Aim: Prior studies in humans have looked at the impact of one type of training (intermittent or continuous) on chiefly one isoform of glucose or lactate transporters. It is presently unknown what type and volume of training is the more effective in stimulating GLUT1, GLUT4, MCT1 and MCT4 expression. Methods: Forty subjects were randomized to one of four groups performing intermittent or continuous elbow extensions in a training apparatus. Intermittent training: 30 sec work followed by 30 second of recovery for a total of 20 work periods per session (400 repet.), at 60% of the subjects' triceps 1RM (one repetition maximum). Training was 3 times week^­1 until they had lifted ~100 tons (low volume) or ~180 tons (high volume). Continuous training: 800 repet. (no recovery periods) per session at 30% of the subjects' 1RM. Training was 3 times week^­1, until they had lifted either ~100 or ~180 tons. Typically 5 or 8 weeks was needed to achieve a low or high volume, respectively. GLUT1, GLUT4, MCT1 and MCT4 in biopsy samples was measured by western blotting and reported as integrated optical density (IOD). Results: The mean (se) change in GLUT1 and MCT4 was larger following intermittent, high volume training compared to continuous high volume training (GLUT1; 248(141) vs. 34(16) IOD, P < 0.05, MCT4; 762(400) vs. ­50(139) IOD, P < 0.05).

Increases in GLUT4 and MCT1 following intermittent training was larger following a low volume of training compared to a high volume (GLUT4; 146% vs. 111%, P < 0.01, MCT1; 73% vs. 36%, P < 0.05). Detraining reversed training changes to baseline. Conclusions: Type of training affects the magnitude of GLUT and MCT changes. A high volume of training was less effective than a low volume in increasing GLUT4 and MCT1 content during intermittent training.