The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 as a high intensity training tool: Aerobic and anaerobic responses

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) as a high intensity training tool for sedentary university female students.MethodsBaseline measures were recorded for body fat percentage, Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) peak power and mean power, and Yo-Yo IR1 performance. Subjects were matched in pairs for body fat percentage and then randomly allocated to the intervention group (INT) (n = 12) or control group (CON) (n = 13). The INT undertook a 6-week training programme twice a week using the Yo-Yo IR1. The CON undertook no training.ResultsThe INT increased their Yo-Yo IR1 performance (230 ± 38 m baseline vs 403 ± 152 m post-training), WAnT peak power (970 ± 176 Watts baseline vs 1148 ± 159 Watts post-training), and WAnT mean power (399 ± 55 Watts baseline vs 439 ± 53  Watts post-training) (p < 0.05). No changes were observed in the CON (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study show that a 6-week high intensity intermittent training programme using the Yo-Yo IR1 as a training intervention increases both aerobic and anaerobic capacity in a sedentary female population.

► Lack of physical activity among young females is a growing health concern. ► The YoYo IR1 may prove a time efficient manner of short duration high intensity training. ► A 6-week YoYo IR1 training programme induced aerobic and anaerobic benefits in sedentary females.