The Effect of Reducing Total Volume of Sprint Exercise on Circulating Levels of BDNF

The SIT protocol consists of 4 repeated 30-second, 'all-out' cycle sprints against a resistance equivalent to 7.5% of body mass on a stationary bicycle. The first sprint will be preceded by a 4-minute warm-up consisting of unloaded pedalling. Each sprint will be followed by 4 minutes of unloaded pedalling.

The REHIT protocol consists of 2 repeated 20-second, 'all-out' cycle sprints against a resistance equivalent to 7.5% of body mass on a stationary bicycle. The first sprint will be preceded by a 2-minute warm-up consisting of unloaded pedalling. The first sprint will be followed by 3 minutes of unloaded pedalling, and the second sprint will be followed by 4 minutes of unloaded pedalling.

The control condition will involve seated rest for a period equivalent to the other interventions.