Cycling training effects on fat metabolism blood parameters

BACKGROUND: Study the acute and middle term (4 weeks training) effect of cycling training on fat blood hematological parameters, urine, fatigue, and general health in recreational well-trained cyclists. METHODS: Nineteen cyclists underwent five blood sample collections: before and after an incremental maximal ramp test 7 days before day 0 (D-0); before and after 1 hour exhaustion trial test at baseline (D-0); and after 28 days of training (D-28). Age 34.5 years (±9.5); weight 74.87 kg (±6.6); height 177.3 cm (±5.2); BMI 26.3 (±4.9); VO2max 53.75 mL/kg/ min (±6.01); distance cycled 314.7 km/week (±137.1). RESULTS: Acute effect was strong elevating WBC from 6.27±2.34 to 9.01±3.63 ×103/µL, an increase in LDL and total CHOL, in this respect, existing literature is controversial. No changes in body weight or blood pressure was observed after 1 month of regular training albeit lipid profile significantly improved, as well as GOT. CONCLUSIONS: Effect of a short incremental bout of exercise was to temporary elevated all the blood parameters except MCH and MCHC. A month of intensive training (distance cycled: 314.7±137.1 km/week) significantly improved blood lipids profile with no permanent effect on WBC, blood pressure or body weight, but improved post effort lactate concentration and fatigue perception. Hematuria is confirmed to be a rare occurrence in recreational cyclists. Data can be useful for training monitoring and comparisons with similar groups of athletes, where there is a lack of information in literature and for comparing exercise effects.