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This study compared the impact of two polarized training programs (POL) on aerobic capacity in well-trained (based on maximal oxygen uptake and training experience) female cyclists. Each 8-week POL program consisted of sprint interval training (SIT) consisting of 8–12 repetitions, each lasting 30 seconds at maximal intensity, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) consisting of 4–6 repetitions, each lasting 4 minutes at an intensity of 90–100% maximal aerobic power, and low-intensity endurance training (LIT) lasting 150–180 minutes with intensity at the first ventilatory threshold. Training sessions were organized into 4-day microcycles (1st day—SIT, 2nd day—HIIT, 3rd day—LIT, and 4th day—active rest), that were repeated throughout the experiment. In the first POL program, exercise repetitions during SIT and HIIT training were performed with freely chosen cadence above 80 RPM (POLFC group, n = 12), while in the second POL program with low cadence 50–70 RPM (POLLC group, n = 12). Immediately before and after the 8-week POL intervention, participants performed an incremental test to measure maximal aerobic power (Pmax), power achieved at the second ventilatory threshold (VT2), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEmax), and gross efficiency (GE). Moreover, participants performed VO2max verification test. Analysis of variance showed a repeated measures effect for Pmax (F = 21.62; η2 = 0.5; p = 0.00), VO2max (F = 39.39; η2 = 0.64; p = 0.00) and VEmax (F = 5.99; η2 = 0.21; p = 0.02). A repeated measures x group mixed effect was demonstrated for Pmax (F = 4.99; η2 = 0.18; p = 0.03) and VO2max (F = 6.67; η2 = 0.23; p = 0.02). Post-hoc Scheffe analysis showed that increase in Pmax were statistically significant only in POLLC group. The Friedman test showed that VT2 differed between repeated measures only in the POLLC group (χ2 = 11; p = 0.001; W = 0.917). In conclusion, it was found that POL program where SIT and HIIT were performed at low cadence was more effective in improving aerobic capacity in well-trained female cyclists, than POL with SIT and HIIT performed at freely chosen cadence. This finding is a practical application for athletes and coaches in cycling, to consider not only the intensity and duration but also the cadence used during various interval training sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study aimed to assess the impact of four distinct training programs on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and cardiovascular health markers. The programs included: 1) a polarised training program (POL) incorporating sprint interval training (SIT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with long intervals, and low-intensity training (LIT); 2) a program focused solely on SIT training; 3) a program focused solely on long interval HIIT training; and 4) a program focused solely on LIT. The outcomes of interest were VO2max, lectin-like oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) expression, and serum concentration of oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Methods. This study enrolled 40 physically active individuals, categorised into four groups. Group POL (n = 10) engaged in a comprehensive POL training program, while group SIT (n = 10), group HIIT (n = 10), and group LIT (n = 10) participated in dedicated SIT, HIIT, and LIT training programs, respectively. SIT included 30-second all-out repetitions, HIIT included 3-minute high-intensity repetitions, LIT performed with intensity at the first ventilatory threshold. Throughout five weeks, participants in all groups underwent three weekly training sessions. Preceding and following the experiment, participants underwent an incremental test and a VO2max verification test. Additionally, serum concentrations of lectin-like oxidised lowdensity lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were measured before the incremental test. Results. Following the conclusion of the experiment, notable mixed effects were observed. Specifically, statistically significant increases were identified in VO2max, with a 14.2% enhancement in the POL group and a 9.5% improvement in the HIIT group. Moreover, there were substantial reductions in LOX-1 levels, demonstrating a 51.5% decrease in the POL group and a 61.1% decrease in the HIIT group. Conclusions. The findings led to the conclusion that both the POL and long interval HIIT programs were effective in enhancing VO2max and lowering serum levels of LOX-1 among physically active individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to use infrared thermography to assess cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity. Changes in temporal temperature during and after a single bout of high-intensity exercise were measured from subjects with varying levels of physical activity. Significant correlation between the temporal temperature measured during recovery time with cardiovascular fitness parameters (HRR and HRV) and maximum oxygen consumption confirm the usefulness of thermal imagining in aerobic capacity evaluation. These results could foster the employment of infrared thermography to monitor athletic/athletes' performance. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are associations between cardiovascular fitness (and aerobic capacity) and changes in temporal skin temperature during and after a single bout of high-intensity exercise. Twenty-three men with varying levels of physical activity (VO2max: 59.03 ± 11.19 (mL/kg/min), body mass 71.5 ± 10.4 (kg), body height 179 ± 8 (cm)) participated in the study. Each subject performed an incremental test and, after a 48-h interval, a 110%Pmax power test combined with an analysis of the thermal parameters, heart rate recovery and heart rate variability. Thermal radiation density from the body surface (temple) was measured using a Sonel KT384 thermal imaging camera immediately after warm-up (Tb), immediately after exercise (Te) and 120 sec after the end of exercise (Tr). The differences between measurements were then calculated. The correlation analysis between the thermal and cardiovascular function parameters during the recovery period showed strong positive associations between the Tr-Te difference and measures of cardiovascular fitness (50 < r < 69, p < 0.05). For example, the correlation coefficient between Tr-Te and VO2max reached 0.55 and between Tr-Te and Pmax reached 0.68. The results obtained indicate that the measurement of temporal temperature during and after an intense 3-min bout of exercise can be used to assess aerobic physical capacity and cardiovascular fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The research aim was to determine the relationship between gross efficiency (E) and the ability to repeat the given pressure force (ARGPF). Methods. A group of 23 road cyclists performed an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer and a repeated isometric force test (RIFT) with lower and upper limbs. E was calculated on the basis of the estimated energy expenditure (EE) during the last 30 seconds of the submaximal work with the loads of E-100W, E-150W, E-200W, E-250W, E-300W. During RIFT, carried out on a kinesthesiometer with strain gauges, the subjects performed pressures with the force of 10 kg with upper limbs and 20 kg with lower limbs. RIFT was performed immediately before and after the incremental test; the data served to express ARGPF by means of the repeated given pressure force (RGPF) value. Results. Post-exercise RGPF for the left lower limb significantly correlated with E at all incremental test loads (r: 0.64, 0.72, 0.7, 0.63, 0.62, respectively, for 100 W, 150 W, 200 W, 250 W, and 300 W). Pre-exercise RGPF for the left upper limb significantly correlated with E at 100 W, 150 W, and 200 W loads (r: 0.68, 0.72, 0.62, respectively). Both RGPF for limbs and E positively and statistically significantly correlated with the cyclists' age. Conclusions. Road cyclists with higher E presented greater variability of the repeated pressure force of the left limbs. Both characteristics show a strong relationship with the cyclists' age, which may indicate that their development depends on training experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine differences in glycolytic metabolite concentrations and work output in response to an all-out interval training session in 23 cyclists with at least 2 years of interval training experience (E) and those inexperienced (IE) in this form of training. The intervention involved subsequent sets of maximal intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer. Each set comprised four 30 s repetitions interspersed with 90 s recovery periods; sets were repeated when blood pH returned to 7.3. Measurements of post-exercise hydrogen (H+) and lactate ion (LA-) concentrations and work output were taken. The experienced cyclists performed significantly more sets of maximal efforts than the inexperienced athletes (5.8 ± 1.2 vs. 4.3 ± 0.9 sets, respectively). Work output decreased in each subsequent set in the IE group and only in the last set in the E group. Distribution of power output changed only in the E group; power decreased in the initial repetitions of set only to increase in the final repetitions. H+ concentration decreased in the third, penultimate, and last sets in the E group and in each subsequent set in the IE group. LA-decreased in the last set in both groups. In conclusion, the experienced cyclists were able to repeatedly induce elevated levels of lactic acidosis. Power output distribution changed with decreased acid-base imbalance. In this way, this group could compensate for a decreased anaerobic metabolism. The above factors allowed cyclists experienced in interval training to perform more sets of maximal exercise without a decrease in power output compared with inexperienced cyclists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that determined the differences in power, heart rate, and acid-base balance in response to a single interval training session in cyclists. The study recruited 21 mountain cyclists experienced and inexperienced with interval training. A graph is presented that shows the interval training test with the heart rate of one of the test subjects. The energy demands of short maximum-intensity exercise used in interval training are met by anaerobic glycolysis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare body balance in road and off-road cyclists, immediately before and after the racing season. Material/Methods: Twenty individuals participated in the study and they were divided into two groups: specialists in road-cycling (n = 10) and in off-road cycling (n = 10). Immediately before and after the five-month racing season stabilographic trials were carried out (at rest and after progressive exercise). In assessing body balance the distance and velocity of the centre shifts (in the anterior-posterior and left-right direction) were analysed. The tests were performed with the cyclists' eyes open, eyes closed, and in feedback. Results: After the racing season, in the off-road cyclists' group, distance and velocity of the centre of pressure shifts increased after a progressive exercise. Conclusions: In the off-road cyclists' group the balance of the body in the sagittal plane deteriorated after the racing season. Moreover, after the racing season off-road cyclists were characterized by a worse balance of the body, compared to road cyclists [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]