Science & Studies

The Health Benefits of the PhysioPedal

Physiopedal is not just fun to ride, it is also backed by scientific studies. Its features allow users to perform exercises with the aid of a motor, referred to as Assisted Cycle Therapy (ACT) and Force Exercise (FE). In Addition, Studies have clinically proven to increase users' ability to exert themselves longer and at higher intensities than they would be able to do on their own. But don't take our word for it; read what the studies say.

Assisted Cycle Therapy

ACT is an emerging exercise paradigm suited for clinical populations with limited voluntary movement output, exercise capacity, or exercise motivation. During ACT, the bicycle's electric motor is engaged, which helps to increase pedaling cadence to a predetermined rate.

Forced Exercise

FE is an exercise regimen that uses an external source—like a motor in an exercise bike—to help someone exert themselves longer and at higher intensities than they would be able to do on their own. It makes the subject exercise at an elevated pace beyond his or her preferred rate while the subject achieves a specified aerobic intensity range.

Video

PhysioPedal uses a motor to power the user to exercise at a rate and duration greater than what one can do on one’s own, increasing one’s heart rate with highly repetitive movements which helps stimulate neuroplasticity in the brain for improved motor function and mobility. Research supports that stimulating neuroplasticity can allow your brain to recover lost motor function with the creation of new neural pathways, regardless of age. Along with high repetition exercises, aerobic exercise effectively produces neuroplasticity and is a common rehabilitation method for individuals with a neurological injury.

Study 1

Assisted Cycling Therapy on Post-Stroke Motor Function

This study is to see the effects of assisted cycling on the motor function of persons with stroke. This study compares assisted, voluntary, and no cycling on upper and lower body motor functions.

Participants

The participants comprised 22 adults, six females and 16 males, with chronic stroke between the ages of 44 to 76, exercising for 20 minutes.

Main outcome

The purpose was to examine the average rate for pedaling and exertion ratings as predictors of change in motor function following the exercise session.

Results

The test showed that ACT could be helpful for people with low cardiorespiratory fitness levels. The maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume during high-intensity exercise could be reduced by 50% after having a stroke in comparison to Voluntary cycling. Assisted cycling is a good way of accomplishing relatively high cadences without vigorous exertion.

Study 2

Helping to Improve Tremors And Bradykinesia

A study done with assisted cycling shows that using a motorized bike and examining individuals' physiological perimeters can help improve tremors and Bradykinesia.

10 Participants

A sample of 45 to 74-year-olds who exercised for 40 minutes

Results

Individuals that used assisted cycling did not get too tired, and most participants showed improvements in tremors and Bradykinesia immediately after just one round of 40-minute exercise with assisted cycling.

Study 3

Strengthening Women’s Physiological Capacities

A program centered on smart electrically assisted cycling for rehabilitation after breast cancer.

Participants

The study consisted of a sample of 14 post-breast cancer patients between the ages of 46 to 55.

Main outcome

It was a 6-week program consisting of 2 bicycles per week in groups of 5. 9 out of 10 participants did about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week with the electric bicycle.

Results

The study showed that participants enjoyed the exercise from the electric cycling. In addition, it strengthened women's physiological capacities through personalized levels of electrical assistance.

Study 4

Improves reaction time, set-shifting, inhibition, and language fluency.

The effects of assisted cycling therapy and voluntary cycling on reaction time and measures of executive function in adolescents with Down syndrome

Participants

33 adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome.17 participants were placed in the assisted cycling therapy (ACT) group and 16 in the Voluntary cycling (VC) group.

Main outcome

The Chosen Participants were around 18 years old and placed in two different groups: ACT ( Assisted cycling therapy) and VC (voluntary cycling). They were assigned to 8 weeks of ACT or VC. During assisted cycling therapy, the cycling cadence of patients participating was used to an average tempo of about 80% faster than the voluntary cadence. The study showed that adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome improved their reaction time, inhibition and language fluency after eight weeks of ACT.

Results

The ACT and VC groups' power output and heart rates were almost identical, but the ACT cadence was significantly faster. Patients within the ACT group showed significant improvement in reaction times and inhibitory control. However, both the ACT and VC groups improved semantic language fluency.

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