Abstract des Autors

The aim of the study was to ascertain and evaluate the physiological effects and health benefits of recreational cycling in a cross-sectional study in 424 recreational cyclists (males: n = 367, females: n = 57) at age 11 to 66 years, with a training volume from 2 to 4 thousands of kilometres per year. Investigation was focused on the comparison of body composition, pulmonary function, and aerobic capacity in recreational cyclists with the national population norms. Results of the cross-sectional study had confirmed that recreational cycling is associated with favourable body composition and increased physical fitness, when percentage of body fat in cyclists corresponded approximately to 50 to 80 % of the population norm, whereas indices of physical fitness, maximum oxygen consumption and maximum power output in cyclists corresponded approximately to 150 % of the population norm, from one’s twenties to sixties. Recreational cycling, however, did not affect indices of pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1 and PEF). The results of the cross sectional study had demonstrated that the age related decline of physiological functions and physical fitness seems to be substantially slower in male and female recreational cyclists than in normal non-athletic population. Verf.-Referat