The Effect of Effort Similar to the General Individual Cycling Race and Carbohydrate Intake on Apoptosis and Some Physiological Variables in Cyclists

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the numerical values of gene expression for the P16 gene and some physiological variables in cyclists, as well as the effect of an effort similar to the general individual cycling race and carbohydrate intake on apoptosis (programmed cell death) and some physiological variables. The studied indicators included maximum heart rate, maximum respiratory rate, and calories burned.

Regarding the research population and sample, the researcher defined the population as advanced cyclists participating in the 2024-2025 general individual cycling race season within the Iraqi Clubs League, totaling 34 athletes. A sample of 20 cyclists was randomly selected by lottery, representing 58.823% of the research population.

The most important conclusions were that the level of physiological variables during effort similar to the individual time trial (before carbohydrate intake – after carbohydrate intake) in cyclists is closely and highly related to programmed cell death (apoptosis), and consequently is linked to the functional efficiency level of the cyclists. This confirms that cyclists with a lower level of programmed cell death exhibit higher functional work efficiency.

The researcher primarily recommends relying on the results and data of programmed cell death and the physiological variables during effort similar to the individual time trial (before carbohydrate intake – after carbohydrate intake) in cyclists as an essential and fundamental part throughout the sports season. This approach aims to identify the main obstacles negatively affecting individual time trial cyclists, thereby protecting the cyclists and maintaining their performance levels.