Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects electric bikes have on physiological parameters

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Increasing adult physical activity (PA) is crucial for public health.
• Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) show potential for promoting PA.
• Lack of meta-analyses comparing e-cycling physiological responses to other activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze physiological responses during e-cycling with and without assistance, conventional cycling, and walking.
• To quantify differences in energy expenditure, heart rate, oxygen consumption, power output, and metabolic equivalents.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion of short-term e-bike studies with crossover designs.
• Comparison of physiological outcomes: energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), power output (PO), and metabolic equivalents (METs).

Main Results:

• E-cycling with assistance showed lower EE, HR, VO2, PO, and METs compared to conventional cycling.
• Moderate e-cycling assistance demonstrated a trend towards greater HR and VO2 response compared to walking.
• Fourteen studies with 239 participants met inclusion criteria.

Conclusions:

• E-cycling with electrical assistance is associated with reduced physiological load compared to conventional cycling.
• Despite reduced intensity, e-cycling can elicit physiological responses beneficial for health.
• E-cycling presents a promising modality for increasing physical activity in adults.