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The first and second laws of thermodynamics were applied to the human body in order to evaluate the quality of the energy conversion during muscle activity. Such an implementation represents an important issue in the exergy analysis of the body, because there is a difficulty in the literature in evaluating the performed power in some activities. Hence, to have the performed work as an input in the exergy model, two types of exercises were evaluated: weight lifting and aerobic exercise on a stationary bicycle. To this aim, we performed a study of the aerobic and anaerobic reactions in the muscle cells, aiming at predicting the metabolic efficiency and muscle efficiency during exercises. Physiological data such as oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, skin and internal temperatures and performed power were measured. Results indicated that the exergy efficiency was around 4% in the weight lifting, whereas it could reach values as high as 30% for aerobic exercises. It has been shown that the stationary bicycle is a more adequate test for first correlations between exergy and performance indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Long-term videoelectroencephalogram (video-EEG) monitoring is performed to diagnose an epileptic seizure and to investigate the differential diagnosis of paroxysmal events. To provoke an epileptic seizure, an exercise method is performed in some cases during long-term video-EEG recording in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). The purpose of this study was two-fold: to assess the frequency and severity of adverse events associated with the use of an exercise bicycle and to find a way to safely use it in the EMU. Methods A retrospective survey was performed on all epileptic seizure videos recorded in the EMU from January 2012 to December 2013. Three hundred and fifty patients were included in this study. Results Eleven patients experienced an epileptic seizure while riding the exercise bicycle in the EMU. One patient's foot got stuck between the cycling pedal and its strap, and one patient fell off the exercise bicycle during the epileptic seizure. However, there were no serious adverse events over two years. Conclusion Epileptic seizures were not frequent while riding the exercise bicycle, and serious injuries did not occur. But, there is a need to improve the safety in the EMU to control the potentially dangerous factors associated with the use of the exercise bicycle and to continuously monitor the patients with help from the staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Several central nervous disorders are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes. Reduction in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the mechanism of central nervous dysfunction. BDNF is up-regulated after exercise, but it is not known whether increased BDNF is related to increases in muscle strength. Methods: In the present study, subjects with MetS or type 2 diabetes were enrolled in an exercise program. All participants underwent an indoor bicycle exercise program for twelve weeks. Serum BDNF was determined after overnight fasting. Muscle strength was assessed by extension of the dominant lower extremity. Results: A total of 33 subjects were enrolled in this study. The body mass index did not change significantly (from 30.4 ± 6.0 to 30.2 ± 5.8 kg/m², P = 0.436), but serum BDNF increased significantly (from 17.1 ± 9.1 to 24.2 ± 10.7 ng/mL, P < 0.001) after the study. The exercise-associated BDNF was significantly correlated with the increased strength in lower-extremity extension test (r = 0.54, P = 0.001). Using multivariate regression analysis, muscle-strength increment, but not body-weight change, was an independent factor for serum BDNF (95% CI = 0.009-0.044, P = 0.005). Conclusions: After a twelve-week program of stationary bicycle exercise, serum BDNF concentration increased, and this change was positively correlated with muscle strength of lower-extremity extension, but not body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Facial coverings (e.g., balaclavas, niqabs, medical/surgical masks, respirators, etc.), that impose low levels of airflow resistive loads, are worn by millions of pregnant women worldwide, but little data exist addressing their impact on pregnancy-associated cardiovascular and pulmonary responses. Methods: 16 pregnant and 16 non-pregnant women were monitored physiologically (heart rate, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, total peripheral resistance, stroke volume, cardiac output, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous carbon dioxide, fetal heart rate) and subjectively (exertion) for 1 h of mixed sedentary postural activity (sitting, standing) and moderate exercise (bicycle ergometer) with and without wearing N95 filtering facepiece respirators with filter resistive loads of 94.1 Pa (9.6 mm H2O) - 119.6 Pa (12.2 mm H2O) pressure. Results: The external airflow resistive loads were associated with increases in diastolic pressure (p = 0.004), mean arterial pressure (p = 0.01), and subjective exertion score (p < 0.001) of all study subjects. No significant differences were noted with the external resistive loads between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups for any cardiovascular, pulmonary and subjective variable over 1 h. Conclusions: Low external airflow resistive loads, during combined sedentary postural activity and moderate exercise over 1 h, were associated with increases in the diastolic and mean arterial pressures of all study subjects, but pregnancy itself was not associated with any significant differences in physiologic or subjective responses to the external airway resistive loads utilized in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We have developed a protocol for pulse-controlled incremental ergometry to diagnose CholU and measure trigger thresholds. [•] Exercise on a stationary bicycle was independent of patients’ fitness levels. [•] Onset of symptoms correlated with time of sweating but not temperature increase. [•] A rise in body temperature does not appear to be a critical trigger for CholU but sweating appears to have a central role. [•] A practical protocol guide, which does not involve temperature measurement, is appended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examined body posture, subjective discomfort, and stability, requiring the participants to ride a stationary bicycle for 20 min (cadence: 60 rpm; workrate: 120 W), using various combinations of two handle heights and five seat-protruding node lengths (PNLs). The results indicated that bicycle handle height significantly influenced body posture, and that seat PNL caused differences in the riders' subjective discomfort and stability scores. The various PNLs affected only the trunk angle (approximately 6°), but had significantly positive (r = 0.994, p < .005) and negative (r = −0.914, p < .05) correlations with the subjective discomfort rating for perineum and ischial tuberosity, respectively. When the participants were seated at PNL = 0 or 3 cm, cycling using dropped handles was less stable compared with using straight handles; however, the handle height did not affect the cycling stability when the PNL was ≥6 cm. The results suggest that a 6-cm PNL is the optimal reference for bicycle seat designs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the different working structure and unique design of the E-Core Transverse Flux Machine that is combined of transverse flux and reluctance principle is investigated for training bike application. Also, static magnetic characteristics of the machine are obtained with finite element analysis and experimental measurements. The modeling of the E-Core Transverse Flux Machine and its driver system are given. The whole system with all control algorithms for a training bike application is simulated and the performance curves are presented. Finally, the experimental tests done at the laboratory for the indoor training bike application are compared and verified with the results of the simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at how a director of physical activity (DPA) can implement physical activities during the school day for U.S. students. According to the author, a DPA needs administrative support, justified curriculum changes, and trained staff in order to integrate activities that align with the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) initiative. Recommended activities for students include reading on a stationary bike, physical activity as an incentive, and organized recess.

The article presents a study that compared self-guided exergame activity and conventional exercise in terms of perceived level of exertion and heart-rate response. Exergames included in the study were a video game interactive bicycle ergometer and an interactive dance video. The mode of traditional exercise was use of a cycle ergometer while watching television.

Background: It is known that repetitive, skilled, functional movement is beneficial in driving functional reorganisation of the brain early after stroke. This study will investigate a) whether pedalling an upright, static exercise cycle, to provide such beneficial activity, will enhance recovery and b) which stroke survivors might be able to participate in pedalling. Methods/Design: Participants (n = 24) will be up to 30 days since stroke onset, with unilateral weakness and unable to walk without assistance. This study will use a modified exercise bicycle fitted with a UniCam crank. All participants will give informed consent, then undergo baseline measurements, and then attempt to pedal. Those able to pedal will be entered into a single-centre, observer-blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT). All participants will receive routine rehabilitation. The experimental group will, in addition, pedal daily for up to ten minutes, for up to ten working days. Prognostic indicators, measured at baseline, will be: site of stroke lesion, trunk control, ability to ambulate, and severity of lower limb paresis. The primary outcome for the RCT is ability to voluntarily contract paretic lower limb muscle, measured by the Motricity Index. Secondary outcomes include ability to ambulate and timing of onset and offset of activity in antagonist muscle groups during pedalling, measured by EMG. Discussion: This protocol is for a trial of a novel therapy intervention. Findings will establish whether there is sufficient evidence of benefit to justify proceeding with further research into clinical efficacy of upright pedalling exercise early after stroke. Information on potential prognostic indicators will suggest which stroke survivors could benefit from the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the relative accuracy of various methods of calculating peak oxygen consumption, also known as aerobic capacity. An overview of related previous research is provided, along with details of the experimental protocol, which involved cycle and elliptical ergometers and treadmills. The strengths and weaknesses of the various methods are described.

Background. Effective interventions to improve and maintain strength (force-generating capacity) and endurance are needed for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Objective. This study was performed to examine the effects of a stationary cycling intervention on muscle strength, locomotor endurance, preferred walking speed, and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic CP. Design. This was a phase I randomized controlled trial with single blinding. Setting. The interventions were performed in community-based outpatient physical therapy clinics. Outcome assessments were performed in university laboratories. Participants. Sixty-two ambulatory children aged 7 to 18 years with spastic diplegic CP and Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III participated in this study. Intervention and Measurements. Participants were randomly assigned to cycling or control (no-intervention) groups. Thirty intervention sessions occurred over 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were peak knee extensor and flexor moments, the 600-Yard Walk-Run Test, the Thirty-Second Walk Test, and the Gross Motor Function Measure sections D and E (GMFM-66). Results. Significant baseline-postintervention improvements were found for the 600-Yard Walk-Run Test, the GMFM-66, peak knee extensor moments at 120°/s, and peak knee flexor moments at 30°/s for the cycling group. Improved peak knee flexor moments at 120°/s were found for the control group only, although not all participants could complete this speed of testing. Significant differences between the cycling and control groups based on change scores were not found for any outcomes. Limitations. Heterogeneity of the patient population and intrasubject variability were limitations of the study. Conclusions. Significant improvements in locomotor endurance, gross motor function, and some measures of strength were found for the cycling group but not the control group, providing preliminary support for this intervention. As statistical differences were not found in baseline-postintervention change scores between the 2 groups; the results did not demonstrate that stationary cycling was more effective than no intervention. The results of this phase I study provide guidance for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: There are several studies on myocardial tissue Doppler velocities during dobutamine stress, but few studies on the same parameters during bicycle exercise. We wanted to examine how sample sites affected velocities, beat-to-beat variability and segments eligible for analysis. Methods: Twenty patients with normal coronary arteries were included in the study. Echocardiograms were obtained at rest and at peak exercise on the exercise bike and were analyzed off line by two independent raters. Results and Conclusions: Tissue velocities decreased from base to apex. Mean difference between the raters was− 0.02 cm/sec at rest and 0.45 cm/sec during exercise. Peak-to-peak variability was lowest in the mitral ring during rest (10–14%) and increased at peak exercise (15–21%). The proportion of segments eligible for analysis was 84% in the septum and 67% in the anterior wall during exercise. Thus, in patients with normal coronary arteries, tissue Doppler velocities decrease from base toward the apex during bicycle exercise. Interrater agreement is reduced during exercise and beat-to-beat variability is lowest in the mitral ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper presents the design of the Virtual Olympic Games Framework (VOGF), a computer application designated for athletics, health care, general well-being, nutrition and fitness, which offers multiple benefits for its participants. Background: A special interest in starting the design of the framework was in exploring how people can connect and participate together using existing computer technologies (i.e. gaming consoles, exercise equipment with computer interfaces, devices of measuring health, speed, force and distance and Web 2.0 applications). Method: A stationary bike set-up offering information to users about their individual health and athletic performances has been considered as a starting model. Conclusions: While this model is in the design stage, some preliminary findings are encouraging, suggesting the potential for various fields: sports, medicine, theories of learning, technologies and cybercultural studies. First, this framework would allow participants to perform a variety of sports and improve their health. Second, this would involve creating an online environment able to store health information and sport performances correlated with accessing multi-media data and research about performing sports. Third, participants could share experiences with other athletes, coaches and researchers. Fourth, this framework also provides support for the research community in their future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted in an effort to determine whether there are differences in power output and physiological responses between seated and standing positions of athletes during 3 consecutive Wingate tests. They evaluated seven elite level speed skaters who exercised on a stationary bicycle. They found that there were no significant differences between the seated and standing variables.

The expectation of returning to sports activities after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become more important to patients than ever. To our knowledge, no studies have been published evaluating the three-dimensional knee joint kinematics during sports activity after TKA. Continuous X-ray images of the golf swing and stationary cycling were taken using a large flat panel detector for four and eight post-arthroplasty knees, respectively. The implant flexion and axial rotation angles were determined using a radiographic-based, image-matching technique. Both the golf swing from the set-up position to the top of the backswing, and the stationary cycling from the top position of the crank to the bottom position of the crank, produced progressive axial rotational motions ( p = 0.73). However, the golf swing from the top of the backswing to the end of the follow-through produced significantly larger magnitudes of rotational motions in comparison to stationary cycling ( p < 0.01). Excessive internal-external rotations generated from the top of the backswing to the end of the follow-through could contribute to accelerated polyethylene wear. However, gradual rotational movements were consistently demonstrated during the stationary cycling. Therefore, stationary cycling is recommended rather than playing golf for patients following a TKA who wish to remain physically active. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Petrissage is assumed to influence circulation as well as interstitial drainage of both superficial and deep tissues. To study its effect it was applied between consecutive bouts of supramaximal exercise performed by the lower leg muscles. Methods: Subjects were 11 healthy female students actively engaged in sports. Exercise bouts of ergometer cycling at loads determined individually (0.075 kp × body weight (kg)) for 5 s repeated eight times at intervals of 20 s had to be performed twice on an experimental day with 35 min intermittent bed rest. Each subject was investigated on two occasions with a minimum interval of 1 week, once without (control, CO) and once with 10 min petrissage (massage, MA) of the exercising lower leg during the bed rest phase. Effects of exercise bouts on blood lactate, muscle stiffness and perceived lower limb fatigue and their recovery before and after the second exercise bout were determined. Results: For the first exercise bouts total power did not differ between MA and CO. Courses of blood lactate did not differ between MA and CO. However, recovery from measured muscle stiffness (p'<0.05) and perceived lower limb fatigue (p<0.05) were more pronounced and total power during the second exercise bout was enhanced (p<0.01) in MA as compared with CO subjects. Conclusion: Petrissage improved cycle ergometer pedalling performance independent of blood lactate but in correlation with improved recovery from muscle stiffness and perceived lower limb fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty volunteers were tested in their natural exercise environment consisting of a fitness centre they regularly attended. Half of the sample exercised on a stationary bicycle, the other half on a treadmill. All participants filled in the Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory before and after their 20 min of exercise that was performed at self-selected workload. The results revealed that exercise intensity and the other parallel measures like heart rate, perceived exercise intensity and estimates of burned calories were higher in participants who ran in contrast to those who cycled. There were no differences in self-reports of enjoyment of the exercise sessions and in the psychological improvements from pre- to post-exercise between the groups. It is concluded that significant psychological improvements occur even after a 20-min bout of exercise and these changes are independent of the workload or exercise intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinning exercise cycle machines are becoming increasingly popular. They provide the health benefits of cycling without the injury risks of road usage. This is the report of a unique case of cervical spine fracture sustained whilst exercising in a gym on a stationary Spinning® bike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinning is a type of indoor fitness activity performed on stationary bikes by participants who pedal together to the rhythm of music and the motivating words of an instructor. Despite worldwide popularity of this type of recreational activity, to date there have been few, mainly non-scientific, studies of the impact of spinning on metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular functions. The main aim of this study was to evaluate a number of metabolic and cardiovascular variables during a standard 50-min class performed by Spinning® instructors of both sexes: six males (age 30 ± 4. 8 years, body mass index 24 ± 2. 5 kg · m-2; mean ± s) and six females (age 34 ± 6. 3 years, body mass index 21 ± 1. 9 kg · m-2). The mean power output, heart rate, and oxygen uptake during the performance were 120 ± 4 W, 136 ± 13 beats · min-1, and 32. 8 ± 5. 4 ml · kg-1 · min-1 respectively for males, and 73 ± 43 W, 143 ± 25 beats · min-1, and 30 ± 9. 9 ml · kg-1 · min-1 respectively for females. Analysis of individual performances showed that they were compatible with physical exercise that ranged from moderate-to-heavy to very heavy, the latter conditions prevailing. The results show that this type of fitness activity has a high impact on cardiovascular function and suggest that it is not suitable for unfit or sedentary individuals, especially the middle aged or elderly, who are willing to begin a recreational physical activity programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and design Moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to reduce common smoking withdrawal symptoms and desire to smoke in acutely abstinent smokers. The aim of the present study was to determine if this was caused by distraction. A secondary aim was to determine whether exercise-related changes in affect were related to a reduction in symptoms. Methods Forty ‘sedentary’ participants who had smoked at least 10 or more cigarettes per day for at least 3 years were assigned randomly to one of two groups. They completed either 10 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on a stationary bicycle ergometer or 10 minutes of a cognitive distraction task (paced visual serial addition task, PVSAT) after 11–15 hours of smoking abstinence. Participants rated smoking withdrawal symptoms and desire to smoke using standard scales at 10, 5 and 0 minutes before the experimental intervention, then at 5 and 10 minutes after the start of the intervention and 5 and 10 minutes after its completion. Findings Significant group × time interactions were observed for ratings of desire to smoke and several withdrawal symptoms (irritability, depression, restlessness, difficulty concentrating and stress). There was a reduction in ratings during and immediately following exercise that was not observed with cognitive distraction. Also it was found the effects were not mediated by changes in affect observed in the exercise condition. Conclusions A brief bout of moderate-intensity exercise can lead to a rapid reduction in desire to smoke and withdrawal discomfort, which is not due to the distracting effect of exercise or the effects of mood. These findings support recommendations to smokers to use exercise as a means of helping cope with the difficulties encountered when they try to stop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the effects of automatically delivered favorite stimulation on engagement and indices of happiness of two adults with multiple disabilities during their use of a stationary bicycle. The participants typically received four 5-mm. sessions per day over a period of about 3.5 mo. Analysis showed that one participant had a significant increase in both those measures while the other participant had a significant increase in engagement during the intervention phases of the study (when the stimulation was present) as opposed to the baseline periods (when the stimulation did not occur). Implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to compare a standard facemask (CM) and a newly modified swimming snorkel and valve system (SV) for breath-by-breath (B×B) gas analysis (K4 b[sup 2] , Cosmed, Rome, Italy), and to validate the system under controlled laboratory conditions before being used in swimming. Nine healthy males performed two bouts of a stepwise exercise on an electrically braked stationary bicycle on separate days. Ventilatory and gas exchange parameters were analyzed using the same B×B portable system, with subjects breathing alternatively through the two different valves. Agreement between both methods was evaluated by Passing–Bablok regression analysis. The gas exchange values measured using the SV were highly correlated with those obtained using the CM (R [sup 2] values >0.9). However, differences existed between the two series of measurements so that most ventilatory and gas exchange parameters were lower (3–7%) with the SV. The error when using the SV device was mainly systematic along the whole range of measurement. Accordingly, linear regression equations were developed to further improve the accuracy of the measures when using the SV. Therefore, the modified respiratory SV system can be considered as a valid device for collecting expired gas for B×B analysis, comparable to the standard facemask, with the advantage of being suitable for measurements during swimming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data were collected from four male subjects to determine the relationships between load, speed and muscle use during cycle ergometry. These data were then used to construct equations to govern the stimulation of muscle in paralysed individuals, during cycle ergometry induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the quadriceps, gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles. The algorithm was tested on four subjects who were paralysed owing to a complete spinal cord injury between T4 and T11. Using the multivariate equation, the control of movement was improved, and work was accomplished that was double (2940 Nm min(-1) compared with 5880 Nm min(-1)) that of traditional FES cycle ergometry, when muscle stimulation was also controlled by electrical stimulation. Stress on the body, assessed by cardiac output, was increased almost two-fold during maximum work with the new algorithm (81 min(-1) compared with 15 l min(-1) with the new algorithm). These data support the concept that the limitation to workload that a person can achieve on FES cycle ergometry is in the control equations and not in the paralysed muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a summary of the study "Effect of carbohydrate and prolonged exercise on affect and perceived exertion," by S. H. Backhouse, N. C. Bishop, S. J. H. Biddle, and C. Williams, published in the "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise" journal. In the study nine young men exercised on stationary exercise bikes for two hours and their perceived exertion and feelings were frequently measured. The article discusses the difference between those taking a placebo versus those with carbohydrate ingestion.

The aim of this study was to dynamically evaluate variations in venous pressures during walking, flexion and stretching the sole of the foot and the toes in a physiological situation. The medial vein of the left big toe of a volunteer was punctured using a 0.9 mm × 25 mm angiocath and connected, via a DTX Plus sensor™ to a portable apparatus which collected and stored venous pressures at half-second intervals in the form of numbers. The minimum and maximum venous pressure readings were evaluated during 10 experiments of each type of exercise: walking, flexion and stretching of the sole of the foot and of the toes. Variations in the pressure gradients were detected for all of the exercises. The minimum pressure was -8 mmHg and the maximum recorded pressure was 100 mmHg which is the top of the range of the apparatus. In conclusion, walking causes pulsating pressures which are of fundamental importance to counteract the effects of gravitational pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]