3.91% (p = 0.017; d = 1.002) for the SEMT group, though no significance was found 1.49% (p = 0.056; d = 0.746) for the RST group. The 90s Wingate FI changed − 3.38% (p = 0.001; d = 1.622) for the SEMT group, though no significance was found 0.08% (p = 0.943; d = 0.025) for the RST group. Significant differences were found between the groups in the changing amplitude for 90s Wingate RPP (p = 0.037; d = 1.073) and 90s Wingate FI (p = 0.020; d = 1.214). Conclusion (1) Both types of training have notable gains in improving anaerobic capacity. (2) RST is more effective to improve athletes' anaerobic explosive power. (3) SEMT is more effective in improving the anaerobic endurance.