Influence of electrically assisted cycling on physiological parameters in untrained subjects

Abstract

Electrically assisted bicycles (EAB) as a form of transport not only offer the potential to reduce energy use and environmental impact but could also be an effective way of encouraging active living. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of physical active commuting to work using an EAB, on physiological parameters in 20 untrained men and women. Tests were performed at three different time points over a 10-week period, including four weeks of passive (control period) and six weeks of active commuting (intervention period). ANOVA for repeated measures was used to test differences between the testing series for the most important physiological parameters: Pmax·kg−1, V˙O2peak·kg−1, fixed blood lactate concentration (2, 4 mmol·l−1). The subjects performed over a 6-week period a mean total cycling distance of 405.1±156.0 km with a weekly frequency of 4.1±1.7 days·week−1 for men and 246.0±116.3 km with a frequency of 2.9±1.0 days·week−1 for women. Pmax·kg−1 significantly increased in men and women after 6 weeks of active commuting. Power output at 2 mmol·l−1 significantly increased in women (P=0.001) but not in men (P=0.0604). Power output at 4 mmol·l−1 significantly increased for men and women. V˙O2peak·kg−1 did not differ. With respect to the study limitations, it is concluded that cycling to work on an EAB was effective in increasing the maximal power output and power output at 4 mmol·l−1 in these untrained subjects. Cycling on an EAB seems to be a promising tool as a health enhancing physical activity, for those who will benefit the most in terms of health related fitness, namely the physically inactive, unfit and older people.