Influence of electrically assisted cycling on physiological parameters in untrained subjects

Electrically assisted bicycles (EAB) as a form of transport not only offer the potential to reduce energy use and environmental impact but could also be an effective way of encouraging active living. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of physical active commuting to work using an EAB, on physiological parameters in 20 untrained men and women. Tests were performed at three different time points over a 10-week period, including four weeks of passive (control period) and six weeks of active commuting (intervention period). ANOVA for repeated measures was used to test differences between the testing series for the most important physiological parameters: Pmax center dot kg(-1), VO2peak center dot kg(-1), fixed blood lactate concentration (2, 4 mmol center dot l(-1)). The subjects performed over a 6-week period a mean total cycling distance of 405.1 +/- 156.0 km with a weekly frequency of 4.1 +/- 1.7 days center dot week(-1) for men and 246.0 +/- 116.3 km with a frequency of 2.9 +/- 1.0 days center dot week(-1) for women. Pmax center dot kg(-1) significantly increased in men and women after 6 weeks of active commuting. Power output at 2 mmol center dot l(-1) significantly increased in women (P=0.001) but not in men (P=0.0604). Power output at 4 mmol center dot l(-1) significantly increased for men and women. VO2peak center dot kg(-1) did not differ. With respect to the study limitations, it is concluded that cycling to work on an EAB was effective in increasing the maximal power output and power output at 4 mmol center dot l(-1) in these untrained subjects. Cycling on an EAB seems to be a promising tool as a health enhancing physical activity, for those who will benefit the most in terms of health related fitness, namely the physically inactive, unfit and older people.