The evidence regarding exercise and health
Good editorial in 29 August 2012 New Scientist,
Encourage everyday exercise, not sporting elites
Links to longer article that is only available to subscribers.
Switching from car to bike or walking reduces BMI and increases wellbeing. See my blog (Active travel really is good for your health, 2/12/16)
or the report below
Encourage everyday exercise, not sporting elites
Links to longer article that is only available to subscribers.
Switching from car to bike or walking reduces BMI and increases wellbeing. See my blog (Active travel really is good for your health, 2/12/16)
or the report below
active_travel_to_work.doc | |
File Size: | 73 kb |
File Type: | doc |
The evidence specifically about cycling
Recent report on longer life span of Tour de France cyclists, click here
Freely accessible report from Cycling England:
Cycling and Health. What’s the evidence. Nick Cavill & Adrian Davis. 2007. Cycling England. http://www.ecf.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Cycling-and-health-Whats-the-evidence.pdf
Executive Summary says:
Getting on your bike can yield much the same health benefits as
doing a specific training programme.
As well as improving physical health, cycling has a positive affect on emotional health – improving levels of well-being, self-confidence
and tolerance to stress while reducing tiredness, difficulties with sleep and a range of medical symptoms.
One of the barriers to taking up cycling is a perception of the physical danger posed by motor traffic. However, the real risks are
minimal and...are outweighed by the health benefits by a factor of around twenty to one.
Up-to-date scholarly review:
Oja P et al (2011) Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scand J Med Sci Sports 21, 496-509
From the abstract:
A systematic review of the literature resulted in 16 cycling-specific studies. Prospective observational studies demonstrated a strong inverse relationship between commuter cycling and all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cancer morbidity among middle-aged to elderly subjects. Six studies showed a consistent positive dose–response gradient between the amount of cycling and the health benefits. Full abstract link.
Freely accessible report from Cycling England:
Cycling and Health. What’s the evidence. Nick Cavill & Adrian Davis. 2007. Cycling England. http://www.ecf.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Cycling-and-health-Whats-the-evidence.pdf
Executive Summary says:
Getting on your bike can yield much the same health benefits as
doing a specific training programme.
As well as improving physical health, cycling has a positive affect on emotional health – improving levels of well-being, self-confidence
and tolerance to stress while reducing tiredness, difficulties with sleep and a range of medical symptoms.
One of the barriers to taking up cycling is a perception of the physical danger posed by motor traffic. However, the real risks are
minimal and...are outweighed by the health benefits by a factor of around twenty to one.
Up-to-date scholarly review:
Oja P et al (2011) Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scand J Med Sci Sports 21, 496-509
From the abstract:
A systematic review of the literature resulted in 16 cycling-specific studies. Prospective observational studies demonstrated a strong inverse relationship between commuter cycling and all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cancer morbidity among middle-aged to elderly subjects. Six studies showed a consistent positive dose–response gradient between the amount of cycling and the health benefits. Full abstract link.
Cycling: A key component of public health strategy
New NICE report has clear guidance about the importance of promoting cycling (and walking) and structures and policies required to achieve more cycling. See my blog for commentary on NICE Guidance PH41 - Cycling and Walking
New NICE report has clear guidance about the importance of promoting cycling (and walking) and structures and policies required to achieve more cycling. See my blog for commentary on NICE Guidance PH41 - Cycling and Walking