Year: 2021
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Background: Over the past 20-years there has been little change in global physical activity (PA) behaviour despite substantial advocacy efforts.E-cycling has become increasingly popular for personal travel and may offer a means through which to weave PA into daily life.Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to explore the use of e-bikes in improving health through increased PA.Method: Three studies addressed this aim, exploring different, but complementary questions.Study one was a systematic review of the research examining the impact of e-cycling on PA and health.Study two was a scoping review of the evidence examining how and why people use e-bikes and the impact of their use on travel behaviour.Study three was a randomized controlled pilot study to examine the feasibility and acceptability of conducting an e-cycling intervention for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Results: Study one found that e-cycling is a moderate intensity activity that could increase cardiorespiratory fitness in inactive adults.The impact of e-cycling on health outcomes beyond fitness was inconclusive and required further investigation.Study two showed that ecycling increased the frequency and duration of cycling and could substitute for motorised transportation.However, current evidence relies on self-reported, retrospective measures and objective longitudinal data are needed.Addressing research gaps identified in Studies one and two, Study three demonstrated that conducting an e-cycling intervention is feasible with a 87.5% retention rate, 87.5% attendance at data collection sessions and 62.5% attendance at intervention sessions.Instructors were comfortable delivering the intervention.The intervention provided some evidence of positive clinical, physiological, and behavioural effects.Conclusion: The findings of this thesis support the use of e-cycling as a means of increasing PA behaviour, with promise to positively impact physical and mental health in inactive and clinical populations.Efforts should be made to ensure that e-cycling is accessible to everyone.
Author: Bourne, Jessica E
Language: English
Subfield: Transportation
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7139228159