One session of interval work does not alter V O 2max , peak power or plasma volume

We examined the effect of one high‐intensity cycling workout on aerobic capacity ( V O 2max ), peak cycling power, and estimated change in plasma volume on subsequent days. Eight healthy males (age=29.5±5.3 years, height=1.81±0.09 m, mass=81.5±7.5 kg) visited the laboratory on three occasions. The first visit (D1) included baseline measures of cycling V O 2max , haematocrit, and haemoglobin. Following a brief rest, the participants performed a high‐intensity cycling workout of six 30‐s cycling intervals (modelled on the Wingate cycle test) with each repetition separated by 3 min rest. The final two visits (D2 and D3) included identical measures as the first visit and occurred 48 and 96 h after the interval workout. No significant differences were found for V O 2max (53.4±5.3, 53.7±6.7, and 53.7±6.2 ml · kg −1 · min −1 ), peak power (386±35, 384±35, and 389±35 W) or estimated change in plasma volume [−0.8±8.5% (D1–D2), 1.5±11.5% (D2–D3), and −1.6±9.6% (D1–D3)] between any of the three test days. Our results show that one short‐term high‐intensity cycling workout does not alter V O 2max , peak power or estimated change in plasma volume on subsequent days, and is therefore unlikely to benefit or hinder performance.