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Study note

Effects of high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous training on the anaerobic threshold of highly trained athletes in endurance sports: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PMID 38842374 (2024): aerobic, endurance — VO₂max, Lactate threshold (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 38842374

Effects of high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous training on the anaerobic threshold of highly trained athletes in endurance sports: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness2024 • DOI 10.23736/S0022-4707.24.15855-0

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: systematic review / meta-analysis.
  • Population relevance: athlete/trained context.
  • Consistency: synthesis evidence present.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

INTRODUCTION: The anaerobic threshold (AT) is an important physiological index used as a parameter for predicting performance and evaluating adaptations induced by training. (systematic review / meta-analysis; n=72 trained athletes).

In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Lactate threshold. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: INTRODUCTION: The anaerobic threshold (AT) is an important physiological index used as a parameter for predicting performance and evaluating adaptations induced by training.
  • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Lactate threshold.
  • Population: n=72 trained athletes.
  • Protocol cues: abstract may omit dose/timing; use the full paper to replicate accurately.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: aerobic, endurance.
  • Dose/time/duration: abstract doesn’t include enough detail; use the full paper’s methods section.
  • Outcomes: VO₂max, Lactate threshold.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (n=72 trained athletes) working on endurance.
  • Athletes who can measure VO₂max, Lactate threshold with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: systematic review / meta-analysis.
  • Population: n=72 trained athletes.
  • Outcomes measured: VO₂max, Lactate threshold.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 38842374 (2024) — The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

The summary result showed that HIIT promotes greater adaptation in the AT of highly trained athletes compared to continuous training (ES=0.73; 95% CI: 0.25-1.21); however, the certainty of evidence evaluated by the GRADE method is low and heterogeneity is high (I2=82%; P<0.01).

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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