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Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 1/2001

01-01-2001 | Leading Article

Interval Training for Performance: A Scientific and Empirical Practice

Special Recommendations for Middle- and Long-Distance Running. Part I: Aerobic Interval Training

Author: L. Véronique Billat

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 1/2001

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Abstract

This article traces the history of scientific and empirical interval training. Scientific research has shed some light on the choice of intensity, work duration and rest periods in so-called ‘interval training’. Interval training involves repeated short to long bouts of rather high intensity exercise (equal or superior to maximal lactate steady-state velocity) interspersed with recovery periods (light exercise or rest). Interval training was first described by Reindell and Roskamm and was popularised in the 1950s by the Olympic champion, Emil Zatopek.
Since then middle- and long- distance runners have used this technique to train at velocities close to their own specific competition velocity. In fact, trainers have used specific velocities from 800 to 5000m to calibrate interval training without taking into account physiological markers. However, outside of the competition season it seems better to refer to the velocities associated with particular physiological responses in the range from maximal lactate steady state to the absolute maximal velocity. The range of velocities used in a race must be taken into consideration, since even world records are not run at a constant pace.
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Metadata
Title
Interval Training for Performance: A Scientific and Empirical Practice
Special Recommendations for Middle- and Long-Distance Running. Part I: Aerobic Interval Training
Author
L. Véronique Billat
Publication date
01-01-2001
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 1/2001
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131010-00002

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