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 (P0.05). Rest intervals of R60 (P0.05) 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 (P0.05) 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.