Article

The aim of this study was to analyze the physiologic demand of
pedaling on an electrically assisted bicycle to test its potential as an
alternative method to perform exercise. DESIGN: Twenty participants (ten trained
vs. ten untrained in endurance) novice in the electrically assisted bicycle
performed the same cycling protocol composed of nine 5-min submaximal cycling
periods without electrical support (NO),
with a light support (S1), or with a
high support (S4). The cycling conditions were tested at two different imposed
speeds (16 and 21 km.hr(-1)) and one freely chosen speed (mean [SD], 18.1 [0.7]
km.h(-1)). RESULTS: Mean power output, intensity, and energy expenditure were
significantly lowered by the use of an electrical support, in similar proportions
between the groups. For all subjects, the intensity of the electrically assisted
bicycle in all measured conditions (S1 or S4) was sufficiently high to achieve
the standards for moderate-intensity health-enhancing physical activity for
adults (>3 metabolic equivalents). However, a vigorous intensity (>6 metabolic
equivalents) was reached with the NO and S1 supports in the untrained group
whatever the cycling speed and only at 21 km.hr(-1) with the light support (S1)
in the endurance-trained group. CONCLUSIONS: By reducing the perceived sensation of effort while maintaining a sufficiently high energy expenditure, the
electrically assisted bicycle has a great potential to promote physical activity
in industrialized societies.

Langue : ANGLAIS