Indoor Cycling Research Articles

Effects of 8-week of fitness classes on blood pressure, body composition, and physical fitness.

Fitness activities such as indoor cycling (IC), Zumba® (ZU) and body pump (BP) are practiced by large segments of population. There are no studies showing which kind of fitness activity can produce more health benefits. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 8-week of IC, alone or combined with ZU (IC+ZU), or BP (IC+BP), on blood pressure, body composition, and physical fitness. Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned to four groups: IC, IC+ZU, IC+BP or control group (CG). Before and after 8-week of training, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fat, lean and bone mass, body circumferences, resting heart rate, aerobic fitness, limbs strength and vertical jump height (VJH) were assessed. The IC and IC+ZU experienced significant decreases in SBP and DBP, which were significantly greater, compared to CG. Between-group comparisons showed greater decreases in body mass (BM) and body fat mass percentage (BFM) in IC compared to all groups, also significant differences were observed between IC+ZU and IC+B with CG. Decreases in neck, pectoral, waist and hip circumferences were found in IC, IC+ZU and IC+BP compared to CG. All experimental groups significantly increased 10RM leg press and leg flexion, VJH and VO2max compared to CG. Fitness classes of IC, alone or combined with ZU or BP, are effective in reducing blood pressure and improving body composition and physical fitness. The IC is the most effective in reducing BM and BFM.

THE CONFINEMENT OF ATHLETES BY COVID-19: EFFECTS ON TRAINING, WELLBEING AND THE CHALLENGES WHEN RETURNING TO COMPETITION

THE CONFINEMENT OF ATHLETES BY COVID-19: EFFECTS ON TRAINING, WELLBEING AND THE CHALLENGES WHEN RETURNING TO COMPETITION

The confinement of athletes by COVID-19: effects on training, wellbeing and the challenges when returning to competition

The confinement of athletes by COVID-19: effects on training, wellbeing and the challenges when returning to competition

Audiological profile of indoor cycling teachers

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the audiological profile and auditory complaints of indoor cycling teachers, as well as to relate the findings with time of noise exposure and presence of tinnitus. Methods: participants were eight teachers of both genders, age ranging from 24 to 36 years, with professional experience in the area for at least one year. Sound pressure level was measured during the class, which lasted from 45 to 50 minutes and an adapted anamnesis questionnaire composed of ten items was applied to each individual to research the auditory symptoms and factors related to noise exposure and the audiological assessment performed. Inferential statistical tests were applied. The level of statistical significance was 0.05. Results: all of them had pure tone audiometry, tympanometry testing and brainstem auditory evoked potential within normal limits. There were alterations in the high frequency audiometry and otoacoustic emissions without a statistical correlation with the time of professional experience. Conclusion: the audiological profile obtained was pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and brainstem auditory evoked potential within normal limits; altered transient otoacoustic and distortion product emissions and high frequency audiometry. The complaints reported were: tinnitus, dizziness, the need to listen at a high volume and being exposed to excessive noise.

Effect of Acute Physical Exercise on Executive Functions and Emotional Recognition: Analysis of Moderate to High Intensity in Young Adults.

Physical exercise (PE) is associated with cognitive changes and brain function. However, it is required to clarify the effect of PE in different intensities, population groups conditions and the EF duration over different cognitive domains. Besides, no studies are known to have evaluated the contextual emotional recognition. Therefore, we studied the effect of acute PE of moderate intensities up to higher ones to the executive functions and the contextual emotional recognition. The participants were evaluated and classified in two experiments according to the IPAQ short form self-report and control measures. In both experiments, the groups were randomized, controlled, and exposed to one session of indoor cycling through intervals of high measure intensity (75–85% HRmax). Experiment 1 comprised young adults who were physically active (PA) and healthy, apparently (n = 54, Mage = 20.7, SD = 2.5). Experiment 2 involved young adults who were physically inactive (IP) and healthy, apparently (n = 36, Mage = 21.6, SD = 1.8). The duration was the only factor that varied: 45 min for PA and 30 min for PI. The executive functions were evaluated by the Stroop, TMT A/B, and verbal fluency, and the emotional recognition through a task that includes body and facial emotions in context, simultaneously. The analysis of factorial mixed ANOVA showed effects on the right choices of the indoor cycling groups in the PA, and the time response in PI. Also, other effects were observed in the controlled groups. TMT-A/B measures showed changes in the pre-test–post-test measures for both experiments. Verbal fluency performance favored the control group in both experiments. Meanwhile, the emotional recognition showed an effect of the PE in error-reduction and enhanced the scores in the right choices of body emotions. These results suggest that the EF with intensities favored cognitive processes such as inhibitory control and emotional recognition in context. We took into account the importance of high-complexity tasks design that avoid a ceiling effect. This study is the first on reporting a positive effect of PE over the emotional contextual recognition. Important clinical and educational implications are presented implications which highlight the modulatory role of EF with moderate to high intensities.

Motivos de práctica y adicción en practicantes de ciclo-indoor a lo largo de un curso

Indoor cycling is one of the most practiced fitness activities. However, little research has been conducted. The goal of this study was to assess the motivational profile of indoor cycling participants throughout a whole year. 379 practitioners (38.51 ± 10.68 years; 64.6% females, 35.4% males) agreed to participate. At the beginning of the course (September), in the middle (January) and at the end (May), all participants completed a questionnaire to assess motivation for physical activity and exercise addiction. Results showed that these indoor cycling participants’ reasons to practice this activity changed significantly throughout the year: in September and January “fitness/health”, and in May “appearance”. Regarding exercise addition, this group of indoor cycling practitioners can be considered symptomatic non-dependent; their score significantly increased in may. Both results seem to point to the popularly known “bikini challenge”.

The time course of adaptations in thermoneutral maximal oxygen consumption following heat acclimation

PurposeThis study investigated the effects of a 10-day heat acclimation (HA) programme on the time course of changes in thermoneutral maximal oxygen uptake (dot{V}O2max) during and up to 10 days post-HA.MethodsTwenty-two male cyclists were assigned to a HA or control (Con) training group following baseline ramp tests of thermoneutral dot{V}O2max. Ten days of fixed-intensity (50% baseline dot{V}O2max) indoor cycling was performed in either ~ 38.0 °C (HA) or ~ 20 °C (Con). dot{V}O2max was re-tested on HA days 5, 10 and post-HA days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10.Resultsdot{V}O2max initially declined across time in both groups during training (P < 0.05), before increasing in the post-HA period in both groups (P < 0.05). However, dot{V}O2max was higher than control by post-HA day 4 in the HA group (P = 0.046).ConclusionsThe non-linear time course of dot{V}O2max adaptation suggests that post-testing should be performed 96-h post-training to identify the maximal change for most individuals. In preparation for training or testing, athletes can augment their aerobic power in thermoneutral environments by performing 10 days HA, but the full effects will manifest at varying stages of the post-HA period.

Effectiveness of an Indoor Cycling Program in Improving the Physical Condition of Young Women

Abstract Introduction. Indoor cycling training programs at fitness clubs offer the possibility of optimizing the structure and amount of physical activity, which reduces the risk of disrupting the adaptive abilities of women’s bodies. The main purpose of this study was to identify the effect of an indoor cycling program on the body composition and physical fitness of young women. Material and methods. Twenty-nine women (age = 29.31 ± 3.40 years, body weight = 70.71 ± 6.15 kg, and height = 169.83 ± 3.17 cm) took part in the study, participating in three classes per week for 16 weeks. Each class included three periods: the preparatory, main, and supporting periods. Body composition (waist circumference and body mass index), cardiorespiratory fitness (VО2max), motor fitness (balance), and musculoskeletal fitness (upper and lower body muscle strength and muscular endurance) were compared before the beginning of the study and after 10 and 16 weeks of training. Changes recorded in each variable over time were analyzed statistically using repeated measures methods. Results. Significant improvements in physical fitness were identified in the values of the body mass index (7.81%; ES: 0.95, p = 0.0001) and VО2max (12.51%; ES: 1.02, p = 0.0001). Moderate improvements were found in lower body muscle strength (11.13%; ES: 0.66, p = 0.0001) and waist circumference (6.05%, ES: 0.65, p = 0.0001). There was an increase in the strength of the muscles of the upper body (5.27%; ES: 0.41, p = 0.0001), muscular endurance (8.20%; ES: 0.32, p = 0.0001), and balance (10.68%; ES: 0.29, p = 0.003). Conclusion. Indoor cycling in a fitness club is an effective form of exercise for young women; it has targeted training effects on the body’s functional systems, adaptive abilities, and physical fitness.

Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Indoor cycling is one of the most practiced activities in fitness centers for most people regardless of their physical conditioning level. Several studies have analyzed the effect of indoor cycling on several parameters related to health, such as maximal oxygen consumption, blood pressure, body composition, as well as biochemical markers such as HDL or LDL. However, no study has synthesized all health benefits associated with the indoor cycling practice in the form of a systematic review and established guidelines or recommendations. Therefore, the aim of this manuscript was to conduct a systematic review of published studies about the benefits of indoor cycling training and to establish recommendations for coaches, researchers, and practitioners. Materials and Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct the current systematic review. A systematic search was performed to retrieve relevant published articles until January 2019 using the following keywords: ‘indoor cycling’, ‘indoor bicycle’, and ‘spinning exercise’. Information about participants, intervention, comparisons, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) was extracted. Results: A total of 300 studies were initially identified. After the revision process, 13 of them were included. The total sample size of the studies was 372 (306 women). Results revealed that indoor cycling may improve aerobic capacity, blood pressure, lipid profile, and body composition. These enhancements may be achieved as standalone intervention or combined with other physical exercises or diet. Conclusions: The combination of indoor cycling and diet is recommended to improve the lipid profile, lose weight, and reduce blood pressure. Furthermore, indoor cycling alone may also enhance aerobic capacity. Given the lack of randomized controlled trials, these conclusions should be taken with caution.

Community cycling exercise for stroke survivors is feasible and acceptable

ABSTRACTBackground: Physical activity is recommended after stroke but levels for stroke survivors are typically low. The use of indoor recumbent cycling, delivered through local government leisure facilities, may increase access to exercise among stroke survivors.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of an indoor cycling program delivered through existing local government services.Methods: Participants were recruited through stroke liaison nurses and public advertising. After a home visit to assess eligibility and conduct psychological and general health assessments, participants attended their local leisure center for an initial fitness test and short battery of physical tests. Then, an 8 week training program was designed with weekly goals. Following the program the assessments were retaken along with an evaluation questionnaire. In-depth, semi-structured, interviews were conducted with 15 participants and five fitness coaches.Results: One hundred fifteen individuals volunteered to participate during a 10-month recruitment period, 77 met the inclusion criteria and consented, 66/77 (86%) completed the program including all nine non-ambulatory participants. The program and procedures (recruitment and outcome measures) were feasible and acceptable to participants (81% reported following the program). Participants were generally very positive about the experience. Significant improvements in sit-to-stand capacity (Mpre = 25.2 s, Mpost = 19.0 s, p = .002), activities of daily living (NEADL, Mpre = 12.2, Mpost = 13.2, p = .002), psychosocial functioning (SAQOL, Mpre = 3.82, Mpost = 4.15, p = .001), energy (SAQOL, Mpre = 3.75, Mpost = 4.02, p = .018) and depression (GHQ, Mpre = .97, Mpost = .55, p = .009) were observed.Conclusion: A cycling-based exercise program delivered through local leisure center staff and facilities was shown to be feasible and acceptable for people living with stroke.

An Exploratory Study on Determinants of Regular Group Indoor Cycling Participation in Black and White Adults

This study investigated factors influencing regular group indoor cycling (GIC) participation in a sample of Black (71%) and White (29%) adults. Seventeen regular GIC participants (≥1 day/week for ≥3 consecutive months) completed surveys that examined motivations for GIC participation. Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ), Preference for and Tolerance of Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire (PRETIE-Q), and open-ended survey questions were used. TSRQ showed autonomous motivation was significantly higher than controlled ( p &lt;.001) and amotivation ( p &lt; .001), with no significant difference between controlled and amotivation ( p = .08). There was no significant interaction between motivation and race. There were no significant differences between race groups for PRETIE-Q. Five themes emerged as reasons for GIC participation: music, physical health, social support, studio atmosphere, and enjoyment/fun. Racial differences surfaced in the themes. More research is needed to understand the role of cultural relevance as it relates to exercise motivation and regular exercise participation. This could inform strategies for promoting regular exercise in various populations.

Vocal Dose for Rhythm-Based Indoor Cycling Instructors: With and Without Amplification

The purpose of this research was to characterize the voice physiology requirements of indoor cycling instructors as measured by vocal dose (distance the vocal folds travel and average voice intensity) and perceived phonatory effort with and without amplification. Using a within-participant repeated measures design, eight rhythm-based cycling instructors were consented and scheduled to teach two ecologically valid cycling fitness classes, one amplified and one without amplification. Objective measures included vocal dosimetry and ambient sound level. Perceived phonatory effort and participant demographic information were also collected. Trials were counterbalanced to avoid an order effect. Data analyses indicated a significant difference in perceived phonatory effort between trials (P = 0.005) with the amplified trial resulting in a lower effort. Statistically significant differences between vocal distance dose were not found, with an unexpected finding of increased distance dose with use of amplification. Average voice intensity for female participants was 99.6 dB with amplification and 96.1 dB without amplification. This investigation highlights the importance of occupation specific study of voice use requirements and the difficulty in generalizing the findings from one occupational voice user group to another.

Exploring Qualitative Determinants of Regular Group Indoor Cycling Participation in a Diverse Sample of Adults

While U.S. adults generally do not acquire adequate amounts of physical activity, non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) obtain less physical activity than non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Identifying reasons why NHB regularly participate in a given exercise modality may help tailor future recommendations in this population. Group indoor cycling (GIC) classes have gained popularity and are offered widely in fitness facilities. PURPOSE: To qualitatively investigate the motivation for regular GIC class participation in a racially diverse sample. METHODS: Women and men attending GIC classes at a rhythm-based cycling studio ≥ 1 day/week for the preceding three consecutive months were recruited. Participants completed a questionnaire that included two open-ended questions: 1) “Why do you continue to regularly choose GIC classes for exercise?” and 2) “How does the environment at this cycling studio motivate you to continue to choose GIC for exercise?" Three investigators independently analyzed data using established procedures for thematic analysis. Data from the two questions were reported in aggregate. RESULTS: Seventeen adults (88% female; 71% NHB; 29% NHW; mean±SD age: 32.1±7.4 yrs.; body mass index: 26.2±3.6 kg/m2) completed the study. Five main themes emerged as reasons for regular GIC class participation in NHB and NHW, respectively: music selections (83 and 80%), studio atmosphere (67 and 40%), social support (67 and 80%), physical health (58 and 100%), and enjoyment/fun (42 and 60%). CONCLUSIONS: The music (majority hip-hop and rap) in this studio may have played an integral role in attracting NHB to participate in GIC classes at this studio on a regular basis. NHW participants indicated physical health as a key motivator for class attendance. More research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of cultural relevance as it relates to motivational factors for exercise, which could inform future strategies for promoting regular exercise in various populations.

Exercise And Physical Activity Promotion Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Symptoms Of Disease And Well-being In Patiens With Schizophrenia

Patients suffering from Schizophrenia (SZ) show low fitness, a sedentary lifestyle and comorbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, resulting in 20 years less of life expectancy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of an intervention combining exercise and physical activity promotion (PAP) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), severity of SZ, symptoms of disease and well-being. METHODS: 35 patients were randomized into an intervention (n=19, aged 39.0 ± 13.6 years, BMI 28.3 ± 7.3) or control group (n=16, aged 36.0 ± 9.3 years, BMI 25.7 ± 5.2), directly after inpatient treatment for SZ. Intervention included two sessions of high intensity indoor cycling (IC; each 45min), and one session of PAP (60min) per week for three months. In months 4-6, the intervention was reduced to one session IC and one session PAP per week. The control group received a physiologically ineffective control intervention. Measurements were conducted at baseline (t0), after three (t1) and 6 months (t2) of intervention, and after 12 months (six-month follow up, t3). Measurements included CRF (bicycle ergometry), severity of SZ (PANSS-Score), well-being (SF-36), and psychological distress (SCL-90). RESULTS: The intervention improved significantly severity of SZ (t0: 55.4 ± 16.3, t2: 34.8 ± 3.3, p<.05), well-being (t0: 50.4 ± 10.1, t2: 60.5 ± 7.1, p<.05) and psychological distress (t0: 159 ± 47.4, t2: 119.8 ± 34.3, p<.05). For CRF, patients were able to improve their physical capacity, expressed as W/kg (t0: 1.85 ± 0.6, t2: 2.13 ± 0.6, p<.05), but did not significantly improve their peak oxygen uptake, expressed as ml/min/kg (29.0 ± 7.0, t2: 30.5 ± 8.7, n.s.). Six month after the intervention, only improvements in severity of SZ, well-being and psychological distress remained statistically significant (PANSS: 38.0 ± 9.0, SF-36: 59.2 ± 8.0, SCL-90: 119.2 ± 36.6, all p<.05). CONCLUSION: Exercise and PAP significantly improves CRF, severity of SZ, well-being and psychological distress in SZ patients. Effects on CRF are declining shortly after the end of the intervention. We recommend the implementation of exercise and PAP into the post-acute care of SZ patients. Moreover, it is necessary to further strengthen the sustainability of effects with respect to CRF, in order to prevent fall-backs and health detriments caused by low physical fitness.

Impact of rider position and pedaling cadence on power output and bilateral asymmetry in indoor cycling.

This study examines the effects of pedaling cadence and the rider's position on power output and pedaling asymmetry during indoor cycling. Participants were 25 male indoor cycling instructors (32.4±4.8 years; 75.7±4.9 kg; 174±4.2 cm) with at least 3 years of cycling experience. In a single session, participants completed 9 training intervals consisting of different combinations of position (standing, sitting), pedaling cadence (75, 100, 120 rpm) and training intensity (75, 80, 85% maximum heart rate, HRmax). During standing intervals, power output was lower (132.4±72.6 W vs. 197.5±53.5 W; P<0.05) and the bilateral leg asymmetry index was greater (52.2±76.6% vs. 12.4±9%; P<0.05) than when subjects pedaled while sitting for a similar work intensity. In contrast, higher power outputs (238.1±46.3 W vs. 153±52.7 W; P<0.05) and lower asymmetry indices (30.4±39.2% vs. 12.6±11%; P<0.05) were recorded in intervals performed at 75 rpm versus 120 rpm despite similar exercise intensities. Our findings indicate that at similar training intensities, pedaling while standing during indoor cycling generates fewer watts and greater asymmetry than pedaling while sitting. We also observed that a slower pedaling cadence (75 rpm) gives rise to greater generated power and a lower asymmetry index than a faster pedaling cadence (120 rpm).

The physiological and mechanical demands of aerobics, indoor cycling, and netball in recreationally active females

BackgroundGroup-based exercise is a popular method of improving fitness. However, limited research exists on the multidisciplinary responses to group-based exercise.AimsThe aim of this study was to compare the physiological and mechanical demands of aerobics, indoor group cycling, and netball.MethodsFourteen recreationally active females (age 20 ± 2 years, body height 1.65 ± 0.09 m, body mass 65.9 ± 11.8 kg, body fat 26.3 ± 7.2%) participated in three experimental trials (aerobics, indoor cycling, netball) in a randomised order with 1 week intervening. Heart rate, blood lactate, RPE and PlayerLoad™ were measured.ResultsA repeated-measures ANOVA revealed mean and peak heart rate (beats·min−1) were lower (P < 0.05) for aerobics (130 ± 114; 176 ± 18) than indoor cycling (150 ± 9; 191 ± 9) and netball (144 ± 11; 195 ± 6), respectively. Blood lactate (mmol·L−1) was higher (P < 0.001) after indoor cycling (5.6 ± 2.6) compared to aerobics (2.2 ± 1.4) and netball (2.5 ± 1.1). RPE was not different between trials. PlayerLoad™ (a.u) during indoor cycling (213.9 ± 46.9) was lower (P < 0.05) than netball (358.5 ± 94.5) and aerobics (296.9 ± 99.0).ConclusionsThese results suggest indoor cycling stimulates greater physiological demands, whilst netball and aerobics elicit a higher PlayerLoad™ corresponding to higher mechanical demands. These findings may have implications for exercise prescription in recreationally active females.

Mid-term follow up and analysis of the subsequent need for hip replacement following completion of the chain (cycling against hip pain) programme

Purpose: The CHAIN (Cycling against Hip Pain) programme is a six-week exercise and education treatment pathway for people diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis. It is designed to promote the self-management of hip pain based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines that recommend education and advice, exercise (aerobic and local muscle strengthening) and weight loss where appropriate. It is a conservative treatment option designed to help patients avoid the need for, or to delay the need for hip replacement surgery. Participants attend a local leisure centre for a thirty minute education session, delivered by a physiotherapist, followed by thirty minutes of indoor cycling led by a spin instructor. The sessions are progressive and supplemented with home exercises. Education topics include: the benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis, diet and nutrition, pain relief, pacing of activities and lifestyle change. The short-term clinical results of the intervention have previously been published, with patients reporting improvements to pain and function; having an increased confidence in self-managing hip pain, and having increased motivation to exercise. However, a mid-term analysis on the subsequent need for hip replacement patients has not been completed. Therefore, this follow-up analysis aimed to interrogate patient hospital records to establish the number of CHAIN participants that had returned to their local hospital for treatment of hip osteoarthritis with hip replacement surgery. Methods: One hundred and nineteen participants were enrolled onto the first CHAIN programme between October 2013 and February 2015. Of the 96 participants who completed the programme (Table 1), 95 patient records could be found on their local NHS Trust computer system in November 2018. These records were systematically reviewed, with any theatre admissions, orthopaedic outpatient appointments or radiology reports opened for investigation. Patients who had returned to their local NHS hospital for total hip replacement were recorded. Results: Of the 95 records interrogated, 32 patients (33.7%) had returned to their local NHS hospital for total hip replacement surgery. At up to five year follow up (range: 3 to 5 years) thirty one patients received unilateral total hip replacement and one patient received bilateral total hip replacement. Sixty three patients (66.3%) did not return to their local hospital for surgical intervention. Of the hip replacements that were performed following conservative treatment through the CHAIN programme, six were in 2014, eleven were in 2015, six were in 2015, five were in 2017 and five were in 2018. Conclusions: Following conservative treatment of osteoarthritis through a cycling and education programme, 66.3% of participants had not returned for a hip replacement surgical intervention at the local NHS hospital from the region in which they were referred. This may have significant economic implications for practice, given the high cost of surgical interventions and the increasing numbers of people with osteoarthritis.

Vascular Adaptation to Indoor Cycling Exercise in Premenopausal Women.

The early vascular adaptation to indoor cycling, a popular activity at many fitness centres, is incompletely evaluated. Forty two healthy women (21-45 years) underwent measurements of arterial wall properties and geometry as well as a maximal bicycle exercise test before and after a 3 months period during which 21 of the women joined indoor cycling classes at a gym 2-3 times per week, while 21 women served as time controls. Peak work load increased by in average 16% (p<0.001) and ascending aortic diameter by 4% (p<0.01) in the exercise group, while unchanged in control group. The exercise intervention had no significant influence on the local intima-media thickness, blood pressure or the pulse pressure wave configuration while the carotid artery distensibility (p<0.05) was higher after the intervention. There was a positive correlation between change in (Δ) peak work load and Δ-diameter of tubular ascending aorta (r=0.42, p<0.01) in the exercise group. In conclusion, after only 3 months of bicycle exercise training, signs of central arterial remodelling were seen in premenopausal women, which was associated to improvement in exercise capacity.

Physical activity of pregnant women in the eyes of physiotherapy students. The role of knowledge, beliefs and personal experiences among future physiotherapists

Abstract Introduction: The physical activity of pregnant women is still a matter of concern for both mothers and professionals. In the case of a healthy pregnancy without specific contraindications, physical activity may have a beneficial effect on mental and physical wellbeing, during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period. It is therefore important that pregnant women be provided with accurate information regarding recommended pre-gestational activity, based on scientifically-valid reports rather than subjective opinions. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the state of knowledge and attitudes towards physical activity undertaken by women during pregnancy among physiotherapy students. Materials and methods: The study involved 109 physiotherapy students studying at the Faculty of Physiotherapy in Katowice and at the Faculty of Physiotherapy at the Medical University of Lodz. The research was performed as an Internet-based study in which the participants completed an electronic version of a questionnaire constructed for the study. Results: Students of physiotherapy are a physically active group, with the most popular being walking. Although the respondents have a satisfactory level of knowledge concerning the influence of physical activity on pregnancy, they still consider indoor cycling as less suitable for expectant mothers than outdoor cycling. The general level of knowledge of participants correlates negatively with the attitude: those more open and accepting of physical activity during pregnancy tend to display less reliable knowledge. Positive attitude is also associated with the sport background of the respondents: more active respondents tend to believe more strongly that physical activity has a positive impact on pregnancy. Conclusions: Although the participants displayed satisfactory general knowledge concerning physical activity and pregnancy, they do not always correctly evaluate selected forms of activities as appropriate for pregnant women. This knowledge should be supplemented, as physiotherapy students are a group of future medical professionals who will shape the health behaviors of patients.

Exploring the Factors for Marketing Indoor Cycling

In this paper, we use multiple regression and stepwise regression analyses to consider a set of variables to determine what is important in the marketing of, and actual use, of indoor cycling. We find that the importance of music to the consumer, and the importance of cleanliness of the studio to the consumer are key factors in the amount of use a consumer makes of indoor cycling. We also discuss entertainment marketing and the role of sense of community .