Moderation Effects of Streetscape Perceptions on the Associations Between Accessibility, Land Use Mix, and Bike-Sharing Use: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Cycling is known to be beneficial for human health. Studies have suggested significant associations of physical activity with macroscale built environments and streetscapes. However, whether good streetscapes can amplify the benefits of a favorable built environment on physical activity remains unknown. Objective: This study examines whether streetscape perceptions can modify the associations between accessibility, land use mix, and bike-sharing use. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from 18,019,266 bike-sharing orders during weekends in Shanghai, China. A 500 × 500 m grid was selected as the analysis unit to allocate data. Bike-sharing use was defined as the number of bike-sharing origins. Street view images and a human-machine adversarial scoring framework were combined to evaluate lively, safety, and wealthy perceptions. Negative binomial regression was developed to examine the independent effects of the three perceptual factors in both the univariate model and fully adjusted model, controlling for population density, average building height, distance to nearest transit, number of bus stations, number of points of interest, distance to the nearest park, and distance to the central business district. The moderation effect was then investigated through the interaction term between streetscape perception and accessibility and land use mix, based on the fully adjusted model. We also tested whether the findings of streetscape moderation effects are robust when examinations are performed at different geographic scales, using a small-sample statistics approach and different operationalizations of land use mix and accessibility. Results: High levels of lively, safety, and wealthy perceptions were correlated with more bike-sharing activities. There were negative effects for the interactions between the land use Herfindahl-Hirschman index with the lively perception (ß=-0.63; P=.01) and safety perception (ß=-0.52; P=.001). The interaction between the lively perception and road intersection density was positively associated with the number of bike-sharing uses (ß=0.43; P=.08). Among these, the lively perception showed the greatest independent effect (ß=1.29; P<.001), followed by the safety perception (ß=1.22; P=.001) and wealthy perception (ß=0.72; P=.001). The findings were robust in the three sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: A safer and livelier streetscape can enhance the benefits of land use mix in promoting bike-sharing use, with a safer streetscape also intensifying the effect of accessibility. Interventions focused on streetscape perceptions can encourage cycling behavior and enhance the benefits of accessibility and land use mix. This study also contributes to the literature on potential moderators of built environment healthy behavior associations from the perspective of microscale environmental perceptions.

Different but also alike? Ingroup-outgroup phenomena among cyclists and e-scooter riders.

PROBLEM: In many countries, a new road user group, e-scooter riders, share the existing cycling infrastructure. The study aimed to investigate if an individual's status as a cyclist or e-scooter rider affects their social identity and whether it results in ingroup favoritism or outgroup discrimination. METHOD: An online experiment involving 179 cyclists and 64 e-scooter riders was conducted, where they rated the behavior of ingroup or outgroup members in six traffic scenarios. RESULTS: Participants rated dispositional attributions as more causally relevant than situational ones across all traffic scenarios. Cyclists and e-scooter riders were inclined to judge ingroup members' rule violations more harshly than those of outgroup members in terms of dispositional attribution ratings and punishment severity. For situational attributions, few indications of ingroup favoritism were observed for the e-scooter rider group. SUMMARY: Findings suggest initial indications of considerate coexistence, from the perspective of social identity theory, between the two modes of transport, supporting current regulations on the use of cycling infrastructure by e-scooter riders. Indications of ingroup discrimination, however, suggest that safety campaigning may target to promote courtesy within the cyclist and e-scooter rider groups.

Climate protection, health and other motives for active transport - results of a cross-sectional survey in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Active transport- for example walking and bicycling to travel from place to place- may improve physical fitness and health and mitigate climate change if it replaces motorised transport. The aim of this study is to analyse the active transport behaviour of adults living in Germany, to investigate differences among population groups and to determine whether climate protection is a frequent motive for this behaviour. METHODS: This study uses self-reported data of 4,971 adults who participated in a national health survey (German Health Update 2021), which was conducted as a telephone survey from July to December 2021. Associations between active transport behaviour and corresponding motives with sociodemographic and health-related variables were analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of the adult population, 83% use active transport at least once a week. The frequency and duration of walking per week are significantly higher than those for bicycling (walking 214 min/week; bicycling 57 min/week). Those with a lower education level are less likely to practise active transport than those with a higher education level. Furthermore, women are less likely to use a bicycle for transport than men. Among those practising active transport, the most frequently mentioned motive is "is good for health" (84%) followed by "to be physically active" (74%) and "is good for the climate/environment" (68%). Women and frequent bicyclists (at least 4 days/week) mention climate protection as a motive more often than men and those bicycling occasionally. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement of active transport, especially among people with lower education and women (for bicycling), may benefit from better insights into motives and barriers. Climate protection is an important motivator for practising active transport within the adult population living in Germany and should therefore have greater emphasis in behavioural change programmes.

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) to assess the impact of geographical environments on walking and cycling: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Geographical environments influence people's active mobility behaviors, contributing to their physical and mental health. The use of Virtual Reality (VR) in experimental research can unveil new insights into the relationship between exposure to geographic environments and active mobility behaviors. This systematic review aims to (1) identify environmental attributes investigated in relation with walking and cycling, using VR, (2) assess their impacts on active mobility behaviors and attitudes, and (3) identify research gaps, strengths and limitations in VR-based experimental research. METHODS: Articles published between January 2010 and February 2022 within five databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, IEEE Xplore, and Cochrane Library) were explored using three keywords and their synonyms: Virtual Reality, Active mobility behavior, and Geographical environments. Studies focusing on indoor environments, driving simulation, disease-specific groups, non-relevant disciplines (e.g. military, emergency evacuation), VR methodology/software optimization, and those with static participants' involvement were excluded. The full protocol is available from PROSPERO (ID = CRD42022308366). RESULTS: Out of 3255 articles, 18 peer-reviewed papers met the selection criteria, mostly focusing on walking (83%). Most studies used head-mounted displays (94%) and relied on convenience sampling (72% below 100 participants). Both static (33%) and dynamic (45%) environmental attributes have been investigated, with only 22% of them simultaneously in the same virtual environment. Greenness and crowd density were the most frequent attributes, rather consistently associated with emotional states and movement behaviors. Few studies have taken into account participant's previous VR experience (33%) and cybersickness (39%) while both are likely to affect an individual's perception and behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should explore a broader range of environmental attributes, including static and dynamic ones, as well as a more complex integration of these attributes within a single experiment to mimic the effect of realistic environments on people's active mobility behaviors and attitudes. Larger and more diverse population samples are deemed required to improve result generalizability. Despite methodological challenges, VR emerges as a promising tool to disentangle the effect of complex environments on active mobility behaviors.

Unpacking the perceived cycling safety of road environment using street view imagery and cycle accident data.

Cycling, as a routine mode of travel, offers significant benefits in promoting health, eliminating emissions, and alleviating traffic congestion. Many cities, including London, have introduced various policies and measures to promote 'active travel' in view of its manifold advantages. Nevertheless, the reality is not as desirable as expected. Existing studies suggest that cyclists' perceptions of cycling safety significantly hinder the broader adoption of cycling. Our study investigates the perceived cycling safety and unpacks the association between the cycling safety level and the road environment, taking London as a case study. First, we proposed novel cycling safety level indicators that incorporate both collision and injury risks, based on which a tri-tiered cycling safety level prediction spanning the entirety of London's road network has been generated with good accuracy. Second, we assessed the road environment by harnessing imagery features of street view reflecting the cyclist's perception of space and combined it with road features of cycle accident sites. Finally, associations between road environment features and cycling safety levels have been explained using SHAP values, leading to tailored policy recommendations. Our research has identified several key factors that contribute to a risky environment for cycling. Among these, the "second road effects," which refers to roads intersecting with the road where the accident occurred, is the most critical to cycling safety levels. This would also support and further contribute to the literature on road safety. Other results related to road greenery, speed limits, etc, are also discussed in detail. In summary, our study offers insights into urban design and transport planning, emphasising the perceived cycling safety of road environment.

Exercise Responses During Outdoor Versus Virtual Reality Indoor Arm+FES-Leg Cycling in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: Virtual reality (VR)-enhanced indoor hybrid cycling in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) can be comparable to outdoor hybrid cycling. Method: Eight individuals with chronic thoracic-lesion SCI performed voluntary arm and electrically assisted leg cycling on a hybrid recumbent tricycle. Exercises were conducted outdoors and indoors incorporating VR technology in which the outdoor environment was simulated on a large flat screen monitor. Electrical stimulation was applied bilaterally to the leg muscle groups. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, energy expenditures, and Ratings of Perceived Exertion were measured over a 30-minute outdoor test course that was also VR-simulated indoors. Immediately after each exercise, participants completed questionnaires to document their perceptual-psychological responses. Results: Mean 30-minute VO2 was higher for indoor VR exercise (average VO2-indoor VR-exercise: 1316 ± mL/min vs. outdoor cycling: 1255 ± 53 mL/min; highest VO2-indoor VR-exercise: 1615 ± 67 mL/min vs. outdoor cycling: 1725 ± 67 mL/min). Arm and leg activity counts were significantly higher during indoor VR-assisted hybrid functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling than outdoors; 42% greater for the arms and 23% higher for the legs (P < 0.05). Similar responses were reported for exercise effort and perceptual-psychological outcomes during both modes. Conclusion: This study proposes that combining FES and VR technology provides new opportunities for physical activity promotion or exercise rehabilitation in the SCI population, since these modes have similar "dose-potency" and self-perceived effort. Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney Ref. No. 01-2010/12385.

Evaluation of an exercise program incorporating an international cycling competition: a multimodal intervention model for physical, psychological, and social wellbeing in residential aged care.

BACKGROUND: The transition into residential aged care is frequently associated with a reduction in physical activity, social engagement, and emotional wellbeing. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a 26-day international cycling competition (Road Worlds Competition for Seniors), incorporating elements of exercise, audiovisual cycling footage, social engagement, and gamification, on the physical, psychological, and social well-being of aged care residents. We aimed to use findings to inform the development of a multi-modal intervention model to maximise wellbeing for older adults. METHODS: Residents (N = 32) participated in a mixed-methods single-group intervention pilot study that compared pre-and post-competition measures for the following wellbeing domains; physical, psychological, and social. In addition, interviews were conducted with residents (n = 27) and staff (n = 6) to explore their experiences. RESULTS: Measures identified significant improvements across multiple wellbeing domains, including functional fitness, depression, self-efficacy, and social network sizes. Findings from the interview data indicated that the multimodal components involved in the program delivery were valued by staff and residents who enjoyed the gamification, audiovisual cycling footage, social engagement, opportunities for reminiscence, and camaraderie between peers, staff, and volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight a constellation of benefits across physical, psychological, and social domains of wellbeing and inform a model for innovative multidimensional programs in residential aged care. The benefits for residents with varying physical and cognitive abilities support the use of creative strategies that maximise inclusion and engagement for residents.

Can period-related symptoms predict menstrual manipulation among Australian female cyclists?

This study explored the extent of menstrual manipulation and its associated impact on period-related symptoms and training disruptions in Australian Female Cyclists. 205 female cyclists, from recreational to elite level, participated in an online "Female Cyclist Questionnaire (FCQ)". The FCQ utilised a series of validated questionnaires to obtain demographic information and menstrual function of the respondents, and to investigate their menstrual manipulation habits and perceptions on how their period-related symptoms affected their well-being, mood, energy and training tolerance. More than 80% of the cyclists reported that their period-related symptoms impacted upon training and 41% made training adjustments based on these symptoms. Two-thirds of respondents thought their training should be phase-controlled yet only half discussed their hormonal cycles with their coaches. Menstrual manipulation was predicted by reduced "workout tolerance" in these cyclists (odds ratio = 0.632). Half of the respondents reported compromised ability to tolerate high-intensity interval training with period-related symptoms. Period pain, increased irritability, lower energy levels and more sugar cravings were commonly reported but did not predict menstrual manipulation. The data indicated that period-related symptoms are present in Australian female cyclists across all levels of participation. However, the perceived impact to training and subsequent behavioural changes varied among individuals.

The effect of rear bicycle light configurations on drivers' perception of cyclists' presence and proximity.

The optimal cycle light configuration for maximizing cyclists' conspicuity to drivers is not clear. Advances in sensor technology has led to the development of 'reactive' cycle lights that detect changes in the environment and consequently increase their flashing speed and brightness in risky situations - for example, when a rearward car is approaching - but no research has examined the effect of such lights on driver perception. The aim of the present study is to compare different cycle light configurations, including 'reactive' light technology, on drivers' ability to detect cyclists and estimate their proximity. We recruited 32 drivers to participate in two experiments, in which they viewed life-size real-world stimuli filmed from a driver's perspective in daytime and at dusk. The footage showed a cyclist on a bicycle with a rear light mounted on the seat post, in various configurations: static light, steady flashing, reactive flashing and no light. In Experiment 1, the drivers were required to detect the presence or absence of a cyclist on the road ahead as quickly as possible. In Experiment 2, they were required to estimate the distance of the cyclist from their vehicle, and to rate their confidence in their estimates. Experiment 1 revealed that drivers were quicker to detect the cyclist's presence in all rear cycle light conditions relative to the no light condition, but there were no differences in speed or accuracy across rear light conditions. Experiment 2 showed that drivers were more accurate in estimating the cyclist's proximity in the steady flashing and reactive flashing conditions, compared to static and no light conditions. Drivers were also more confident in their judgements in all rear light conditions compared to the no light condition. In conclusion, flashing rear cycle lights, regardless of reactive technology, enhanced drivers' perception of a cyclist ahead, notably in terms of their judgements of distance to that cyclist. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the impact of cycle light technology on driver perception, as well as the use of drivers' distance-to-cyclist estimates as an index of cyclists' cognitive conspicuity.

Grand Theft Auto-Based Cycling Simulator for Cognitive Enhancement Technologies in Dangerous Traffic Situations.

While developing traffic-based cognitive enhancement technology (CET), such as bike accident prevention systems, it can be challenging to test and evaluate them properly. After all, the real-world scenario could endanger the subjects' health and safety. Therefore, a simulator is needed, preferably one that is realistic yet low cost. This paper introduces a way to use the video game Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and its sophisticated traffic system as a base to create such a simulator, allowing for the safe and realistic testing of dangerous traffic situations involving cyclists, cars, and trucks. The open world of GTA V, which can be explored on foot and via various vehicles, serves as an immersive stand-in for the real world. Custom modification scripts of the game give the researchers control over the experiment scenario and the output data to be evaluated. An off-the-shelf bicycle equipped with three sensors serves as a realistic input device for the subject's movement direction and speed. The simulator was used to test two early-stage CET concepts enabling cyclists to sense dangerous traffic situations, such as trucks approaching from behind the cyclist. Thus, this paper also presents the user evaluation of the cycling simulator and the CET used by the subjects to sense dangerous traffic situations. With the knowledge of the first iteration of the user-centered design (UCD) process, this paper concludes by naming improvements for the cycling simulator and discussing further research directions for CET that enable users to sense dangerous situations better.

Effect of affective feedback and competitiveness on performance and the psychological experience of exercise within a virtual reality environment.

Exercise is beneficial for physical and psychological health, yet the majority of Australian adults are not sufficiently active to gain health benefits. Novel methods are needed to enhance the experience of exercise and ultimately exercise participation. The present study examined performance and psychological experiences during a (non-immersive) virtual reality cycling task that incorporated affective feedback. Female participants (N = 137, university students) received either positive, negative, or neutral virtual feedback while cycling on a stationary bicycle in a virtual reality laboratory environment under the instruction to maintain at least 70% of their maximal heart rate for as long as possible (or up to 30 minutes). Participants also responded to measures of affect, motivation, enjoyment, and competitiveness. Data were analysed with ANOVA's performed with feedback groups and trait competitiveness for the psychological and performance dependent measures. Results showed that positive feedback elicited greater interest and enjoyment during the task than neutral and negative feedback. In addition, perceived competence was greater with positive feedback than for neutral and negative feedback in low competitive participants. The type of feedback did not affect performance (cycling persistence, perceived exertion, and effort). The findings indicate the potential importance of providing positive virtual feedback and considering the interaction of individual difference factors, specifically competitiveness, to enhance virtual exercise experiences.

Health and well-being benefits of e-bike commuting for inactive, overweight people living in regional Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Pedal-assisted electric-bikes (e-bikes) are bicycles fitted with electric motors. Motorised functions on e-bikes only operate when the user pedals, allowing riders a moderate amount of physical activity. This study aimed to explore the mental and physical health and well-being impacts related to ebike usage for inactive overweight or obese individuals living in regional Australia. METHODS: Twenty inactive, overweight/obese people who seldom cycled were provided with an ebike over a 12-week period. Individual semi-structured interviews conducted at the end of the trial generated data about participants' experiences of using ebikes. Inductive thematic analysis of interview data using Thomas (2006) data analysis framework and NVivo 12 software was undertaken. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed that e-cycling improved participants' mental and physical well-being and that they felt happier when riding an e-bike. CONCLUSIONS: Riding an e-bike can improve mental and physical health, happiness and overall sense of well-being. Greater uptake of e-bikes would have positive health implications for the wider community. Results from this study can be used to inform active transport policy. SO WHAT?: Our study demonstrated that encouraging active transport in the form of e-cycling can improve the overall health and well-being of overweight and obese Australians. More specifically, e-cycling demonstrated a positive impact on mental health well-being.

Introducing Johannesburg's new cycle lanes to potential student users: experiences, impact and recommendations.

Objective: The present study evaluated an intervention designed to introduce University students as potential users of Johannesburg's cycle lanes. Participants: A total of 393 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of Johannesburg took part. Methods: Following cycling and safety training, participants undertook a 1.2 km supervised cycle ride between University of Johannesburg campuses using loaned bicycles. The evaluation of the intervention drew on quantitative and qualitative data collected using participant questionnaires; and fieldworkers' photographic and reflective accounts. Results: Perceived cycling competency improved following the intervention, though similar proportions of participants became more and less interested in bicycle ownership (7-8%). The physical effort entailed; and flaws in the design and maintenance of cycle lanes (that affected utility and safety) were the strongest themes emerging from the qualitative analyses. Conclusions: The supervised cycle rides improved perceived cycling competency, but also enabled participants to reappraise the potential benefits and desirability of bicycle ownership.

Association between the transtheoretical model approach and sustained intradialytic pedaling exercise: A retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT: The transtheoretical model (TTM) is a promising approach to the promotion of behavior change, but it remains to be established whether there is an association between the TTM approach and intradialytic exercise among patients on hemodialysis (HD) with low motivation to exercise in a real-world setting.This retrospective cohort study, conducted in a regional hospital in Japan, included adult outpatients receiving HD 3 times per week who had never participated in intradialytic pedaling exercise despite the encouragement of the HD personnel. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to HD weekday. Patients undergoing HD on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday were encouraged by the HD unit team to exercise during HD based on the TTM (exposure group) and those receiving HD on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were encouraged to exercise as usual (control group). The primary outcome was sustained intradialytic exercise using a leg ergometer, defined as a total of 72 sessions of 30-minute pedaling exercise (duration of at least 6 months).Overall, 85 patients were included in the analysis (mean age: 67.1 ±â€Š11.9 years, 22% female). Of 33 patients in the exposure group, 10 (30%) maintained intradialytic exercise, compared with 2 of 52 patients (4%) in the control group. Log-binomial regression models with stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting showed a significant association between the TTM approach and sustained intradialytic exercise (adjusted risk ratio 9.23 [95% confidence interval 2.13-40.00]). There were no exercise-related cardiovascular events.Among patients with low motivation to exercise during HD, use of the TTM approach in clinical practice was associated with sustained intradialytic exercise compared with usual care.

Effects of Including Sprints in LIT Sessions during a 14-d Camp on Muscle Biology and Performance Measures in Elite Cyclists.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of including sprints within low-intensity training (LIT) sessions during a 14-d training camp focusing on LIT, followed by 10-d recovery (Rec), on performance and performance-related measures in elite cyclists. METHODS: During the camp, a sprint training group (SPR; n = 9) included 12 × 30-s maximal sprints during five LIT sessions, whereas a control group (CON; n = 9) performed distance-matched LIT only. Training load was equally increased in both groups by 48% ± 27% during the training camp and subsequently decreased by -56% ± 23% during the recovery period compared with habitual training. Performance tests were conducted before the training camp (Pre) and after Rec. Muscle biopsies, hematological measures, and stress/recovery questionnaires were collected Pre and after the camp (Post). RESULTS: Thirty-second sprint (SPR vs CON: 4% ± 4%, P < 0.01) and 5-min mean power (SPR vs CON: 4% ± 8%, P = 0.04) changed differently between groups. In muscle, Na+-K+ ß1 protein content changed differently between groups, decreasing in CON compared with SPR (-8% ± 14%, P = 0.04), whereas other proteins showed similar changes. SPR and CON displayed similar increases in red blood cell volume (SPR: 2.6% ± 4.7%, P = 0.07; CON: 3.9% ± 4.5%, P = 0.02) and V˙O2 at 4 mmol·L-1 [BLa-] (SPR: 2.5% ± 3.3%, P = 0.03; CON: 2.2% ± 3.0%, P = 0.04). No changes were seen for V˙O2max, Wmax, hematological measures, muscle enzyme activity, and stress/recovery measures. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of 30-s sprints within LIT sessions during a high-volume training camp affected competition-relevant performance measures and Na+-K+ ß1 protein content differently from LIT only, without affecting sport-specific stress/recovery or any other physiological measure in elite cyclists.

Music level preference and perceived exercise intensity in group spin classes.

CONTEXT: Sound levels in fitness classes often exceed safe levels despite studies that show many participants find high sound levels stressful. AIMS: The objective is to determine if lower sound levels in spinning classes significantly impact exercise intensity and to determine if class participants prefer the music played at lower levels. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Observational study of 1-hour group spin classes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sound levels were measured in 18 spin classes over two weeks. No adjustments were made in week-1 and sound levels were decreased by 3 dB in week-2. Participant preferences and data on post-class hearing changes were collected via post-class questionnaires (n = 213) and divided into three terciles based on the total sound exposure of corresponding classes. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Unweighted survey generalized linear models are used to sort the causal relationships between different variables simultaneously and participant responses. The Chi-square test is used to reveal statistically significant relationships between two or more categorical variables. RESULTS: When mean sound levels exceeded 98.4 dBC, respondents were 23 times more likely to report the music as too loud than too quiet (P < 0.05), and four times more likely to prefer a decrease, rather than an increase, in sound level (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in respondents reporting high exercise intensity between the middle (95.7-98.1 dBC) and upper (98.4-101.0 dBC) terciles, 67.1% and 71.8%, respectively (P = 0.53). Overall, 25.9% of respondents reported auditory symptoms following classes. Analysis in the context of dBA and dBC produced congruent conclusions and interpretations. CONCLUSIONS: Sound levels in many fitness classes remain dangerously high. However, music level can be lowered without a significant impact on perceived exercise intensity and many participants prefer lower sound levels than current levels.

Determinants of Peak Fat Oxidation Rates During Cycling in Healthy Men and Women.

This study explored lifestyle and biological determinants of peak fat oxidation (PFO) during cycle ergometry, using duplicate measures to account for day-to-day variation. Seventy-three healthy adults (age range: 19-63 years; peak oxygen consumption [V˙O2peak]: 42.4 [10.1] ml·kg BM-1·min-1; n = 32 women]) completed trials 7-28 days apart that assessed resting metabolic rate, a resting venous blood sample, and PFO by indirect calorimetry during an incremental cycling test. Habitual physical activity (combined heart rate accelerometer) and dietary intake (weighed record) were assessed before the first trial. Body composition was assessed 2-7 days after the second identical trial by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify determinants of PFO (mean of two cycle tests). A total variance of 79% in absolute PFO (g·min-1) was explained with positive coefficients for V˙O2peak (strongest predictor), FATmax (i.e the % of V˙O2peak that PFO occurred at), and resting fat oxidation rate (g·min-1), and negative coefficients for body fat mass (kg) and habitual physical activity level. When expressed relative to fat-free mass, 64% of variance in PFO was explained: positive coefficients for FATmax (strongest predictor), V˙O2peak, and resting fat oxidation rate, and negative coefficients for male sex and fat mass. This duplicate design revealed that biological and lifestyle factors explain a large proportion of variance in PFO during incremental cycling. After accounting for day-to-day variation in PFO, V˙O2peak and FATmax were strong and consistent predictors of PFO.

Experiences of Older Adults Preparing for Their First Triathlon: "A Qualitative Study of the Participation in an Endurance Training Intervention."

Purpose: The overall aim of the present study was to explore the experiences of older adult exercisers participating in an individualized training program lasting 3 months preparing for completing a triathlon competition. Methods: Fourteen older Norwegian adults (median age (interquartile range, IQR) for males (N=10) and females (N=4) were 70.0 (65.0-75.5) and 57.5 (56.3-62.5) years, respectively) participated in 3-month individualized training program comprising three weekly sessions of running, cycling, and swimming. Both field- and laboratory-based testing were conducted. The participants attended two sports nutrition and competitive psychology seminars focusing on triathlon competition. The participants were interviewed in depth in three different focus groups. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the findings. Results: Participants improved their performance in all field-based tests. After completion of the thematic data analysis the main finding and overarching theme of well-being and being fit emerged. Additionally, three main themes were identified: 1) motivation; 2) progress and coping; and 3) breaking barriers. Conclusion: Psychological well-being and satisfaction of being fit seem to be vital to participate in a triathlon competition. Promoting specific age-appropriate participation in sports activities can be an effective strategy for promoting a healthy lifestyle among the elderly.

Effects of aerobic cycling training on mobility and functionality of acute stroke subjects: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies demonstrate the benefits of aerobic cycling training in subacute and chronic stroke subjects, but there is a lack in the literature about its effects on the acute phase. OBJECTIVE: Verify the effects of aerobic cycling training on lower limbs muscle strength, gait speed, balance, mobility and functionality of acute stroke subjects. METHODS: Control group (CG) performed conventional physiotherapy twice a day and the intervention group (IG) performed a conventional physiotherapy and a cycle ergometer session, for five consecutive days. Subjects were assessed for muscle strength by a digital dynamometer, gait speed by the 10-meter-walk-test, balance by the Berg Balance Scale, mobility by the ICU-Mobility-Scale and functionality by the Perme Score. RESULTS: Twenty subjects were enrolled in the study, 10 in the CG and 10 in the IG. Lower limbs muscle strength, the main endpoint, was better in the IG compared to the CG. The same was found in the secondary endpoints. The intragroup analysis was also positive for the CG in the mobility and functionality. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional physiotherapy combined with cycling exercise showed better results in the improvement of muscle strength of lower limbs, mobility and functionality of subjects who suffered from acute stroke.

Training volume and amateur cyclists' health: a six-month follow-up from coinciding with a high-demand cycling event.

This study aimed to analyse the longitudinal association of amateur cycling training volume with health by comparing the proximity of participation in a high-demand cycling event. Variations in cycling training volume, behavioural cardiometabolic risk factors, and physical and psychosocial health were examined. Cyclists decreased their training volume by approximately 40% and their total physical activity volumes by approximately 20%, while controls maintained (~5%). A time*group interaction was found for men's physical conditioning, body mass index and anxiety and, independent of gender, for behavioural cardiometabolic risk factors. Variation in cycling training volume was positively correlated with variation in physical conditioning and total physical activity and negatively correlated with variation in body mass index. The high level of cycling training volume developed at the time coinciding with a high demand cycling event predisposes to better physical health and behavioural cardiometabolic risk factors, without negatively affect psychosocial health, compared with six month later.