Physiological and cognitive responses when riding an electrically assisted bicycle versus a classical bicycle

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• Bicycle use is common for work, but physiological demands can impact performance.
• Electrically assisted bicycles (EB) may alter the physiological and cognitive effects of cycling compared to classical bicycles (CB).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physiological responses and cognitive performance between EB and CB cycling.
• To assess the impact of EB vs. CB on muscle activity, oxygen uptake, heart rate, and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Ten subjects performed 30-minute intermittent cycling on EB and CB.
• Physiological measures included oxygen uptake, heart rate, and leg muscle electromyography (EMG).
• Cognitive performance was assessed using a mail sorting test before and after cycling.

Main Results:

• EB cycling showed significantly lower oxygen uptake and heart rate than CB cycling (P < 0.05).
• EMG activity in major leg muscles was significantly higher during CB cycling (P < 0.001).
• Cognitive performance, measured by mail sorting time, improved significantly more after EB cycling (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• EB cycling imposes less physiological stress and muscle strain than CB cycling.
• Reduced physiological load with EB cycling may enhance post-exercise cognitive function.
• EB bicycles could be advantageous for occupational cyclists, improving work capacity and reducing fatigue.