Exercise duration-matched interval and continuous sprint cycling induce similar increases in AMPK phosphorylation, PGC-1α and VEGF mRNA expression in trained individuals

Purpose The effects of low-volume interval and continuous ‘all-out’ cycling, matched for total exercise duration, on mitochondrial and angiogenic cell signalling was investigated in trained individuals. Methods In a repeated measures design, 8 trained males ( V̇O_2peak , 57 ± 7 ml kg −1 min −1 ) performed two cycling exercise protocols; interval (INT, 4 × 30 s maximal sprints interspersed by 4 min passive recovery) or continuous (CON, 2 min continuous maximal sprint). Muscle biopsies were obtained before, immediately after and 3 h post-exercise. Results Total work was 53