Evaluation of the effects of high intensity interval training and high volume continuous training on physical performance and oxidative stress in recreational exercisers

Objective: To investigate the effects of high intensity interval training and high volume continuous training on physical performance and oxidative stress in recreational exercisers in comparison with sedentary people. Material & Methods: A total of 32 volunteer recreational exercisers were included in the study, divided into two groups as high intensity interval training and high volume continuous training and subjected to a 8-week training. Eleven sedentary volunteers were included as the control group. Before and after yo-yo, sprint and jumping tests were performed to evaluate changes in physical performance. Levels of oxidative stress markers were measured two day before and after the program and the effects of different training methods on these parameters were analyzed. Results: Eight-week training programs significantly decreased body weight, body mass index and body fat percentage. The mean distance and VO2max values were significantly increased in yo-yo test. No significant difference was found in glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide synthase. Malondialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly decreased in high intensity interval training compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that high intensity interval trainingincreases the performance of exercisers more and is more effective in reducing oxidative stress. On the other hand, the characteristics of the participants, the environment in which the study was conducted, the time between the measurements and the evaluation methods used were found to be effective on the oxidative stress and antioxidant status of the subjects. Keywords: high intensity interval training, high volume continuous training, physical performance, oxidative stress, antioxidant parameters