Associations Between Bicycling and Fall Related Physical Performance in Older Adults.

Associations Between Bicycling and Fall Related Physical Performance in Older Adults. J Aging Phys Act. 2017 Nov 28;:1-20 Authors: Harvey S, Rissel C, Pijnappels M 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<p<0.79). Our findings suggest that bicycle riding warrants further prospective investigation for fall prevention and active aging. PMID: 29182418 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity - Category: Geriatrics Tags: J Aging Phys Act Source Type: research