2134/18791
Steve Faulkner
Steve
Faulkner
Jamie Pugh
Jamie
Pugh
T.M. Hood
T.M.
Hood
K. Menon
K.
Menon
James King
James
King
Myra A. Nimmo
Myra A.
Nimmo
Group studio cycling: an effective intervention to improve cardio-metabolic health in overweight physically inactive individuals
Loughborough University
2015
Group exercise
Fitness centres
High intensity training
Body composition
Lifestyle
Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified
2015-09-17 12:42:30
Journal contribution
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Group_studio_cycling_an_effective_intervention_to_improve_cardio-metabolic_health_in_overweight_physically_inactive_individuals/9613211
Introduction: Supervised, laboratory based studies of high intensity interval training (HIIT) is effective
at improving health markers in groups at risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Studio cycling,
incorporating aerobic and high intensity exercise, may offer a platform for the implementation of HIIT
within the wider community.
Methods: Eight, overweight, physically inactive (<1.5 hr·wk-1) but otherwise healthy volunteers
completed eight weeks of supervised studio cycling lasting 20-50 minutes 3 times per week.
Participants underwent assessment for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) body composition, blood lipids,
glucose tolerance and insulin resistance before and after the intervention. Results: Adherence to training was >95%. Mean and peak intensity were equivalent to 83% and 97%
of HRmax·VO2max increased from 27.1 ± 4.7 mL·kg·min-1 to 30.3 ± 4.3 mL·kg·min-1 (p < 0.0001). Body
fat percentage was reduced by 13.6% from 31.8 ± 2.4% to 27.5 ± 4.5% (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol
(4.8 ± 1.1 mmol·L-1 to 4.2 ± 1.2 mmol·L-1) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.6 ± 0.9 mmol·L-1
to 2.0 ± 1.2 mmol·L-1) were reduced (both p < 0.05). There were no significant differences to glucose
tolerance or insulin resistance.
Discussion: Group exercise is effective at improving the cardio-metabolic health in previously
physically inactive overweight individuals. Coupled with the high adherence rate, studio cycling offers
an effective intervention improving cardiovascular health in physically inactive cohorts.
Conclusions: Studio cycling can be implemented as a highly effective high intensity interval training
intervention for improving health in overweight, inactive individuals and may promote improved exercise
adherence.