Indoor Cycling training

Aim The present research investigates the acute and chronic physiological responses to indoor cycling exercise on home trainer, also compared to cross training or inactivity. The effects of indoor cycling training in a virtual reality environment (music,Images and virtual partner) are also considered. Method It was conducted a systematic review of available literature of exercise physiology, published on the most important search engines such as PUBmed, PEDro, Web of Science, Journal of Science and Cycling. Results It is possible to say that indoor cycling training offers a valid performance enhancement if compared to cross training with other disciplines or deconditioning. Also, it is possible to underline that it allows the improving of all the most important physiological endurance parameters. Training plans ≥ 6 weeks seem to induce positive physiological adaptations and consequent performance improvement. The major limit of this practice seems to consist in the difficulty of training endurance adaptations for exercise lasting more than 2h. Indoor training, finally, allows to pair all virtual reality techniques with training allowing a higher level of focusing on exercise and diminishing the sensation of fatigue. Conclusion Indoor cycling training can be suggested as a valid training practice with the goal of performance improving. If performed by itself, in order to train the adaptations to long lasting endurance sessions, 2 or more hours, the double training daily session can be suggested. Indoor training results also as the most efficacy way to prevent deconditioning with a minimum of 3 short (30 minutes) weekly, high intensity, training sessions. Virtual reality, finally, offers the possibility to create a good distractor setting, able to delay the upcoming of mental and physical fatigue.