Abstract
Traditional continuous training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can increase maximal oxygen uptake (V?O (2max) ). However, there is conflicting evidence regarding which form of training demonstrates the greatest improvements to V?O (2max) , and data in women is sparse. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess whether moderate to vigorous-intensity continuous training (MVICT) or HIIT was superior at improving V?O (2max) in women. Randomised controlled and parallel studies examined the influence of MVICT and/or HIIT on V?O (2max) in women. There was no statistical difference in V?O (2max) improvements after training between women in the MVICT and HIIT cohorts (mean difference [MD]: -0.42, 95%CI: -1.43 to 0.60, p>0.05). Both MVICT and HIIT increased V?O (2max) from baseline (MD: 3.20, 95% CI: 2.73 to 3.67 and MD: 3.16, 95% CI 2.09 to 4.24, respectively, p<0.001). Greater improvements in V?O (2max) were observed in women who participated in more training sessions in both training formats. Long-HIIT was superior to short-HIIT protocols at increasing V?O (2max) . Although MVICT and long-HIIT sessions elicited greater increases in V?O (2max) in younger women compared to short-HIIT protocols, these differences were negligible in older women. Our findings suggest MVICT and HIIT are equally effective strategies for improving V?O (2max) and indicate an effect of age on its response to training in women.
