EFFECTS OF SPINNING PROGRAMS ON PSYCHOMOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The adolescent period represents a critical stage in human development, marked by profound
biological, psychological, and social transformations. In this context, planned physical activity,
adapted to age level, plays a fundamental role in supporting maturation processes both at the
neuromuscular level and in cognitive and emotional structures. The research objectives aim not only
to evaluate the immediate changes produced by the spinning intervention but also to formulate practical recommendations for incorporating this method into school programs. The general hypothesis of the study is that students’ participation in spinning training will lead to significant improvements in all dimensions of psychomotor skills compared to a control group. The study included a total of 50 students, selected from five representative high schools in Suceava County: “Spiru Haret” Theoretical High School, Economic College, Pedagogical College, Food Industry High School, and “Petru Rareș” National College. Thus, motor coordination and static balance showed notable improvements, confirming that pedaling with variable rhythms and posture changes on the bike (sitting/standing in the pedals) stimulate neuromotor control mechanisms and proprioception. Additionally, lower-limb explosive strength developed significantly as a result of pedaling with increased resistance and intervaltype training, which replicated demands similar to plyometric exercises. At the physiological level, both aerobic endurance (measured by the 6-minute test) and anaerobic capacity (evaluated by the Wingate test) showed clear progress. The preliminary results support the general hypothesis that a structured spinning program can contribute to the multidimensional development of high school students’ psychomotor potential.