Acute Effects of Sprint Interval Training and Chronic Effects of Polarized Training (Sprint Interval Training, High Intensity Interval Training, and Endurance Training) on Choice Reaction Time in Mountain Bike Cyclists.

This study evaluated the acute effects of sprint interval training and chronic effects of polarized training on choice reaction time in cyclists. Twenty-six mountain bike cyclists participated in the study and were divided into experimental (E) and control (C) groups. The cyclists trained for 9-weeks and performed five training sessions each week. Types of training sessions: (1) sprint interval training (SIT) which consisted of 8-16, 30 s repetitions at maximal intensity, (2) high-intensity interval training (HIIT) included 5 to 7, 5-min efforts at an intensity of 85-95% maximal aerobic power (Pmax), and (3) endurance training (ET) performed at an intensity of 55-60% Pmax, lasting 120--180 min. In each week the cyclists performed: in group E a polarized training program, which included 2 × SIT, 1 × HIIT and 2 × ET, while in group C 2 × HIIT and 3 × ET. Before (acute effects) and after the 9-week training period (chronic effects) participants performed laboratory sprint interval testing protocol (SITP), which consisted of 12 maximal repetitions lasting 30 s. During SITP maximal and mean anaerobic power, as well as lactate ion concentration and blood pH were measured. Choice reaction time (RT) was measured 4-times: before and immediately after the SITP test-before and after the 9-week training period. Evaluated the average choice RT, minimal choice RT (shortest reaction), maximal choice RT (longest reaction), and the number of incorrect reactions. Before the training period as acute effects of SITP, it was observed: a shorter average choice RT (F = 13.61;