Abstract
<strong>Background:</strong> Bicycling is a good mode of transportation for people of all ages. The ability to ride a bicycle requires sufficient physical abilities. This study aimed to examine the relationship between functional fitness and the ability to ride a bicycle for community-dwelling older adults in Japan. <strong>Methods:</strong> Forty-eight older adults (13 males, 35 females) were divided into a riding group (those who could ride a bicycle; n = 34) and a control group (those who could not; n = 14). A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted with the ability to ride a bicycle as the dependent variable and Arm Curl Test, Chair Stand Test, Back Scratch Test, Sit and Reach Test, Functional Reach Test, One Leg-Stand Test, Four Square Step Test, 5 Meter Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go Test as independent variables. <strong>Results:</strong> The results of binomial logistic regression analysis showed that, from among various functional fitness test results, only Timed Up and Go scores (odds ratio: 0.29; 95% CI 0.12–0.68) were associated with bicycle riding ability. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> These results indicated that Timed Up and Go scores are useful for predicting the ability of older adults to use a bicycle as a means of transportation.
Highlights
Bicycling offers a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly mode of transportation
The Arm Curl Test and Chair Stand Test scores were significantly greater in the Riding Group compared to the Control Group (p < 0.05)
In the binomial logistic regression analysis, Arm Curl Test, Chair Stand Test, Back Scratch Test, Sit and Reach Test, Functional Reach Test, One Leg-Stand Test, Four Square Step Test, 5-Meter Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go Test were entered into the model as independent variables and the ability to ride a bicycle was entered into the model as dependent variable; and the result of that analysis revealed that the Timed Up and Go score was the only independent variable that was found to be associated significantly with the ability to ride a bicycle (Table 3)
Summary
Bicycling offers a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Hino (2002) reported walking (71%) and bicycling (25%) are the primary means of transport for shopping among elderly Japanese living in urban areas. A recent large-scale mail survey indicated that 63% of community-dwelling Japanese older adults in urban areas routinely ride a bicycle in their everyday life (Sakurai et al, 2015). This study aimed to examine the relationship between functional fitness and the ability to ride a bicycle for community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Results: The results of binomial logistic regression analysis showed that, from among various functional fitness test results, only Timed Up and Go scores (odds ratio: 0.29; 95% CI 0.12–0.68) were associated with bicycle riding ability. Conclusion: These results indicated that Timed Up and Go scores are useful for predicting the ability of older adults to use a bicycle as a means of transportation
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