High-intensity intermittent cycling increases purine loss compared with workload-matched continuous moderate intensity cycling

Purpose

Exercise at 50–60 % of peak oxygen consumption (VO_{2 peak}) stimulates maximal fat oxidation rates. Despite a lower estimated work performed; high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) training produces greater fat mass reductions when compared with workload-matched continuous (CON) steady state exercise. No metabolic basis has been documented nor mechanisms offered to explain this anomaly. This study investigated the physiological and metabolic responses of two different workload-matched exercise protocols.

Methods

On separate occasions and at least 1 week apart, eight apparently healthy males cycled for 30 min at either 50 % VO_{2 peak} (CON) or performed repeated 20 s bouts of supramaximal exercise at 150 %VO_{2 peak} separated by 40 s rest (HIIE).

Results

The average heart rate, oxygen consumption, plasma glycerol and free fatty acid concentrations were not different during exercise and recovery between the trials. Plasma lactate and hypoxanthine (Hx) concentrations were elevated and urinary excretion rates of Hx and uric acid were greater following HIIE as compared to CON (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Exercise-induced plasma Hx accumulation and urinary purine excretion are greater following HIIE and indirectly represents a net loss of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the muscle. The subsequent restorative processes required for intramuscular de novo replacement of ATP may contribute to a negative energy balance and in part, account for the potential accelerated fat loss observed with HIIE when compared with CON training programs.