Effect of exercise training applied with ergonomic changes in recreational cyclists on cycling performance

This study conducted to examine the effect of exercise training and ergonomic cycling adaptation for recreational cyclists on cycling performance. Fifty one recreational cyclists aged between 18-45 years were included in the study. The participants were divided into three groups as the training group (n=17), the ergonomic group (n=17) and the control group (n=17), with a simple random method. For training group strength exercise training was given 12 weeks, 3 days/week and saddle and handlebar height and saddle-handlebar distance and bicycle adaptation was applied with dynamic video analysis. For ergonomics group, cycling adaptation was applied with dynamic video analysis. Control group were asked to adjust their bikes as they were comfortable. The groups were evaluated before the training, after 12 weeks of training, and at the sixth months. For endurance Functional Threshold Power Test (FTP), for fatigue Lactate Threshold Heart Rate (LTHR), for speed 10 Miles Time Trial Test (MTTT 10), and for power Critical Power (CP) test were used. Muscle strength was evaluated with 1 Maximal Repetition (1MT) (Procer Conditioning Devices (USA)), aerobic capacity was evaluated with Shuttle Run Test, flexibility with Sit and Reach Test and balance with Y Balance Test. Myotonometric properties of the muscles were evaluated with Myotonpro. Pain was evaluated with the Extended Version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. When the performance were compared between the groups, a significant increase was found in endurance, speed and power values in favor of the training group (p<0,05). In terms of fatigue, the results between groups were similar (p>0,05). When physical fitness parameters were compared between the groups, a significant difference was found in favor of the training group in trunk and lower extremity muscle strength, aerobic capacity and balance (p<0,05). In terms of flexibility, the results between groups were similar (p>0,05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of myotonometric properties of the muscles (p>0,05). Musculoskeletal pain results were similar between the groups (p>0,05). As a result, we think that ergonomic changes should applied with strength exercises for the lower extremities in order to increase the cycling performance of all cyclists, especially recreational cyclists.