The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in body composition, cardiopulmonary function, and flexibility following 8 weeks´ bicycle ergometer exercise training. The subjects of this research consisted of healthy adult women between 30 and 40 years of age. Initial intensity of bicycle ergometer exercise was based on the target heart rate equivalent to 55% of maximal oxygen uptake, and intensity of the exercise increased by 5% every 2 weeks. Body composition, cardiopulmonary function at rest and during maximal exercise, as well as flexibility were determined before and after 8 weeks of bicycle ergometer exercise training. Maximal exercise was performed on the treadmill according to Bruce Protocol.
The results obtained were as follows
1. There were no changes in body weight, percent body fat, fat body weight, and lean body weight as well. The ventilation volume for 1 minute, respiratory quotient and expired C02 volume have not changed significantly after the training, either.
2. As a result of training, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p<.05).
3. Maximal heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption and maximal running time increased significantly after the training(p<.05).
4. Pelvic flexibility increased slightly after the training, however, it did not reach the statistical signifi
cance. Trunk flexion forward increased significantly after the training(p(05).
From these results, it may be concluded that 8 weeks bicycle ergometer training improve the cardiopulmonary function and flexibility in healthy adult women between 30-40 years of age.
|