Fitness level and physical capacity of commuter cyclists and the actual condition while cycling to work in Tokai region
10.7600/jspfsm.61.251
- VernacularTitle:東海地方における自転車通勤者の健康・体力レベルと通勤時の走行実態
- Author:
Takumi Nishii
;
Etsuko Sukigara
;
Ryuji Abe
;
Tetsuo Takaishi
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
health condition;
ecology;
daily exercise;
GPS
- From:Japanese Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine
2012;61(2):251-258
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to reveal physiological conditions of commuter cyclist from the standpoint of multiple approaches. Ten male employees (37 ± 9 yr) who usually commute by bicycle participated in this study. Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to analyze their commuting route three-dimensionally. And heart rate was recorded simultaneously to determine their exercise intensity. Blood test, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and maximal aerobic test was conducted in our laboratory. Semantic differential method (SD) questionnaire was conducted to clarify their feelings during and after their commute. The results of blood test and OGTT showed that all of determined values were good and no one exceeded the standard value. GPS log showed that subjects covered 13.3 ± 7.2 km and 40 ± 20 minute with integrating 201 ± 114 meter altitude gain per commute. Heart rate data showed 129 ± 12 bpm per commute. However, subjects demonstrated higher peak heart rate during their commute ranged between 157 and 181 bpm, we determined details by frequency distribution method. The data revealed that commuter cycling was consisted by aerobic exercise with intermittent vigorous intensity exercise. Despite of such a hard exercise cycling to work, the result of SD questionnaire indicated that subjects felt briskness with less tiredness when they commute. Commuter cycling with a higher than moderate exercise intensity, could have good physical and mental effects for employees.
