Physiological recovery response comparison between college endurance athletes and college power sport athletes after high-intensity interval training
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Authors
Madison Neu
Issue Date
2026
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Language
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Abstract
In this study, we’ll be comparing the difference in recovery mechanisms between various athlete types following a specific workout. Research indicates physiological variations between athletes trained in different sports, and our research seeks to compare those differences using Alma College athletes. Our research topic will compare three specific physiological measurements between the athlete groups, which include their lactate clearance, oxygen consumption, and heart rates.
The central question being tested in this study is whether endurance-trained athletes have more effective and efficient recovery processes than power-trained athletes. Large amounts of research indicate that endurance athletes often have better physiological mechanisms than other types of athletes, so we will be putting this idea to the test.
Now, post-workout recovery is a critical component of athletic performance. By learning the training adaptations that lead to the most beneficial recovery process, athletes can see more success in their performance as well. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to expose the training style that leads to the best recovery, as this has potential to impact athletic performance as a result.
For this study, a cross-sectional comparison design will be used to examine the relationship between recovery and athlete type. To do this, athletes will come in for individual testing slots and run through the experimental process, having data measurements taken on them as they do so. This data will be compiled within both the endurance group and power group and then compared to one another for statistical analysis.
By the end of this study, we expect to confirm that endurance athletes will have higher quality and more efficient recovery responses after a workout. We expect to see faster lactate clearance, oxygen consumption recovery, and heart rate recovery within the endurance athlete group, compared to those rates within the power athlete group. Therefore, we expect to find that endurance athletes have more successful physiological recovery mechanisms than power athletes after a HIIT workout.