Exercise intensity and energy expenditure of a tabata workout

While the relative exercise intensity and physiological responses to traditional steady- state exercise are well-documented, there is limited research regarding the relative exercise intensity and energy expenditure of Tabata training. [...]the purpose of this study was to determine the relative exercise intensity and energy expenditure of a Tabata workout. Blood lactate was obtained at the completion of each 4-minute segment using a finger prick blood sample (Nova Biomedical Lactate Plus Blood Lactate Analyzer, Waltham, MA) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined at the end of each segment using the 6-20 Borg RPE scale. The results of this study indicate that a 20-minute Tabata session, which utilized multiple rounds of body-weight and plyometric exercises, meets ACSM guidelines for improving cardiorespiratory endurance.