Effects of combined exercise training and bicycle ergonomic adaptation on cycling performance and physical fitness in recreational cyclists: a randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up

Cycling performance is influenced by physiological capacity and bicycle ergonomics, but the combined effects of structured exercise training and bicycle ergonomic adaptation in recreational cyclists remain unclear. To examine the effects of combined exercise training and bicycle ergonomic adaptation on cycling performance and physical fitness in recreational cyclists. Fifty-one recreational cyclists were randomized to a combined exercise plus ergonomic adaptation group (CEEG, n = 17), an ergonomic adaptation only group (EAG, n = 17), or a control group (CG, n = 17). The intervention lasted 12 weeks, followed by a 6-month. Functional threshold power (FTP), 10-mile speed, critical power, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04972305) on 15/07/2021. Significant group × time interactions were found for FTP ( p < 0.001), critical power ( p = 0.046), muscle strength outcomes (all p < 0.001), and aerobic capacity ( p < 0.001). FTP improved more in the CEEG than in the EAG and CG, with differences maintained at 6 months. The group × time interaction for 10-mile speed was not significant ( p = 0.170). Critical power showed a more favorable longitudinal pattern in the CEEG. Aerobic capacity improved more in the CEEG immediately post-intervention, but between-group differences were not maintained at follow-up. Combined exercise training with bicycle ergonomic adaptation improved FTP and muscle strength and favorably influenced critical power and short-term aerobic capacity, but not 10-mile speed.