Comparative and dose-response effects of supplementary exercise training on VO2max in trained athletes: a Systematic Review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

作者：Dongze Li, Fanli Zhou, Xinshu Li, Shibo Kong, Jie Wang, Xinmiao Feng, Jiezhong Wu · 发表于：Frontiers in Physiology · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.3389/fphys.2026.1906583 · 研究领域：Cardiovascular and exercise physiology、Sports Performance and Training、Genetics and Physical Performance

Background Maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) is a critical determinant of endurance performance in athletes, yet the comparative effectiveness and dose-response profiles of different supplementary exercise training modalities remain incompletely characterized. This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis aimed to compare 11 exercise training modalities for improving VO 2 max in healthy athletes, examine dose-response relationships, explore effect modification by sport type, and evaluate study-level moderators using network meta-regression. Methods Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA), Bayesian network meta-regression, and dose-response NMA were conducted. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis framework. Results Sixty-one studies were included in the systematic review; 60 contributed to the main NMA and 31 to the dose-response NMA. Five exercise modalities were significantly superior to the active control condition, which consisted of maintaining regular sport-specific training without additional supplementary intervention: blood flow restriction training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), intermittent hypoxic training, sprint interval training (SIT), and small-sided games (SSG). HIIT and SIT showed the most consistent overall support, although sparse subgroup findings remained exploratory. The dose-response analysis suggested that the modelled sign...