Adherence
Using electric bicycles for commuting and daily travel elicits a moderate-to-vigorous heart rate response (approx. 75% of max) and improves aerobic fitness in people with Type 2 diabetes, making it a viable health intervention.
If you have Type 2 diabetes and find traditional cycling too strenuous or hilly, try an electric bicycle. Use it for commuting or short trips. The study shows this can raise your heart rate to a beneficial level (similar to moderate exercise) and improve fitness, even if you are not used to cycling. Start with short rides and focus on consistency.
Heart rate during electric bicycle journeys was 74.7% of maximum, compared with 64.3% of maximum when walking. Predicted maximal aerobic power increased by 10.9%.
Why this rating
Feasibility study with small sample size (n=18), no control group, and short duration (20 weeks).
Source
Potential of electric bicycles to improve the health of people with Type 2 diabetes: a feasibility study
Ashley R Cooper et al. · Diabetic Medicine · 2018
DOI 10.1111/dme.13664
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