Health benefits of electrically-assisted cycling: a systematic review
Abstract Background Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have been highlighted as a method of active travel that could overcome some of the commonly reported barriers to cycle commuting. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the health benefits associated with e-cycling. Method A...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2018-11-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity |
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| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-018-0751-8 |
| _version_ | 1819147979071684608 |
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| author | Jessica E. Bourne Sarah Sauchelli Rachel Perry Angie Page Sam Leary Clare England Ashley R. Cooper |
| author_facet | Jessica E. Bourne Sarah Sauchelli Rachel Perry Angie Page Sam Leary Clare England Ashley R. Cooper |
| author_sort | Jessica E. Bourne |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have been highlighted as a method of active travel that could overcome some of the commonly reported barriers to cycle commuting. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the health benefits associated with e-cycling. Method A systematic literature review of studies examining physical activity, cardiorespiratory, metabolic and psychological outcomes associated with e-cycling. Where possible these outcomes were compared to those from conventional cycling and walking. Seven electronic databases, clinical trial registers, grey literature and reference lists were searched up to November 2017. Hand searching occurred until June 2018. Experimental or observational studies examining the impact of e-cycling on physical activity and/or health outcomes of interest were included. E-bikes used must have pedals and require pedalling for electric assistance to be provided. Results Seventeen studies (11 acute experiments, 6 longitudinal interventions) were identified involving a total of 300 participants. There was moderate evidence that e-cycling provided physical activity of at least moderate intensity, which was lower than the intensity elicited during conventional cycling, but higher than that during walking. There was also moderate evidence that e-cycling can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in physically inactive individuals. Evidence of the impact of e-cycling on metabolic and psychological health outcomes was inconclusive. Longitudinal evidence was compromised by weak study design and quality. Conclusion E-cycling can contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness. As such, e-bikes offer a potential alternative to conventional cycling. Future research should examine the long-term health impacts of e-cycling using rigorous research designs. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-22T13:38:25Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-6999de09ec544516b9294e3b67920eec |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1479-5868 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-22T13:38:25Z |
| publishDate | 2018-11-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity |
| spelling | doaj.art-6999de09ec544516b9294e3b67920eec2022-12-21T18:24:00ZengBMCInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity1479-58682018-11-0115111510.1186/s12966-018-0751-8Health benefits of electrically-assisted cycling: a systematic reviewJessica E. Bourne0Sarah Sauchelli1Rachel Perry2Angie Page3Sam Leary4Clare England5Ashley R. Cooper6Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Policy Studies, University of BristolNIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of BristolNIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of BristolCentre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Policy Studies, University of BristolNIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of BristolCentre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Policy Studies, University of BristolCentre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School of Policy Studies, University of BristolAbstract Background Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have been highlighted as a method of active travel that could overcome some of the commonly reported barriers to cycle commuting. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the health benefits associated with e-cycling. Method A systematic literature review of studies examining physical activity, cardiorespiratory, metabolic and psychological outcomes associated with e-cycling. Where possible these outcomes were compared to those from conventional cycling and walking. Seven electronic databases, clinical trial registers, grey literature and reference lists were searched up to November 2017. Hand searching occurred until June 2018. Experimental or observational studies examining the impact of e-cycling on physical activity and/or health outcomes of interest were included. E-bikes used must have pedals and require pedalling for electric assistance to be provided. Results Seventeen studies (11 acute experiments, 6 longitudinal interventions) were identified involving a total of 300 participants. There was moderate evidence that e-cycling provided physical activity of at least moderate intensity, which was lower than the intensity elicited during conventional cycling, but higher than that during walking. There was also moderate evidence that e-cycling can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in physically inactive individuals. Evidence of the impact of e-cycling on metabolic and psychological health outcomes was inconclusive. Longitudinal evidence was compromised by weak study design and quality. Conclusion E-cycling can contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness. As such, e-bikes offer a potential alternative to conventional cycling. Future research should examine the long-term health impacts of e-cycling using rigorous research designs.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-018-0751-8Electrically-assisted bicycleE-bikePhysical activityHealth |
| spellingShingle | Jessica E. Bourne Sarah Sauchelli Rachel Perry Angie Page Sam Leary Clare England Ashley R. Cooper Health benefits of electrically-assisted cycling: a systematic review International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Electrically-assisted bicycle E-bike Physical activity Health |
| title | Health benefits of electrically-assisted cycling: a systematic review |
| title_full | Health benefits of electrically-assisted cycling: a systematic review |
| title_fullStr | Health benefits of electrically-assisted cycling: a systematic review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Health benefits of electrically-assisted cycling: a systematic review |
| title_short | Health benefits of electrically-assisted cycling: a systematic review |
| title_sort | health benefits of electrically assisted cycling a systematic review |
| topic | Electrically-assisted bicycle E-bike Physical activity Health |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-018-0751-8 |
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