Two Pilot Studies of the Effect of Bicycling on Balance and Leg Strength among Older Adults

Objectives. Study 1 examines whether age-related declines in balance are moderated by bicycling. Study 2 tests whether regular cycling can increase leg strength and improve balance. Methods. Study 1: a cross-sectional survey of 43 adults aged 44–79 was conducted. Leg strength was measured, and Balance was measured using the choice stepping reaction time (CSRT) test (decision time and response time), leg strength and timed single leg standing. Study 2: 18 older adults aged 49–72 were recruited into a 12-week cycling program. The same pre- and postmeasures as used in Study 1 were collected. Results. Study 1: participants who had cycled in the last month performed significantly better on measures of decision time and response time. Study 2: cycling at least one hour a week was associated with significant improvements in balance (decision time and response time) and timed single leg standing. Conclusions. Cycling by healthy older adults appears promising for improving risk factors for falls. 1. Introduction Falls in older people represent a significant health burden. One-third of adults aged over 65 years fall at least once each year [1]. Falls can result in injuries (e.g., fractures), loss of confidence, and restriction of physical activity [2]. Physiological risk factors have been found to be associated with greater risk of falling, include gait instability, leg weakness, and poor balance [3]. The deterioration of balance with age has been well documented [4], and physical activities that increase balance and strength are recommended for falls prevention for older adults [5]. A recent meta-analysis found that the most effective physical interventions for falls prevention involve a challenge to balance [6]. The majority of physical activity interventions for falls prevention are structured, supervised group training programs. However, participation in these programs is variable, and more than half of older Australians undertake their physical activity in unstructured forms [7]. Studies from the USA and Europe suggest that many older adults prefer to exercise alone rather than in organised group classes [8], and that the cost, time, and difficulty of travel to group programs can be barriers to participation [9]. Identifying activities that are enjoyable and accessible for older people that have a benefit in contributing to falls prevention is the challenge, and there is currently limited evidence about the effect of recreational leisure time or daily physical activity on falls risk factors [10]. To date, Tai Chi is the only single physical activity that has