Citation

Harvey S, Rissel C, Pijnappels M. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2018; 26(3): 514-519.

Affiliation

3 MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam, Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/japa.2017-0243

PMID

29182418

Abstract

Falls among older adults remains a significant public health issue. Bicycling positively influences falls risk factors including reduced balance, muscle weakness, and low self-perceived confidence in maintaining balance. However, this association has not been systematically examined. We recruited 107 community-dwelling participants aged 65 and over in the Netherlands to determine the relationship between bicycling and fall risk factors. Participants completed 3 questionnaires on cycling behaviour and balance confidence, and undertook 5 fall related physical performance tasks encompassing tests of balance, strength, gait and endurance. On average, current bicyclists showed significantly better scores in all physical tasks and confidence compared to non-riders ranging from a 10% difference in six metre walk time to a 141% difference in single leg balance time (all p=0.01). Type of bike used and duration of bicycling displayed varied associations (0.01

Language: en

Keywords

accidental falls; cycling; elderly; physical function; self-efficacy