No Sex Differences in Perceptual Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training or Sprint Interval Training

Abstract Coe, LN and Astorino, TA. No sex differences in perceptual responses to high-intensity interval training or sprint interval training. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1025–1032, 2024—High-intensity interval training (HIIT) elicits similar and, in some cases, superior benefits vs. moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). However, HIIT is typically more aversive than MICT because of the higher intensity and in turn, greater blood lactate accumulation (BLa). This study explored potential sex differences in perceptual responses to acute HIIT and sprint interval training. Fifteen men (age and V̇O 2max = 29 ± 8 years and 39 ± 3 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 ) and 13 women (age and V̇O 2max = 22 ± 2 years and 38 ± 5 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 ) who are healthy and recreationally active initially underwent testing of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O 2max ) on a cycle ergometer. In randomized order on 3 separate occasions, they performed the 10 × 1-minute protocol at 85% of peak power output, 4 × 4-minute protocol at 85–95% maximal heart rate (%HR max ), or reduced exertion high intensity interval training consisting of 2 “all-out” 20-second sprints at a load equal to 5% body mass. Before and throughout each protocol, rating of perceived exertion (rating of perceived exertion [RPE] 6–20 scale), affective valence (+5 to −5 of the Feeling Scale), and BLa were assessed. Five minutes postexercise, enjoyment was measured using the Physical Activity Enjoyment scale survey. Results showed no difference in RPE ( p = 0.17), affective valence (0.27), or enjoyment ( p = 0.52) between men and women. Blood lactate accumulation increased in response to all protocols ( p < 0.001), and men showed higher BLa than women ( p = 0.03). Previous research suggests that interval exercise protocols are not interchangeable between men and women, yet our data reveal that men and women having similar V̇O 2max exhibit no differences in perceptual responses to interval exercise.