Samenvatting

This thesis investigated how homeostatic resilience can be determined based on the response of various biomarkers during and after a standardised bicycle ergometer test. The test model had to be reproducible and widely applicable to people with varying health statuses. To this end, two controlled human studies were conducted in three different laboratories (Utrecht, Groningen and Wageningen) with a total of 29 healthy recreational cyclists. They completed bicycle ergometer protocols at different intensity levels (50%, 55/85% and 70% Wmax), under both optimal and suboptimal hydration conditions. A broad panel of biomarkers (metabolic, immune, intestinal, hematological) was analysed, with specific attention to the kinetics of the response: the changes in time and extent of changes during and after exercise, and the time to recovery to baseline values.