Effects of Cycling Intensity on Acute Signaling Adaptations to 8-weeks Concurrent Training in Trained Cyclists

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Concurrent training combines resistance and endurance exercise.
• The impact of endurance intensity within concurrent training on adaptations is not fully understood.
• Investigating molecular signaling pathways provides insight into exercise adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if endurance exercise intensity affects strength and endurance adaptations during concurrent training.
• To assess if training status alters the acute molecular response to concurrent exercise.
• To examine changes in mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

• Trained cyclists underwent an 8-week concurrent training program.
• Two groups: resistance + moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) vs. resistance + high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
• Molecular signaling and performance markers were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Maximal strength (back-squat, split-squat, calf-raise) significantly improved in both groups.
• V̇O2peak showed a preferential improvement in the MICT group compared to HIIT.
• No significant differences in molecular signaling pathway phosphorylation or time trial performance were observed.

Conclusions:

• Endurance exercise intensity during concurrent training may not influence maximal strength or endurance performance outcomes.
• The acute molecular response to concurrent exercise is not significantly affected by training status or intervention.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings.