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. 2024 Oct 11:6:1433368.
doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1433368. eCollection 2024.

Training, environmental and nutritional practices in indoor cycling: an explorative cross-sectional questionnaire analysis

W M Peeters  1 , A H Coussens  1 , I Spears  1 , O Jeffries  1
Affiliations

Training, environmental and nutritional practices in indoor cycling: an explorative cross-sectional questionnaire analysis

W M Peeters et al. Front Sports Act Living. .

Abstract

Introduction: Indoor cycling at home has grown rapidly in recent years facilitated by advances in technology and gamification. However, there is limited data on individual's training practices when cycling indoors.

Methods: Using a single-time point, cross-sectional questionnaire, we gathered information on equipment, environmental considerations, training practices and nutrition during indoor cycling.

Results: Following 492 responses, external variables (weather; 88.4%, lack of daylight; 56.3%), time efficiency (81.9%) and general fitness (70.9%) were most frequently cited as reasons to engage in indoor cycling. "Smart" turbo trainers linked to a mixed-reality cycling software were most frequently reported in equipment set-up. 78% of participants attempted to control temperature with 96% of these participants using at least 1 fan to control airflow. The volume of indoor training differed between seasons (winter: 6h10 ± 3 h 30, summer 2h52 ± 2h57, p < 0.001), and structured (61.9%) and unstructured work-outs (64.7%) were completed more than once a week with fewer participants engaging in competitive/racing events (20.9%). 98% percent of participants consumed fluids with an average fluid intake of 0.74 ± 0.28 L/h. Dependent on type of work-out, participants reported less planning of carbohydrate and protein intake during short-duration work-outs (∼40%-60%) relative to longer-duration work-outs (∼56%-80%). Caffeine use was the most frequently reported ergogenic aid.

Conclusion: Together we report indoor cycling practices with respect to training equipment, considerations of environmental and nutritional strategies and training habits. Our findings could be used to support the development of future research and indoor training guidelines.

Keywords: cycling; exercise; nutrition; technology; thermoregulation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart of responses and reasons for drop-outs in part A and B of the questionnaire. Following completion of Part A, participants were asked if they wished to continue.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reasons to engage in indoor cycling. Participants were allowed to select all that apply.
Figure 3
Figure 3
3-dimensional heat-map visualization of self-reported fan position to aid in thermal cooling during indoor cycling.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Frequency data for engaging in different types of indoor cycling sessions.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Frequency data on the use of nutritional ergogenic aids to complete different types of indoor cycling sessions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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