To Assess and Correlate Cardiorespiratory Adaptations in Endurance-Trained Cyclist and Recreational Cyclist

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare and correlate HRV indices, body composition, and aerobic power (VO2max) in recreational cyclists and trained endurance (road) cyclists. 47 male cyclists participated in the study (age: 20.32 ± 0.365; height: 171.50 ± 1.117; BMI: 23.00 ± 0.47) divided into 3 groups (Group 1: Recreational cyclist; group 2: Delhi Cyclist, playing at State/National level; and group 3: IGI cyclist, playing at National/International level). Methods: The participants underwent body composition analysis (BMI, Subcutaneous whole body, body density, body fat %, lean body mass) and anthropometry profiling. HRV was recorded (RMSSD, pNN50%, SDNN, LH/HF ratio) at resting state (~5 minutes) using the Heartware Shimmer ECG device. Later 3 minutes McArdle step test was done to measure VO2 max. Result: The VO2max (F2, 44=22.821, P<0.001) and Body fat % (7-Fold) (F2, 44=6.772, P=0.003) differed significantly between the 3 groups of cyclists. A highly significant negative correlation was seen between cycling experience in years with Resting HR and LF/HF ratio (p<0.01) with their r- values at -.382 and -.448 respectively, and statistically significant negative correlation was indicated with Body fat% (7-fold), r=-.322 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant differences were seen in the aerobic capacity (VO2max) between all the 3 groups of cyclists. Improved VO2max in trained road cyclists can be particularly due to the nature of cycling (endurance) training, overall training volume, and reduction in the body fat % and fat mass, which further enhances the adaptations to autonomic control.