Changes in body composition as a result of various-intensity training on cycloergometer

The objective of the study was to evaluate the changes observed in the level of lean body mass, body fat and body hydration after applying four types of training of variable intensity, as well as the analysis of body composition within a period of 4 weeks starting from the moment of the initial training. The study included 43 students from the Academy of Physical Education, who were divided into 4 groups. The training on the cycloergometer included 5 sprints interrupted by a two-minute rest period: group I – maximal sprints performed with a load constituting 10% of the body weight (BW), group II – maximal sprints performed with a load constituting 5% of BW, group III – 3-minute sprints at average power of 250 W, pedaling frequency 80 rpm, group IV – 3-minute sprints at average power of 250 W, pedaling frequency 45 rpm. Body composition were evaluated before the commencement of the training, after four weeks of the training and after two and four weeks from the cessation of training. A method of bioelectrical impedance was applied with the use of a BIA RJL System Inc. analyzer. Throughout the period of the experiment no significant differences between the groups were observed as far as the total body weight of the tested subjects. However, body hydration increased significantly after four weeks of training in groups I and III. After two weeks from finishing the training the water level rose further significantly in all groups. Upon analyzing changes in the level of lean body mass (LBM) and body fat (FAT) directly after 4 weeks of training, higher LBM values were ascertained in groups I, II and III (p<0.05). Those values were significantly higher in all the groups in the 2nd and 4th week after the cessation of training. A lower level of body fat (FAT) was recorded directly after four weeks of training in groups I and II. Two weeks after the cessation of training a further, significant reduction occurred in all groups. However, in week 4, body fat level tended to return to the values recorded in the period directly after the cessation of training. No significant differences between the groups were observed with respect to all the values measured.