The Effect of a Sprint Interval and Resistance Concurrent Exercise Training Program on Aerobic Capacity of Inactive Adult Women

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of high-intensity concurrent exercise training (CET) consisting of sprint intervals (sprint interval training [SIT]) and resistance exercise (RET) protocols on aerobic capacity in recreationally active, adult women. A total of 53 participants were pair-matched according to preliminary maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) Bruce protocol assessment into level-grade (SIT0) or 6% incline (SIT6) groups. This 12-week intervention consisted of 3 CET sessions per week. Sprint interval protocol consisted of 2 (weeks 1-6) then 3 (weeks 7-12) sets of three 40-second sprints at specific intensities to evoke responses equivalent to 95% of age-predicted maximal heart rate interspersed with 20 seconds of rest; with 1 minute of passive recovery between sets. An undulating periodization model consisting of lifts such as the back squat and bench press constituted the RET component. Protocol order alternated each session. Posttraining revealed significant improvements in both SIT0 and SIT6 (p <= 0.05) for VO2max (2.11 +/- 0.390 to 2.29 +/- 0.382 L[middle dot]min-1; 2.03 +/- 0.382 to 2.09 +/- 0.561 L[middle dot]min-1), Tmax (490.5 +/- 102.3 to 542.7 +/- 81.5 seconds; 503.2 +/- 75.4 to 541.8 +/- 77.0 seconds), and Vmax (5.1 +/- 0.92 miles per hour [MPH] to 5.9 +/- 0.90 MPH; 4.3 +/- 0.68 MPH to 4.9 +/- 0.64 MPH), respectively. No significant between-group interactions were detected for any of the variables. Our SIT-based CET intervention represents an effective strategy to induce significant cardiovascular adaptations in older women as evident by aerobic capacity improvements, beneficial to overall health and critical for functionality into old age; an important concern for aging women.