Indoor Cycling Energy Expenditure: Does Sequence Matter?

Although cycling class intensity can be modified by changing interval intensity sequencing, it has not been established whether the intensity order can alter physiological and perceptual responses. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of interval intensity sequencing on energy expenditure (EE), physiological markers, and perceptual responses during indoor cycling. Healthy volunteers (10 males = 20.0 ± 0.8years; 8 females = 21.3 ± 2.7years) completed three randomly ordered interval bouts (mixed pyramid—MP, ascending intervals—AI, descending intervals—DI) including three 3-min work bouts at 50%, 75%, and 100% of peak power output (PPO) and three 3-min recovery periods at 25% PPO. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were expressed as percentages of maximal HR (%HRmax) and VO2 (%VO2max). EE was computed for both the work bout and for the 5-min recovery period. Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) and Exercise Enjoyment Scale (EES) were recorded. No differences emerged for % HRmax (MP = 73.3 ± 6.1%; AI = 72.1 ± 4.9%; DI = 71.8 ± 4.5%), % VO2max (MP = 51.8 ± 4.6%; AI = 51.4 ± 3.9%; DI = 51.3 ± 4.5%), EE (MP = 277.5 ± 39.9 kcal; AI = 275.8 ± 39.4 kcal; DI = 274.9 ± 42.1 kcal), EES (MP = 4.9 ± 1.0; AI = 5.3 ± 1.1; DI = 4.9 ± 0.9), and sRPE (MP = 4.9 ± 1.0; AI = 5.3 ± 1.1; DI = 4.9 ± 0.9). EE during recovery was significantly (p < 0.005) lower after DI (11.9 ± 3.2 kcal) with respect to MP (13.2 ± 2.5 kcal) and AI (13.3 ± 2.5 kcal). Although lower EE was observed during recovery in DI, interval intensity sequencing does not affect overall EE, physiological markers, and perceptual responses.

[1]  C. Cortis,et al.  Comparison of rating of perceived exertion scales during incremental and interval exercise , 2019, Kinesiology.

[2]  C. Cortis,et al.  Comparison of RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) Scales for Session RPE. , 2019, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[3]  M. Gibala.  Interval Training for Cardiometabolic Health: Why Such A HIIT? , 2018, Current sports medicine reports.

[4]  G. Cardon,et al.  Behavioral determinants of physical activity across the life course: a “DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity” (DEDIPAC) umbrella systematic literature review , 2017, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

[5]  J. D. de Koning,et al.  Breaking away: effects of nonuniform pacing on power output and growth of rating of perceived exertion. , 2013, International journal of sports physiology and performance.

[6]  L. Gosselin,et al.  Metabolic Response of Different High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Exercise Protocols , 2012, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[7]  A. Lucia,et al.  Factors Affecting Gross Efficiency in Cycling , 2012, International Journal of Sports Medicine.

[8]  J. Cumming,et al.  Are we having fun yet? Testing the effects of imagery use on the affective and enjoyment responses to acute moderate exercise , 2010 .

[9]  F. Figura,et al.  Evaluation of intensity during an interval Spinning® session: a field study , 2009, Sport Sciences for Health.

[10]  A. Lucia,et al.  Physiologic Responses during Indoor Cycling , 2008, Journal of strength and conditioning research.

[11]  M Bobbert,et al.  Effect of competitive distance on energy expenditure during simulated competition. , 2004, International journal of sports medicine.

[12]  J. Hoffman,et al.  Effect of order of exercise intensity upon cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and perceptual responses during exercise of mixed intensity , 2003, European Journal of Applied Physiology.

[13]  E. Heath.  Borg's Perceived Exertion and Pain Scales , 1998 .

[14]  B. Chaitman,et al.  Recommendations for cardiovascular screening, staffing, and emergency policies at health/fitness facilities. , 1998, Circulation.

[15]  M. Kouzaki,et al.  Metabolic profile of high intensity intermittent exercises. , 1997, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[16]  M. Kouzaki,et al.  Effects of moderate-intensity endurance and high-intensity intermittent training on anaerobic capacity and VO2max. , 1996, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[17]  P. Thompson,et al.  ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription , 1995 .

[18]  Nancy N. Thompson,et al.  Pacing Strategy and Athletic Performance , 1994, Sports medicine.

[19]  R. W. Bullard,et al.  Influence of fatigue on the efficiency of men during exhausting runs. , 1958, Journal of applied physiology.

[20]  C. Thiel,et al.  Pacing strategies for endurance performance , 2012 .

[21]  Chris R Abbiss,et al.  Describing and Understanding Pacing Strategies during Athletic Competition , 2008, Sports medicine.

[22]  J. Staab,et al.  Metabolic and performance responses to uphill and downhill running in distance runners. , 1992, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.