HEALTH BENEFITS OF USING AIR BIKING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Air bike has become very widespread worldwide and is often used by the general population and athletes. For the development of health and performance aspects, a detailed analysis of the effect on the organism is necessary. The aim of the article was to determine the effects of air biking on the cardiovascular system and specify its optimal use. A systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines. The research studies were selected based on research topics, such as “air bike, air braked ergometer, arm-leg, exercise, ergometry, oxygen consumption, rating of perceived exertion, testing, aerobic, fitness, high-intensity, functional, training” found in databases Web of Science, PubMed, Springer, and Scopus. A total of 65 eligible full-text articles were identified, of which 26 were selected for the final analysis. They were divided into two groups according to the way the air bike was used: 1. Testing protocol, 2. Part of an intervention program. Air bike is a suitable tool for testing non-specific aerobic and anaerobic fitness. It has the potential to achieve high values of heart rate (HR), respiratory equivalent ratio (RER), ventilation, and lactate. It seems ideal for the development of cardiorespiratory function and health. However, it is necessary to take into account the lower number of studies found, especially in the context of exercise programs and selected research samples Further research is needed to make specific, practical conclusions, especially in intervention programs.