The Start2Bike program is effective in increasing health-enhancing physical activity: a controlled study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Sports clubs are emerging as key settings for promoting health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA).
• Effectiveness of sports club interventions on increasing HEPA in inactive populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the six-week Start2Bike training program on HEPA levels in inactive adults and novice cyclists in the Netherlands.
• To assess the long-term effects of the program on physical activity norms and participation.

Main Methods:

• The Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH) was used to measure physical activity.
• Participants were assessed at baseline, six weeks, and six months; a control group was assessed at baseline and six months.
• Statistical analyses included McNemar tests, paired t-tests, and multiple logistic/linear regression.

Main Results:

• Start2Bike participants showed significant increases in meeting Dutch physical activity norms at six weeks and six months.
• Compared to controls, Start2Bike participants were more likely to meet the Fit-norm at six months (OR=2.5).
• Participants in the Start2Bike group reported significantly more weekly vigorous-intensity (193 min/week) and sports activity (130 min/week) minutes.

Conclusions:

• The Start2Bike program effectively enhances HEPA levels by promoting sports participation.
• Short-term sports programs offered by sports clubs can encourage sustained physical activity in less active individuals.
• Sports clubs serve as valuable settings for stimulating HEPA and contributing to public health.