Effects of Plyometric-Based and Cycle-Based High-Intensity Interval Training on Muscle Size, Quality, and Function
Disciplines
Sports Sciences
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Muscular adaptations for the knee extensors (KEs) and plantar flexors (PFs) may be unique after cycling and weight-bearing high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of CY and WB HIIT on muscle strength, explosiveness, size, and quality. Thirty females (18-28 yrs) were assigned to an 8-week HIIT intervention that involved either cycle-based (CY; n=15) or weight-bearing, plyometric training (WB; n=15). Before and after the interventions, isokinetic peak torque (strength) and time to peak torque (explosiveness) were assessed for the KEs and PFs. Ultrasound analysis determined muscle size and quality (fat/connective tissue infiltration) for the same muscle groups. Muscle size remained unchanged for both muscle groups regardless of intervention type (p>0.05). Muscle quality improved for both the KE (-10.3%; p=0.001) and PFs, but the PFs demonstrated a greater improvement after WB (-9.2%; p0.05). The greater improvement in muscle quality for the PFs after WB is likely due to the greater demands for this muscle group during plyometric movements. Nonetheless, despite the high-intensity aerobic effort, the lack of muscle loading even for the plyometric-based intervention did not prove beneficial for muscle size or function.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Exercise Science and Sport Management
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Garrett Hester
Additional Faculty
Trisha VanDusseldorp, Exercise Science, tvanduss@kennesaw.edu
Effects of Plyometric-Based and Cycle-Based High-Intensity Interval Training on Muscle Size, Quality, and Function
Muscular adaptations for the knee extensors (KEs) and plantar flexors (PFs) may be unique after cycling and weight-bearing high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of CY and WB HIIT on muscle strength, explosiveness, size, and quality. Thirty females (18-28 yrs) were assigned to an 8-week HIIT intervention that involved either cycle-based (CY; n=15) or weight-bearing, plyometric training (WB; n=15). Before and after the interventions, isokinetic peak torque (strength) and time to peak torque (explosiveness) were assessed for the KEs and PFs. Ultrasound analysis determined muscle size and quality (fat/connective tissue infiltration) for the same muscle groups. Muscle size remained unchanged for both muscle groups regardless of intervention type (p>0.05). Muscle quality improved for both the KE (-10.3%; p=0.001) and PFs, but the PFs demonstrated a greater improvement after WB (-9.2%; p0.05). The greater improvement in muscle quality for the PFs after WB is likely due to the greater demands for this muscle group during plyometric movements. Nonetheless, despite the high-intensity aerobic effort, the lack of muscle loading even for the plyometric-based intervention did not prove beneficial for muscle size or function.