The effect of an intermittent, high-intensity warm-up on supramaximal kayak ergometer performance

It has previously been shown that the metabolic acidaemia induced by a continuous warm-up at the 'lactate threshold' is associated with a reduced accumulated oxygen deficit and decreased supramaximal performance. The aim of this study was to determine if an intermittent, high-intensity warm-up could increase oxygen uptake ((V)over dotO(2)) without reducing the accumulated oxygen deficit, and thus improve supramaximal performance. Seven male 500 in kayak paddlers, who had represented their state, volunteered for this study. Each performed a graded exercise test to determine (V)over dotO(2max) and threshold parameters. On subsequent days and in a random, counterbalanced order, the participants then performed a continuous or intermittent, high-intensity warm-up followed by a 2 min, all-out kayak ergometer test. The continuous warm-up consisted of 15 min of exercise at approximately 65% (V)over dotO(2max). The intermittent, high-intensity warm-up was similar, except that the last 5 min was replaced with five 10 s sprints at 200% (V)over dotO(2max), separated by 50 s of recovery at similar to55% (V)over(2max). Significantly greater (P<0.05) peak power (intermittent vs continuous: 629±99 vs 601±204 W) and average power (intermittent vs continuous: 328±39.0 vs 321±42.4 W) were recorded after the intermittent warm-up. There was no significant difference between conditions for peak (V)over dotO(2), total (V)over dot(2) or the accumulated oxygen deficit. The results of this study indicate that 2 min all-out kayak ergometer performance is significantly better after an intermittent rather than a continuous warm-up.