Effects of Different Durations at Fixed Intensity Exercise on Internal Load and Recovery—A Feasibility Pilot Study on Duration as an Independent Variable for Exercise Prescription

Abstract

Duration is a rarely investigated marker of exercise prescription. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of the methodological approach, assessing effects of different duration constant-load exercise (CLE) on physiological responses (internal load) and recovery kinetics. Seven subjects performed an incremental exercise (IE) test, one maximal duration CLE at 77.6 ± 4.8% V˙O2max, and CLE’s at 20%, 40%, and 70% of maximum duration. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (La), and glucose (Glu) concentrations were measured. Before, 4, 24, and 48 h after CLE’s, submaximal IE tests were performed. HR variability (HRV) was assessed in orthostatic tests (OT). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained during all tests. CLE’s were performed at 182 ± 27 W. HRpeak, Lapeak, V˙Epeak, and RPEpeak were significantly higher in CLE’s with longer duration. No significant differences were found between CLE’s for recovery kinetics for HR, La, and Glu in the submaximal IE and for HRV or OT. Despite no significant differences, recovery kinetics were found as expected, indicating the feasibility of the applied methods. Maximum tests and recovery tests closer to CLE’s termination are suggested to better display recovery kinetics. These findings are a first step to prescription of exercise by both intensity and duration on an individual basis.