Author(s): HAJDU, G., KOVACS, P., BORBAS, Z., TORMA, F.G., KALABISKA, I., Institution: HUNGARIAN UNIVERSITY OF SPORTS SCIENCE, Country: HUNGARY, Abstract-ID: 2593

INTRODUCTION:
Moderate-intensity aerobic training has proven to be an effective method for improving maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) (Zhang et al., 2020). The question arises as to how this applies to middle-aged, inactive men during Spinning training, which is one of today's most popular group exercise classes.
The aim of our study was to examine the adaptation of the cardiovascular system, the body's oxygen uptake capacity, body structure, body composition, and changes in biochemical markers following a 12-week moderate-intensity training program.
METHODS:
We recruited healthy men (42.1±4.5 years) who had been physically inactive for at least six months (n=20). During the 12-week training program, they participated in aerobic, moderate-intensity continuous endurance training 2-3 times per week. Resting measurements and exercise testing were performed before and after the intervention. The exercise test was conducted on a cycle ergometer (Spinner Chrono Power). The test consisted of a graded protocol, where power was increased by 25 watts every 2 minutes. At the end of each stage, lactate levels were measured from capillary blood, while heart rate, oxygen uptake, and gas exchange were continuously monitored. The test continued until submaximal intensity. During resting measurements, body composition was determined using a Lunar Prodigy DEXA device, and cardiological parameters were recorded via echocardiography. During the exercise test, individualized aerobic extensive and aerobic intensive intensity zones were determined, and training was conducted within this range during the program. Throughout the 12 weeks, training load was monitored using Polar H10 chest strap, and exercises were performed on a Spinner PRO cycle ergometer. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Statistics 26 with T-tests and paired Wilcoxon tests, and hypotheses were tested at a 5% significance level.
RESULTS:
Following the 12-week intervention, there was a significant improvement in relative power output at VO₂max, increasing from 2.52 watts/kg body weight to 2.76 watts/kg (p=0.00013). Absolute power output values at VO₂max and at the lactate threshold also showed significant improvements (p=0.0012, p=0.00039), although no significant improvement occurred in maximal oxygen uptake. Heart rate at the lactate threshold increased significantly (p=0.0013), lactate levels at maximal performance decreased significantly (p=0.0015), and 4-minute post-exercise lactate elimination improved significantly (p=0.00028).
CONCLUSION:
Our study results demonstrate that moderate-intensity continuous training positively influences both aerobic and anaerobic performance in inactive, middle-aged men, but does not significantly increase maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). Our future aim is to continue the study and compare it with other training methods.