Self-reported mindfulness, cyclist anger and aggression.

Anger is a common behaviour exhibited by road users when one's goals are perceived to have been blocked by another. Recent research has demonstrated that, generally, cyclists tend to deal with anger in constructive ways. However, when anger does manifest, it can result in behaviours that increase their crash risk. Amongst motor vehicle drivers, mindfulness levels have been associated with less anger and appear to mediate anger and associated aggression. The current study sought to understand whether mindfulness has similar associations with anger and aggression in a sample of cyclists. A total of 583 cyclists (males = 68 %) completed an online questionnaire that sought information on their levels of mindfulness, current mindfulness practices and tendencies for anger and aggression while cycling. The relationships between these were then examined using structural equation modelling. The results showed that cyclists with higher mindfulness levels tended to report less anger across a range of situations (e.g., interactions with pedestrians, cyclists, motor vehicle drivers and police). Both direct and indirect (through anger) relationships were found between mindfulness and aggression, again showing that more mindful cyclists tended to engage in less frequent aggression. These findings align with recent research investigating this relationship amongst motor vehicle drivers and suggest that mindfulness may be a promising strategy to reduce or avoid anger and aggression in cyclists.

Assessing Health Promotion Interventions: Limitations of Traditional Research Methods in Community-Based Studies.

Most low-income Americans fail to meet physical activity recommendations. Inactivity and poor diet contribute to obesity, a risk factor for multiple chronic diseases. Health promotion activities have the potential to improve health outcomes for low-income populations. Measuring the effectiveness of these activities, however, can be challenging in community settings. A "Biking for Health" study tested the impact of a bicycling intervention on overweight or obese low-income Latino and African American adults to reduce barriers to cycling and increase physical activity and fitness. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in summer 2015. A 12-week bicycling intervention was implemented at two sites with low-income, overweight, or obese Latino and African American adults. We found that randomized controlled trial methodology was suboptimal for use in this small pilot study and that it negatively affected participation. More discussion is needed about the effectiveness of using traditional research methods in community settings to assess the effectiveness of health promotion interventions. Modifications or alternative methods may yield better results. The aim of this article is to discuss the effectiveness and feasibility of using traditional research methods to assess health promotion interventions in community-based settings.

Social conditions and urban environment associated with participation in the Ciclovia program among adults from Cali, Colombia.

The Ciclovia program (CP) has emerged as an effective initiative to promote active living in urban spaces in Latin America. This study assessed the association between social conditions, the urban environment and participation in the CP among adults living in the city of Cali, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 among 719 adults aged 18 to 44. Urban environment measures were obtained using Geographic Information Systems. A multilevel logistic regression was used for the analysis. Slightly more than 7% of participants had participated in the CP in the previous four weekends. Being male and having a high school degree were positively associated with participation in the CP. Participation in the CP was positively associated with living in neighborhoods with Ciclovia lanes. In contrast, a negative association was found among those living in neighborhoods with a presence of traffic fatalities. This study provides new insights about a recreational program that has potential health benefits in a region marked by urban inequalities in terms of opportunities for physical activity.

Social conditions and urban environment associated with participation in the Ciclovia program among adults from Cali, Colombia / Condiciones sociales y ambientes urbanos asociados con la participación al programa de Ciclovía en adultos en Cali, Colombia / Condições sociais e ambientes urbanos associados à participação no programa Ciclovia entre adultos em Cali, Colômbia

Abstract The Ciclovia program (CP) has emerged as an effective initiative to promote active living in urban spaces in Latin America. This study assessed the association between social conditions, the urban environment and participation in the CP among adults living in the city of Cali, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 among 719 adults aged 18 to 44. Urban environment measures were obtained using Geographic Information Systems. A multilevel logistic regression was used for the analysis. Slightly more than 7% of participants had participated in the CP in the previous four weekends. Being male and having a high school degree were positively associated with participation in the CP. Participation in the CP was positively associated with living in neighborhoods with Ciclovia lanes. In contrast, a negative association was found among those living in neighborhoods with a presence of traffic fatalities. This study provides new insights about a recreational program that has potential health benefits in a region marked by urban inequalities in terms of opportunities for physical activity.

Resumen El programa de Ciclovía (PC) ha surgido como una iniciativa efectiva para promover actividad física en el contexto urbano de América Latina. Este estudio evaluó la asociación entre las condiciones sociales, el ambiente urbano y la participación en el PC en adultos que vivían en Cali, Colombia. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en 2011 y 2012 en 719 adultos de 18 a 44 años. Se obtuvieron medidas del ambiente urbano utilizando Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Un poco más del 7% de las personas participaron en el PC en los últimos 4 fines de semana. Ser hombre y tener un nivel de escolaridad de secundaria se asoció positivamente con la participación en el PC. Así mismo, se encontró una asociación positiva con residir en barrios con existencia de corredores con este programa. Por el contrario, la existencia de muertes por accidentes de tránsito fue negativamente asociada. Este estudio brinda nuevos conocimientos acerca de un programa recreativo que tiene beneficios potenciales para la salud, en una región marcada por desigualdades urbanas relacionadas con actividad física.

Resumo O programa Ciclovia (PC) surgiu como uma iniciativa eficaz para promover a atividade física no contexto urbano da América Latina. Este estudo avaliou a associação entre as condições sociais, o ambiente urbano e participação no PC em adultos que vivem em Cali, Colômbia. Um estudo transversal foi realizado em 2011 e 2012, em 719 adultos com idades entre 18 e 44 anos. Medidas do ambiente urbano utilizando SIG foram obtidos. Pouco mais de 7% das pessoas participaram do PC nos últimos quatro finais de semana. Ser do sexo masculino e ter um nível de ensino médio foi positivamente associado com a participação no PC. Da mesma forma, uma associação positiva com residência em bairros com corredores existência desse programa foi encontrada. Pelo contrário , a existência de mortes no trânsito foi negativamente associado . Este estudo fornece novos conhecimentos sobre um programa de lazer que tem benefícios de saúde potenciais em uma região marcada por desigualdades urbanas em atividade física.

Active commuting and perceptions of the route environment: a longitudinal analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess associations between changes in perceptions of the environment en route to work and changes in active commuting. METHODS: 655 commuters in Cambridge, UK reported perceptions of their commuting route and past-week commuting trips in postal questionnaires in 2009 and 2010. Associations between changes in route perceptions and changes in time spent walking and cycling, proportion of car trips, and switching to or from the car on the commute were modelled using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Changes in only a few perceptions were associated with changes in travel behaviour. Commuters who reported that it became less pleasant to walk recorded a 6% (95% CI: 1, 11) net increase in car trips and a 12 min/week (95% CI: -1, -24) net decrease in walking. Increases in the perceived danger of cycling or of crossing the road were also associated with increases in car trips. Increases in the perceived convenience of public transport (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.27, 8.63) or safety of cycling (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.44, 9.50) were associated with taking up alternatives to the car. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to improve the safety of routes and convenience of public transport may help promote active commuting and should be evaluated.

Patterns and predictors of changes in active commuting over 12 months.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictors of uptake and maintenance of walking and cycling, and of switching to the car as the usual mode of travel, for commuting. METHODS: 655 commuters in Cambridge, UK reported all commuting trips using a seven-day recall instrument in 2009 and 2010. Individual and household characteristics, psychological measures relating to car use and environmental conditions on the route to work were self-reported in 2009. Objective environmental characteristics were assessed using Geographical Information Systems. Associations between uptake and maintenance of commuting behaviours and potential predictors were modelled using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean within-participant changes in commuting were relatively small (walking: +3.0 min/week, s.d.=66.7; cycling: -5.3 min/week, s.d.=74.7). Self-reported and objectively-assessed convenience of public transport predicted uptake of walking and cycling respectively, while convenient cycle routes predicted uptake of cycling and a pleasant route predicted maintenance of walking. A lack of free workplace parking predicted uptake of walking and alternatives to the car. Less favourable attitudes towards car use predicted continued use of alternatives to the car. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the convenience of walking, cycling and public transport and limiting the availability of workplace car parking may promote uptake and maintenance of active commuting.

Evaluación de la adaptación a un entrenamiento de alta intensidad con diferentes estrategias de intervención en ciclistas / Assessment of adapting to high intensity training by cyclists using different strategies

El entrenamiento regenerativo está siendo de gran interés tanto para entrenadores como para atletas, ya que puede evitar situaciones de sobrecarga o sobreentrenamiento y mejorar el rendimiento. Así, el objetivo de este estudio preliminar fue evaluar la adaptación de un mismo protocolo de entrenamiento de alta intensidad unido a diferentes estrategias de recuperación sobre variables bioquímicas y de rendimiento en ciclistas amateurs. Quince ciclistas hombres con una edad media de 36,18±5,30 años fueron asignados de forma dirigida a tres diferentes grupos: regenerativo-plus (RP, n=6): entrenamiento interválico intensivo (EII) combinado con sesiones de baja intensidad (50% VO2max) más la suplementación de antioxidantes; regenerativo (R, n=5): EII combinado con sesiones de baja intensidad al 50% VO2max; control (C, n=4): descanso. Realizaron un EII combinado con sesiones de baja intensidad durante 20 días. Antes y después de la aplicación del protocolo se midieron parámetros bioquímicos (bicarbonato [HCO3], lactato [La], pH y presión parcial del dióxido de carbono [PCO2]) y parámetros de rendimiento (potencia máxima [Pmax], resistencia aeróbica [RA] y consumo máximo de oxígeno [VO2max]). Se observó un aumento significativo en la potencia máxima aplicada, sin diferencias en las diversas situaciones estudiadas. En cuanto a la resistencia aeróbica y VO2max, no se observaron mejoras significativas en ninguno de los grupos. Respecto al estado metabólico, solo se observó una menor concentración de lactato (no significativa) tras la aplicación del protocolo en el grupo RP. Los resultados sugieren que este protocolo unido o no a la suplementación de antioxidantes podría ser una estrategia adecuada para asimilar determinadas cargas de entrenamiento(AU)

Regenerative training is very important for trainers and athletes as it could avoid problems of overreaching or overtraining, as well as improve performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high intensity training protocol combined with recovery sessions on biochemical and performance parameters in amateur cyclists. A total of 15 male cyclists with a mean age of 36.18±5.30 years were assigned to one of three groups: regenerative-plus (RP): high intensity training (EII) with low intensity training (50% VO2max) and antioxidant supplements; regenerative (R): EII with low intensity training to 50% VO2max; control (C): rest. They performed an EII combined with low intensity recovery sessions for 20 days. Several biochemical parameters (bicarbonate [HCO3], lactate [La], pH and partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PCO2]) and performance parameters (maximum power [Pmax], aerobic capacity [RA] and maximum uptake oxygen [VO2max]) were measured before and after applying the protocol. Significant increases were observed in the maximum power with no differences between the different situations. No significant changes were seen in the endurance or VO2max in either group. As regards metabolic state, a lower lactate concentration (not significant) was observed after application of protocol in group RP. It may be concluded that this protocol with or without antioxidant supplements could be an option to assimilate particular training loads(AU)

The Ciclovia and Cicloruta programs: promising interventions to promote physical activity and social capital in Bogotá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: We compared participants from the Ciclovia (streets temporarily closed to motorized vehicles and open for pedestrians) and Cicloruta (bicycle paths) programs in Bogotá, Colombia, to assess associations of program participation with physical activity, safety, social capital, and equity. METHODS: We conducted 2 cross-sectional studies in October 2009 with intercept surveys: one among 1000 Ciclovia participants and the other among 1000 Cicloruta participants. RESULTS: Most Ciclovia participants met the physical activity recommendation in leisure time (59.5%), and most Cicloruta participants met it by cycling for transportation (70.5%). Ciclovia participants reported a higher perception of safety (51.2% regarding traffic and 42.4% about crime) and social capital (odds ratio = 2.0; 95% confidence interval = 1.4, 2.8) than did Cicloruta users. Most Cicloruta users reported living in low socioeconomic status categories (53.1%), had lower educational attainment (27%), and did not own cars (82.9%). Most Ciclovia participants reported living in middle socioeconomic status categories (64%), had low-to-middle educational attainment (51.1%), and did not own cars (66.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The Ciclovia and Cicloruta programs have the potential to equitably promote physical activity and provide a mobility alternative in complex urban settings such as Bogotá.

Measuring combined exposure to environmental pressures in urban areas: an air quality and noise pollution assessment approach.

This study presents a methodological scheme developed to provide a combined air and noise pollution exposure assessment based on measurements from personal portable monitors. Provided that air and noise pollution are considered in a co-exposure approach, they represent a significant environmental hazard to public health. The methodology is demonstrated for the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. The results of an extensive field campaign are presented and the variations in personal exposure between modes of transport, routes, streets and transport microenvironments are evaluated. Air pollution and noise measurements were performed simultaneously along several commuting routes, during the morning and evening rush hours. Combined exposure to environmental pollutants is highlighted based on the Combined Exposure Factor (CEF) and Combined Dose and Exposure Factor (CDEF). The CDEF takes into account the potential relative uptake of each pollutant by considering the physical activities of each citizen. Rather than viewing environmental pollutants separately for planning and environmental sustainability considerations, the possibility of an easy-to-comprehend co-exposure approach based on these two indices is demonstrated. Furthermore, they provide for the first time a combined exposure assessment to these environmental pollutants for Thessaloniki and in this sense they could be of importance for local public authorities and decision makers. A considerable environmental burden for the citizens of Thessaloniki, especially for VOCs and noise pollution levels is observed. The material herein points out the importance of measuring public health stressors and the necessity of considering urban environmental pollution in a holistic way.

Improving health through policies that promote active travel: a review of evidence to support integrated health impact assessment.

BACKGROUND: Substantial policy changes to control obesity, limit chronic disease, and reduce air pollution emissions, including greenhouse gasses, have been recommended. Transportation and planning policies that promote active travel by walking and cycling can contribute to these goals, potentially yielding further co-benefits. Little is known, however, about the interconnections among effects of policies considered, including potential unintended consequences. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: We review available literature regarding health impacts from policies that encourage active travel in the context of developing health impact assessment (HIA) models to help decision-makers propose better solutions for healthy environments. We identify important components of HIA models of modal shifts in active travel in response to transport policies and interventions. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Policies that increase active travel are likely to generate large individual health benefits through increases in physical activity for active travelers. Smaller, but population-wide benefits could accrue through reductions in air and noise pollution. Depending on conditions of policy implementations, risk tradeoffs are possible for some individuals who shift to active travel and consequently increase inhalation of air pollutants and exposure to traffic injuries. Well-designed policies may enhance health benefits through indirect outcomes such as improved social capital and diet, but these synergies are not sufficiently well understood to allow quantification at this time. CONCLUSION: Evaluating impacts of active travel policies is highly complex; however, many associations can be quantified. Identifying health-maximizing policies and conditions requires integrated HIAs.

Outcomes of a home cycling program using functional electrical stimulation or passive motion for children with spinal cord injury: a case series.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Children with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at risk for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular complications. Stationary cycling using functional electrical stimulation (FES) or passive motion has been suggested to address these complications. The purpose of this case series is to report the outcomes of a 6-month at-home cycling program for 4 children with SCI. METHODS: Two children cycled with FES and 2 cycled passively at home for 1 hour, 3 times per week. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data collected included bone mineral density of the left femoral neck, distal femur, and proximal tibia; quadriceps and hamstring muscle volume; stimulated quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength; a fasting lipid profile; and heart rate and oxygen consumption during incremental upper extremity ergometry testing. RESULTS: The 2 children cycling with FES and 1 child cycling passively exhibited improved bone mineral density, muscle volume, stimulated quadriceps strength, and lower resting heart rate. For the second child cycling passively, few changes were realized. Overall, the lipid results were inconsistent, with some positive and some negative changes seen. CONCLUSIONS: This case series suggests that cycling with or without FES may have positive health benefits and was a practical home exercise option for these children with SCI.

Sport and active recreation injuries in Australia: evidence from emergency department presentations.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the rise in specialist clinical services for the management of sports and active recreation injury, many patients attend hospital emergency departments for treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe sports injury cases presented to selected hospital emergency departments around Australia for the period 1989-1993. METHODS: Routinely collected emergency department injury presentation data from the Australian National Injury Surveillance Unit were examined. Data on 98,040 sports and active recreation emergency department presentations were analysed. Sports and active recreation activities were ranked according to frequency of presentation. Relative proportions of injury type and body region injured were determined. Data are presented separately for children (<15 years of age) and adults (>15 years of age). RESULTS: Among the 10 activities that most commonly led to a sports or active recreation injury presentation for all ages were cycling, Australian football, basketball, soccer, cricket, netball, and rugby. For children, injuries were also commonly associated with roller skating/blading, skateboarding, and trampolining. Hockey, martial arts, and dancing injuries were frequent in adults. Most sporting injuries occurred during organised competition or practice whereas the active recreation injuries occurred in a variety of settings. Fractures, strains, and sprains, particularly to the lower and upper extremities, were common types of injury. CONCLUSION: The rich, but nevertheless limited, information available about sports and active recreation injuries from data collected in emergency departments indicates that these activities are a common context for injury at the community level in Australia.

Sports supplement drinks and dental health in competitive swimmers and cyclists.

AIM: To assess dental status and sports supplement uptake in swimmers and cyclists. To determine chemico-physical properties of the most popular sports drinks. DESIGN: Descriptive, prevalence study of tooth wear and caries experience. Questionnaire analysis of sports drinks usage. SETTING: Two public swimming pools in Liverpool and three cycle clubs in North West England. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A convenience sample of swimmers and cyclists was examined for caries and tooth wear. A questionnaire ascertained which sports drinks were consumed and their pattern of consumption. pH and titratable acidity, concentrations of calcium, phosphate and fluoride, and viscosity were analysed. Salivary flow rate in response to these drinks and water was also determined. RESULTS: 25 swimmers and 20 cyclists participated. Caries experience and tooth wear into dentine (excluding incisally exposed dentine) was significantly more frequent among cyclists (P < 0.05). Cyclists had significantly more upper palatal wear (P < 0.001). Pattern of sport drink consumption between the two groups was significantly different (P < 0.001). pH range of the most popular sport drinks was 2.4-4.5. Salivary flow rate after a 1-minute rinse was significantly lower (P < 0.05) with one drink (0.47 ml/min) and water (0.41 ml/min) compared with the other drinks. CONCLUSIONS: An association between caries or erosive tooth wear and sport drink consumption was not found. However, the erosive potential of sport drinks is real and must be borne in mind as an aetiological factor for erosion in young people.