Acute and delayed impairments of muscle function after a sprint training session performed at different exercise regimens

Aim The study investigated the acute and delayed impairments of muscle function after a sprint interval training (SIT) session performed at two exercise regimens (continuous vertical jumps and cycling). Methods Thirty healthy men were randomly divided into the cycloergometer (CE) and the vertical jumps (VJ) group. The SIT session consisted of six all-out bouts of 30 s. Peak and mean power output were monitored during exercise and blood lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected post exercise. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and isokinetic torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles were assessed prior to, immediately following, and 24 and 48 h after exercise. Results The results show that peak (27.63 ± 3.46 vs. 11.37 ± 0.82 W kg −1 ) and mean power output (19.67 ± 2.5 vs. 7.18 ± 0.54 W kg −1 ) were higher in the VJ, whereas fatigue index (57.96 ± 10.6 vs. 26.43 ± 7.92%) and peak blood lactate (15.45 ± 2.79 vs. 12.25 ± 2.13 mmol L −1 ) were higher in the CE. The eccentric torque of knee flexors (for both groups) and the torque of knee extensors (for VJ) at 48 h was lower than baseline values; on the other hand, the torque of knee extensors at 48 h for CE group was similar to the baseline values. The DOMS for thigh and shank muscles at 24 h and 48 h were higher in the VJ group. Conclusion In summary, muscle function (torque production) remained decreased for a longer time after vertical jump training when compared to cycling. Similarly, the DOMS responses were higher and longer after continuous vertical jump training.