TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - Associations between bicycling and fall related physical performance in older adults
JO  - Journal of aging and physical activity
A1  - Harvey, Stephen
A1  - Rissel, Chris
A1  - Pijnappels, Mirjam
SP  - 514
EP  - 519
VL  - 26
IS  - 3
N2  - 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<p<0.79). Our findings suggest that bicycle riding warrants further prospective investigation for fall prevention and active aging.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1063-8652
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/japa.2017-0243
ID  - ref1
ER  -